GEOGRAPHY AND THE GODS

GEOGRAPHY AND THE GODS

The geography and environment also decided the types of gods people worshipped. Thus, in Esan, with no hills and stones. There were no gods of MOUNTAINS or ROCKS.

Uromi for instance, that had no water other than intermittent ponds, knew no river gods. The scarcity of water particularly on the Esan Plateau, gave extra importance to comparatively small sources of water. For example, Irrua had OBIENMEN, the goddess of the lake. What was strictly forbidden for this goddess was sexual relations during day light.

Emu had, like Ohordua, ILAA. While Ugboha worshipped the goddess of OHA and Ewohimi paid yearly respects to ODU. Ewu had DMOOBO. As could be seen these districts that worshipped rivers are all outside the water-less plateau in ESANLAND.

Regardless the environment, the god of Iron called IDIGUN was worshipped allover Esan. The chief priest was the (Blacksmith). Oaths were frequently taken on it and was much dreaded since it was difficult for a man to go through the whole day without coming into contact with a metal article.