Ariel Johnson
Independent Myth Project
Mythology p. 2
10 December 2008
The Quarrel Between Sagbata and Sogbo
Once upon a time after the Great Goddess Mawu had created the universe she stepped aside and let her two sons, Sagbata and Sogbo rule the world together. However, the two brothers could never agree on anything and finally the two boys had had enough. Sagbata had enough with Sogbo and all their arguing. He packed up all the belongings that were his and went down to the earth to live.
As a result, Sagbata became the ruler of the lower part of the universe, the earth. His brother Sogbo became ruler of the upper universe, and also the ruler of the thunder and fire of lightning.
After some time, the earth realized they had not seen any rain for many weeks. They started crying to Sagbata to send rain to nourish their land and provide food and water. He told them to not worry, that rain would come. But no rain came. A year passed and no rain. A second year passed with no rain. A third rain came and still no rain.
Sagbata sent for two sky-beings that speak prophecy. He asked them why it hadn’t rained in three years. This was their reply, “It clear from the arrangement of these seeds that you and your younger brother have argued because both of you wants the same thing. It is also clear that if you are to live peacefully with your brother, you will have to meet his demands.” Sagbata was worried this couldn’t be possible because of the distance between him and his brother. The sky-beings told him to summon Sogbo’s messenger, the bird Wututu, and tell him to fly to Sogbo and tell him that you are offering him part of all the riches of the earth in return for water.
Immediately Sagbata summoned the bird and gave him the message for Sogbo. Sogbo accepted the agreement and almost instantly sheets and sheets of rain fell from the sky. As a result, the brothers lived as friends.
Friday, January 16, 2009
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