Sketch of the sea god Olokun based on a bronze figure holding lizards in his hands. The figure depicts Olokun with mudfish legs and wearing a royal coral dress.
Sketch made by Rei Inamoto.

Olokun

Olokun, the sea god of the Yoruba people lives in a palace under the sea with human and fish attendants. His name means "Owner of the sea." Once, Olokun contested the supremacy of the Yoruba sky god Olorun.

It was decided that either gods would wear his finest dress letting the Yoruba people decide who was the winner. On the day chosen, Olorun, the sky god, sent his messenger the Chameleon to compete with Olokun. As a result, the Chameleon precisely matched whatever splendid robe Olokun wore. Overtaken by the wit of the rival, Olokun gave up the challenge.

Finally, the sky god superiority was confirmed. Olokun was also the god of wealth. He is often associated with the Greek god Poseidon.

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