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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Even the Gods are fools
Author:Adeleke, Durotoye A.ISNI
Year:2005
Periodical:Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies
Volume:37
Issue:1-2
Pages:11-31
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:myths
deities
Yoruba
Abstract:The fool in essence may not be a character of substance in terms of social status, but he seems to be the barometer by which his society's existence is measured. The fool espouses the strength and weakness of his society through his role. This paper analyses selected characters from the Yoruba pantheon as configured in the Yoruba world view and appraises the status of Osun, Esu and Orunmila within the fool paradigm/idiom. The myth of 'Osun and Oba' - the motif of this myth anchors on co-wife rivalry -, is used to locate Osun within the Yoruba fool tradition as the trickster fool. Two myths illustrate Esu's foolery: he interacts with, and mediates between, all divinities. He is identified as a mediator fool. The riddler fool is exemplified in Orunmila. Ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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