Eshu The Trickster: Mischievous Mediator Between Heaven And Earth In Beliefs Of Yoruba People

A. Sutherland - AncientPages - In mythology, Eshu is a spirit (Orisha) of African origin, from the religious traditions of the Yoruba people in present-day Nigeria. Eshu is the most famous trickster god who uses various disguises. He is the magician, the troublemaker, and sorcerer who has many faces and may behave either favorably or ominously, threatening people with his unpleasant mischief.

As religion has spread around the world, the name of this Orisha has varied in different locations. In Benin, he is known as Legba or Elegba and in Afro-Brazilian religions, his name is Papa Legba.

Like other tricksters (Stikini, Anansi, Loki, Pukwudgie, Coyote, Iktomi), Eshu doesn't follow rules. He is responsible for all clashes between humans and between gods and humans.

He is the messenger and general intermediary between the gods and humans, and, like the Greek god, Hermes (also occasionally a trickster) he is the god of thresholds. He has never good intentions and likes to destroy or change things around him.

He is known for his attempts to bring chaos into order by trying to persuade the sun and moon to change their places, thus reversing the order of things and causing terrible consequences for life on earth. Eshu is the sneakiest of all divine spirits, usually described as a wandering, homeless Orisha that lives on marketplaces, thresholds of houses and the crossroads.

Eshu Destroys A Long-Lasting Friendship

There are many legends about Eshu and his bad deeds. One legend tells about two neighbors, who cultivated their small plots of land and lived in a long-lasting friendship. Eshu has the trickster’s nature so he manages to destroy god relations between these two men, who are always seen together and even dress alike.

He divides their farms wearing a hat, which is black on one side and white on the other. Then he puts his pipe at the back of his head and hooks his club over one shoulder so that it hangs down his back.

To achieve his goal in this curious disguise, Eshu passed by and the two friends started to squabble with each other about the direction the stranger took and what the color of his hat really was.

Eshu in a carving by Carybé.

Each of the friends accused the other of lying and their dispute was so hot that it reached the king, who summoned the two men.

Suddenly, the evil Eshu appeared saying that neither of the two men was a liar but unfortunately both were fools. Eshu confessed to his bad trick but he could not be punished by the king because he was divine and untouchable.

Leaving the place, he set fire to many houses leaving people homeless.

See also:

Oshun Goddess Of Yoruba People Who Brings All Things That Make Life Worth Living

Shango: Powerful Thunder God And Symbol Of Kingship Among Yoruba People Of West Africa

Ife Head: Significance Of The Head ‘Ori’ In Yoruba Ancient And Present Beliefs

Neither a king nor the ordinary people can question such a powerful divine spirit as Eshu, who is the most complex figure among the Orisha. It is said he has both good and evil properties. He represents a link between Heaven and Earth.

He is the so-called “inspector general” and messenger who reports to Olodumare (the Supreme Creator in the Yoruba pantheon) on the actions of other gods and those of human beings. Eshu investigates, checks, and reports if the people worship the gods properly and sacrifices are correct.

He is believed to hold the power of life and death, depending on the kind of reports he makes to Olodumare. Consequently, the Yoruba people strive to be on good terms with him. They venerate him whenever they venerate any other Orisha. They try to avoid anything that may annoy him. For example, should some mishaps occur, they are quick to make good what may have gone wrong.

This is why the trickster Eshu has always his place in every shrine.

Written by – A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer

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