Elegua

Elegua (Yoruba: Èṣù-Ẹlẹ́gbára (North America) and Ẹlẹ́gbá, in Cuba spelled Eleggua; also known as Eleguá in Latin America and Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands) is an Orisha, a deity of roads in the religions of traditional Ifa-Orisha, Santería, Winti, Umbanda, Quimbanda, Holy Infant of Atocha, and Candomblé.^[1][2]

Elegua Èṣù-Ẹlẹ́gbára
Crossroads, Paths and homes, Doorways, Ways, Life and Death
Member of Orisha
Other names	Eleggua, Elegba
Venerated in	Yoruba religion, Ifa-Orisha, Santería, Candomblé
Region	Nigeria, North America, Latin America,
Ethnic group	Yoruba people, African Diaspora

In Africa

Elegua is known as Èṣù-Ẹlẹ́gbára and Ẹlẹ́gbá in the Yoruba religion and is closely associated with Eshu. Ẹlẹ́gbára means the "master of force" in the Yoruba language.^[1][2]

Santería

Eleguá (also known as Legba) is recognized in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico as the orisha and "owner" of caminos—roads and paths. Eleguá is often depicted as a trickster figure, embodying both youth and mischief as well as age and wisdom, symbolizing the various paths and phases of fate and life. His colors are red, black, and white, and his associated numbers are 3 and 21. In Santería, all ceremonies and rituals must first receive Eleguá’s approval before proceeding, as he serves as the messenger of Olofi. Within the Cuban tradition of Regla de Ocha, Eleguá differs slightly from Echu, who is considered his brother but characterized as more dangerous and aggressive. Eleguá is known for moving silently, whereas Echu is described as forcefully "breaking through." Manifestations of Eleguá include Akefun, Aleshujade, Arabobo, Awanjonu, Lalafán, Obasín, Oparicocha, and Osokere.^[2]

There is a patakí (story) in Santería in which Olodumare gives Eleguá the keys to the past, present, and future; for this reason, Eleguá is often depicted holding a set of keys. A figure of Eleguá may be placed in the house behind the entrance door. These figures are usually made with cement and cowrie shells, and sometimes sit within clay dishes.^[2]

In Brazil

In Afro-Brazilian religion Elegbara is Exu.^[2]

See also

• Papa Legba

• Traditional African religion portal