Core Concepts
noun1 min readOdù
/OH-doo/
Definition
One of the 256 chapters of the Ifá literary corpus, each representing a specific configuration of the divination system and containing hundreds of sacred verses, stories, prescriptions, and proverbs.
The 256 Signs
The Odù system originates from 16 principal signs (Mẹjì) — each doubling of a sign with itself — that then combine to generate 240 derivative Odù, yielding a total of 256 configurations. The names of the principal Odù include Ogbe, Oyeku, Iwori, Odi, Irosun, Owonrin, Obara, Okanran, Ogunda, Osa, Ika, Oturupọn, Otura, Irete, Ose, and Ofun.
Spiritual Entities
The Odù are not simply literary categories — they are understood as living spiritual presences with their own personalities, preferences, and taboos. Each governs particular domains of life: Ogbe is associated with light and expansion; Oyeku with death and endings; Ogunda with iron, paths, and conflict resolution. A Babaláwo must develop an intimate relationship with each Odù over years of practice.
Ẹsẹ Ifá
Within each Odù reside countless Ẹsẹ Ifá — individual verses that recount mythological events, animal fables, historical episodes, and ethical dilemmas. Each Ẹsẹ ends with a resolution demonstrating the power of following Ifá's guidance and the consequences of refusal. The verses are memorized orally and recited during divination sessions.
Topics
Related Terms
Ifá
Core Concepts
A divination system and literary corpus that forms the intellectual and spiritual backbone of Yorùbá civilization. Ifá encompasses a vast oral canon of sacred poetry, historical narratives, proverbs, and ethical teachings transmitted through trained diviners called Babaláwo.
→Babaláwo
Roles & Practice
A priest of Ifá; literally 'father of secrets.' A Babaláwo is a trained diviner who has undergone years of initiation and study to master the 256 Odù and the art of Ifá divination.
→Ọ̀rúnmìlà
Deities & Spirits
The Yorùbá deity of wisdom, knowledge, and foresight; the divine custodian of Ifá. Ọ̀rúnmìlà is said to have been present at creation, witnessing the destiny assigned to every being, and serves as the principal intermediary between humanity and the divine order.
→Yorùbá Version Available
Odù
Ọ̀kan lára àwọn Odù 256 nínú corpus kíkà Ifá, ọ̀kọ̀ọ̀kan ń ṣàpẹẹrẹ ìkínkú pàtó kan nínú ẹ̀kọ́ àwádìí tí ó sì ní àwọn ẹsẹ mímọ́, àwọn ìtàn, àwọn àṣẹ, àti àwọn òwe ọgọ́rọ̀ọ̀rún.