Everyone has heard of the Greek gods, Zeus, Aphrodite, Poseidon, and others, but there is also the Yoruba Orishas. This is a religion that can be traced back to Africa and due to the Atlantic Slave Trade, the Orishas are also relevant in Latin America. So what are the Orishas? Just as the Greek gods, the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries between the supernatural and humankind. Here is a list of 20 Orishas and what they represent.

1. Olorun

The Chief God and the Supreme Creator.

2. Yemoja

Patron deity of women and the mother goddess.

3. Obtala

Goddess of beauty, love, fertility, and divinity of rivers.

5. Ibeji

God of volcanoes and deserts; father of Shango.

13. Oya

Warrior-spirit of the wind, lightning, fertility, fire and magic. It is believed that she creates hurricanes and tornadoes, and serves as guardian of the underworld.

14. Orunmila

God of illness and sickness.

16. Oshumare

God of direct movement and rainbow serpent, guardian of children, controller of the umbilical cord, and lord of elongated things.

17. Ogun

God of physical health and wellness; medical physician to the gods.

19. Ozain

God of the forest natural healer and guardian of herbs.

20. Shango

God of fire, virility, masculinity, and lightening. Shango is the Orisha of the thunderbolt, said to have ruled in ancient times over the kingdom of Oyo.

If you are intrigued by the list of Orishas there is more to the story, literally. There is also a storyline within the religion that is very interesting that you should also check out.