Key Info

- First Orisha to descend on Earth 

- War god and skilled blacksmith

Brief Bio

Ogun or Ogoun (Yoruba: Ògún, Edo: Ògún, Portuguese: Ogum, Gu; also spelled Oggun or Ogou; known as Ogún or Ogum in Latin America) is a Yoruba Orisha that is adopted in several African religions. Ògún is a warrior and a powerful spirit of metal work, as well as of rum and rum-making. He is also known as the "god of iron" and is present in Yoruba religion, Santería, Haitian Vodou, West African Vodun, Candomblé, Umbanda and the folk religion of the Gbe people. He attempted to seize the throne after the demise of Ọbàtálá, who reigned twice, before and after Oduduwa, but was ousted by Obalufon Ogbogbodirin and sent on an exile – an event that serves as the core of the Ọlọ́jọ́ Festival.

Ogun is, is revered for his role as the deity of iron, war, labor, and craftsmanship. Representing the raw energy of life, Ogun is the patron of blacksmiths, warriors, and all who use metal in their profession. He is the force that drives human civilization forward, governing tools, technology, and innovation. His nature is dualistic: he can be the provider of technology to better humanity, but he can also unleash the fury of war. Symbolized by the machete, both a tool and a weapon, Ogun is a complex deity who balances creation with destruction. As roads and pathways are crucial for connecting communities, he is also recognized as the lord of roads, often invoked for safe travels.