Lwa

Describing the Lwa

There are more than 1,000 divinities, or Lwa, in Vodu. The Lwa are grouped in 17 pantheons, or nancbon, the better known ones being the Rada, the Petwo, Nago, Kongo, Juba, and Ibo pantheons. The Rada and Petwo pantheons are arguably the most important, in terms of both size and the role played by Rada and Petwo Lwa in Vodu. In fact, many of the other groups have been integrated into the Rada and the Petwo pantheons. For example, the Nago and the Juba Lwa are often thought of nowadays as Rada, whereas the Kongo and Ibo are commonly subsumed under the Petwo Lwa.

This fusion underscores the difficulty one may face when adhering to too strict a classification. There are constant overlaps between the different pantheons of Lwa. The same Lwa may appear as Rada and as Petwo. What seems to distinguish the Rada pantheon from the Petwo pantheon is, above all, the general character, attitude, or persona of the Lwa. Rada Lwa are often associated with a peaceful demeanor and benevolent attitude. However, this is not always the case. When displeased or offended, they may also turn out to be quite vindictive. In contrast, Petwo Lwa are commonly thought of as forceful, aggressive, and dangerous. Yet they may also be protective of the living and quite generous. Thus, one must resist the easy temptation of a simplistic classification.

Although the Lwa are quite numerous, there is a hierarchy among them, with some Lwa being held in special esteem by Vodu followers. This is the case, for instance, of the powerful Lwa Legba, the master and keeper of crossroads, without whom communication with the spirits is impossible and can never take place. Other Lwa of particular significance include spirits such as Agwe (also called Agwe Taroyo), the Lwa of the sea, and his female counterpart, Lasirèn; Danballa Wedo, and his wife, Ayida Wedo, who are represented as two snakes and stand for the power and eternity of life; Ezili Freda, known as the “Lwa of Love”; Loko, the spirit of trees and vegetation in general, and the patron of Mambos and Houngans and of the Vodu temple, the oumfò; Ogu, the symbol of strength and power; the Marassa, the sacred twins; Ayizan, the Lwa of market places and protector of merchants; and Azaka, the Lwa presiding [Page 392]over agricultural work and life. One must also mention the important Gede, the Lwa of death.

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