In Yoruba creation myth, which two figures are central to shaping the world and forming humans?

• A. Osanyin and Oshun.
• B. Shango and Oshun.
• C. Olodumare and Obatala.
• D. Eshu and Ifa.

Answer: (C)

Olodumare is the supreme creator who sets the world in motion, and Obatala is the orisha who shapes humans from clay, giving them form and life. In Yoruba stories, the creation of the world and the making of people flow from this partnership: Olodumare provides the authority and plan, while Obatala carries out the crafting of the earth and humanity. Some tellings add Oduduwa bringing down earth, water, and life, but the act of shaping the world and forming humans centers on Olodumare and Obatala. The other pairings relate to different realms—medicine, rivers and beauty, thunder and power, or divination and fate—and don’t embody the primary creation act.