Almost all cultures and nations have their own mythical love stories, like some of those recorded in the book "Mitos y leyendas. La comida afrocubana" by Natalia Bolívar and Carmen González. In this volume, available for purchase at the Book Fair, tales of Afro-Cuban heritage are shared, among which a very brief story stands out about the love triangle involving Shangó, Obbá, and Oshún.
Legend has it that Oshún, the queen of feminine voluptuousness, managed to deceive Obbá, the happy wife of Shangó, with whom she had a pure, sensitive, and sweet relationship. Oshún watched from the river the happiness of the couple, using the dark hen Adié for this purpose.
One day, Oshún saw the panting spy hen coming, and she told her that Obba had nothing to offer Shangó for lunch and wanted her to suggest a dish. Oshún saw an opportunity to take revenge on Obba, and through the hen, she suggested that the best option was to cut off an ear to prepare an amalá (cornmeal and meat) for her beloved husband.
The confident Obbá cut her ear without thinking twice, put a scarf on her head, and served lunch to Shangó, who asked her about her new attire. Noticing her husband's curiosity, Obbá realized Oshún's deception.
Shangó became furious and started to throw lightning and thunderbolts when, in the midst of his rage, he noticed the dead black hen, laughing underneath a chair. With a single blow of his machete, he severed the hen's head and dedicated its blood to Obba, asking for protection in the realm of the eggun, or spirits.
Because Shangó always had Obba as his only true love, the spiritual and elevated one, while Oshún had no choice but to be the lover, the outlet for unrestrained sexuality, the pleasure constrained by her earthly nature.
Others insist on interpreting the same legend differently: Oshún has always been in love with Shangó, but she cannot be tied down anywhere; she is like the flowing river. For that reason, she can surrender herself to him physically, but Shangó will never hold sway over her destiny. Two love stories, distinct yet centered around the same object of desire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Afro-Cuban Myths and Legends
Who are Shangó, Obbá, and Oshún in Afro-Cuban mythology?
Shangó, Obbá, and Oshún are important orishas in the Afro-Cuban religion known as Santería. Shangó is the god of thunder, fire, and war, as well as representing virility and music. Obbá is one of his wives, known for her devotion and sacrifice, while Oshún is the goddess of sensuality, love, and rivers.
What is the love triangle between Shangó, Obbá, and Oshún?
The legend recounts that Oshún used deception to disrupt the relationship between Shangó and his wife Obbá. Oshún convinced Obbá to cut off her ear in order to prepare a special dish for Shangó, leading to a conflict. Although Shangó was enraged, he always regarded Obbá as his true spiritual love, while Oshún was seen as his lover, the outlet for his sexuality.
What does Oshún symbolize in Santería?
Oshún is the goddess of sensuality, love, fertility, and sweet waters, especially rivers. She represents the joy of living, beauty, and prosperity. She is a maternal and protective figure, but she can also be strong when needed. Oshún is invoked for matters of love, health, and prosperity.
How is syncretism reflected in Cuban Santería?
Syncretism in Cuban Santería is reflected in the fusion of African beliefs with Catholicism. For example, Oshún is associated with Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, the patroness of Cuba, and Yemayá with Our Lady of Regla. This integration allowed African religious practices to survive and adapt during colonization.
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