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The great Olodumare created a drought that covered the land as punishment for his Orisha’s, his children’s, failed attempt to dethrone him. Olodumare’s drought causes humans to stop their praise which is the Orisha’s life source. Shango, the Orisha of thunder, questions if Olodumare’s drought is the cause for no praise and worries if the drought continues, he will cease to exist. Esu, the divine messenger and fellow Orisha, arrives with Olodumare’s command that no one shall enter Olodumare’s heaven called Orun, not even Shango. Insulted by this command, Shango takes his anger out on Esu. Oshun, the Orisha of fertility, love and the only Orisha who didn’t join the insurrection to dethrone Olodumare, decides her beauty will soften Olodumare’s heart. She transforms herself into a peacock and flies into Orun to beg for Olodumare’s forgiveness to end the drought which would cause humans to praise the Orishas again, therefore saving herself and her fellow Orishas. Disregarding Shango’s fear and warning of the sun’s capability to burn, Oshun flies too close and her wings are scourged. In her vulturous state, Oshun doubts her Father will recognize her and honor her plea to end the drought. To Oshun’s surprise, Olodumare recognizes, welcomes and affirms her presence. He shares the truth of beauty and reveals she has the power to bring the rain, therefore saving herself and her fellow Orishas. At Olodumare’s command, Esu and Shango kneel to offer praises to Oshun as she brings healing to the land as the Orisha of fertility, love, wealth, health and the rain.
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