Orixas: Gods of Brazil

    By Cy

    Orixas: Gods of Brazil cover image

    01 Feb, 2024

    a man with a black hair and a red cape holding a staff and a red sun behind him, standing on a rock, afrofuturism, a character portrait, Ella Guru, epic fantasy character art

    The book opens with a vivid photograph of Exu, the messenger Orisha, known for his cunning and playful nature. His description unveils his role as the communicator between humans and the divine.

    a woman in a blue dress standing on a wave in the ocean with a sunset in the background and a mountain in the distance, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Art of Brom, comic cover art

    Next, we encounter Iemanja, the mother of all Orishas. Her radiant image is accompanied by a description of her dominion over the sea and her nurturing spirit.

    a man in a green and blue suit holding a sword in a forest with trees and bushes behind him, fantasy art, a character portrait, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), epic fantasy character art

    We then meet Ogum, the Orisha of war and iron. His detailed portrayal reveals his strength, resilience, and the important role he plays in clearing obstacles.

    a woman in a golden outfit with a golden necklace and earrings on her head and a golden halo around her neck, afrofuturism, a digital painting, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, trending on art station

    The book then introduces Oxum, the Orisha of love, wealth, and beauty. Her vibrant image is paired with a description of her gentle yet commanding presence.

    a man with a beard and a crown holding two torches in his hands and a lightning behind him, in a fiery sky, sumatraism, concept art, Altichiero, magic the gathering artwork

    Next, we explore Xango, the Orisha of fire, lightning, and thunder. His fiery image is complemented by a narrative of his passionate and just nature.

    a woman in a blue dress with gold accents and a sword in her hand, standing in front of a cloudy sky, fantasy art, concept art, Donato Giancola, magic the gathering artwork

    The book then delves into the realm of Yansa, the Orisha of winds, hurricanes, and tempestuous love. Her dramatic image is paired with a description of her wild yet caring spirit.

    a painting of a man with a beard and a beard wearing a green hat and surrounded by flowers and leaves, fantasy art, a character portrait, Art Green, green

    We then encounter Ossain, the Orisha of healing and medicinal herbs. His image and description provide insights into his wisdom and knowledge of nature.

    a painting of a person standing in a river with a stick in his hand and a tree in the background, afrofuturism, a character portrait, Ella Guru, character art

    Next, the book introduces Nanã, the Orisha of mud, swamps, and primordial life. Her serene image is paired with a narrative of her deep connection with the origins of life.

    a woman in a white dress holding a light in her hand and a sky background with clouds and stars, afrofuturism, a character portrait, Ann Thetis Blacker, goddess

    The book then reveals Oxalá, the creator Orisha. His peaceful image and narrative explain his role in the creation of human bodies and the calm he brings.

    a man standing in a river holding a fishing net and a fish in his hand while holding a fishing pole, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Alvan Fisher, official art

    Next, we meet Logun Ede, the Orisha of freshwater fishing and hunting. His image and description convey his youthful energy and his dual nature.

    a woman in a blue dress and gold crown standing in front of a river with a sunset in the background, fantasy art, a character portrait, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, game art

    The book then introduces Oba, the Orisha of the river Oba and the first wife of Xango. Her image and narrative reveal her loyalty, jealousy, and transformative power.

    a man in a white outfit is standing in a market with a stick in his hand and a lot of oranges, afrofuturism, a character portrait, Clint Cearley, orientalism

    Next, we encounter Oxaguiã, the Orisha of work and effort. His image and description emphasize his industrious nature and his role in encouraging human effort.

    a painting of a snake with a sun in the background and flowers around it, with a sky background, cobra, a detailed painting, Dan Mumford, tristan eaton

    The book then reveals Oxumare, the Orisha of the rainbow and cycles of life. His vibrant image and narrative reflect his connection with wealth, prosperity, and the continuity of life.

    a woman in a white dress standing in a river with flowers in her hair and a gold belt around her neck, fantasy art, a painting, Charlie Bowater, kinkade

    We then explore Ewá, the Orisha of beauty, love, and freshwater. Her image and description emphasize her purity, her mysterious nature, and her role in enhancing beauty.

    a man in a straw hat is reading a book in a field of wheat with the sun in the background, afrofuturism, a character portrait, Americo Makk, highly detailed digital painting

    The book then introduces Obaluaiye, the Orisha of diseases and healing. His image and narrative provide insights into his role in health, sickness, and the balance of life.

    two young girls are running down a path in the park holding hands and smiling at each other with a pink blossom tree in the background, afrofuturism, a storybook illustration, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, official art

    We then meet Ibeji, the Orisha of twins and joy. Their radiant image is accompanied by a description of their playful nature and their role in bringing happiness.

    a painting of a woman wearing a gold headdress and a golden crown with jewels on her head, afrofuturism, a painting, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, trending on art station

    The book concludes with Ori, the Orisha of personal divinity. His image and narrative emphasize the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in the Yoruba tradition.

    a painting of a group of people reading a book together in a library with a lamp on the far wall, harlem renaissance, a storybook illustration, Ernie Barnes, highly detailed digital painting

    In the final pages, the book offers a reflective conclusion. It invites readers to contemplate on the wisdom of the Orishas and their relevance in contemporary life.

    a woman in a green dress holding a book in a jungle with a sun in her hair and a crown on her head, fantasy art, a character portrait, Art of Brom, magic the gathering artwork

    The book serves as a beautiful exploration of the rich mythology of the Brazilian Orishas. It provides a unique blend of vivid imagery and insightful narratives, making it a captivating read.

    a woman in a green dress standing in front of a forest with two other women in costume and jewelry, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Ella Guru, magic the gathering artwork

    Ultimately, 'Orixas: Gods of Brazil' is more than just a book. It's a journey into the heart of Brazilian spirituality, bringing the divine world of the Orishas closer to the reader.