Ogun

The orishas could not cut their way through a dense forest to live on earth. African Mythology introduces Ogun as an unknown god among the spirits around Olorun. They try to clear the trees with tools of wood, stone and soft metal, but cannot move through the forest. Ogun arrives with an iron machete and slices the trees down. The astonished orishas ask how he made a blade so strong. He says the method is a secret. They beg him to share the process, so Ogun builds a forge and makes an iron spear, a knife and other weapons for himself. Even then, he refuses to share iron with the orishas.

The refusal does not settle the matter. Finally, the heavenly spirits strike a deal with Ogun: they will make him their ruler in exchange for iron. He considers the offer and agrees. Afterward, Ogun goes through Yorubaland to show the orishas and humans how to make iron. African Mythology links that knowledge to the work of soldiers, hunters, farmers, craft workers and boat builders. It also gives the machete two possible consequences: it can clear a path to wealth, health and prosperity, while neglecting Ogun can bring slashing accidents, warfare or other bad luck.