Key Info

- Trickster 

- First Orisha created. 

- Personification of destiny and fate 

- Exists at the beginning and the end

- Appears as both a young mischievous child and a wise elderly adult

- Ruler of all crossroads, roads and doorways 

- He is less dangerous when portrayed as Eshu's brother

Brief Bio

Eleguá (Legba) is known in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico as the orisha and "owner" of caminos, or roads and paths. Elegua is also known as a “trickster” and is portrayed as both being very young and mischievous as well as very old and wise, encompassing the varying paths and phases of fate and life. Eleguá’s colors are red, black, and white. His numbers are 3 and 21. All ceremonies and rituals in Santería must first have the approval of Eleguá before progressing. He is the messenger of Olofi. Within the "Regla de Ocha" [Cuba], he slightly differs from Echu, who in this case is seen as his brother, by having less dangerous and less aggressive characteristics. Eleguá moves silently; in contrast, Echu "breaks through". Manifestations of Eleguá includes Akefun, Aleshujade, Arabobo, Awanjonu, Lalafán, Obasín, Oparicocha, and Osokere.

There is a patakí (story) in Santería in which Olodumare gives Eleguá the keys to the past, present, and future; for this reason, Eleguá is often depicted holding a set of keys. A figure of Eleguá may be placed in the house behind the entrance door. These figures are usually made with cement and cowrie shells, and sometimes sit within clay dishes.