Key Info

- Divine messenger bird who was tricked by a snake on his way to deliver the secret of immortality to humans

Brief Bio

In Oromo mythology, Holawaka is a legendary bird that served as a divine messenger. The bird was tasked by the gods to deliver the message to humanity that they could achieve immortality by shedding their skins, similar to snakes. However, Holawaka encountered a snake eating a carcass and, in exchange for a share of the meal, altered the message, leading to humanity's mortality according to some versions of the story.