the ruler of the roads according to the Yoruba religion

AREQUIPA, Peru – The owner of the roads in the Yoruba religion is Eleguá, one of the main Orishas of Afro-Cuban syncretism. In Santeria he is associated with the Santo Niño de Atocha, San Martín de Porres or with San Antonio de Padua.

This deity comes from the land of Ifé, in what is now the nation of Nigeria; Eleguá or Elegguá, as it is also recognized, is the smallest and the first of the Orishas.

Eleguá, likewise, has been referred to as Liguá, Liwaa, Leguá and others, he is the owner of destiny, the one who opens or closes the path of life, prosperity, happiness, luck or misfortune, he can even determine the influences of other egguns ; He is very mischievous and his name means “the messenger prince.”

There are many stories and versions of his birth. According to the general consensus, Eleguá is the son of Obatalá and Yemmú, being the first of the four saints or Orishas warriors and protectors, who are him, Oggún, Oshosi and Osun.

Furthermore, legends say that on several occasions he saved Obatalá, Orula, Shangó and other major saints from danger, which is why he earned the right to be the first of all to eat and to be mentioned.

Eleguá is offered fish and smoked jutía, toasted corn, coconut, corojo butter, liquor, tobacco, sweets, toys and candies of all kinds. Their elekes are made of alternating red and black beads. Goats, roosters, chickens and other animals that involve more complex ceremonies are also immolated.

Commonly, Elegguá has the form of a mischievous child, but there are paths or stories where he takes the form of a virile young man and even a wise old man.

One of his basic functions is to take care of the house, which is why his pot is almost always behind the front door. From there, the Orisha Elegguá will open and close the paths for both good and evil.

Follow our channel WhatsApp. Receive information from CubaNet on your cell phone through Telegram.