4 Comments
User's avatar
⭠ Return to thread
Tomas Rodriguez's avatar

I am a little surprised that you don't mention Elegua, the Yoruban orisha who is seen as the messenger of the crossroads. (or maybe I missed something). I think that Robert Farris Thompson may discuss this in his book Flash of the Spirit. The spiritual meeting ground at the crossroads was a concept that was deeply embedded in West African religion and mythology - and in this area of the Delta there were many elements that were retained from the Yoruban religions and practices.

Expand full comment
Ted Gioia's avatar

Wait until part 2 of this chapter—which is coming soon. You will learn things about the Yoruban tradition in the US that you won't have heard before.

Expand full comment
Tomas Rodriguez's avatar

Ah yes, part two. How could I have assumed that you weren't going to address this?

Expand full comment
Kaleberg's avatar

It appears in the Meso-American Popul Vuh as well, the Crossroads with the Black Road to the Dark House of the lords of Xibalba. That's another tale of death and rebirth, supposedly linked to corn/maize culture. I'd be shocked if there wasn't music in some form. As Robert Burns pointed out, there is a lot of power in the place where two paths meet. On the other hand, that's also where we get the word "trivia".

Expand full comment