Forging an Alliance: The Pact between Ogun and Ochosi and its meaning

Ochosi, a highly skilled hunter and proud of his archery prowess, faced immense frustration while attempting to hunt deer. Despite his best efforts, his arrows constantly missed their target due to the dense forest obstructing their path. The townspeople depended on Ochosi for meat, but his repeated failures left them in extreme hunger. Each day he returned empty-handed, increasing desperation among the community.

"If I could close the distance to the deer," he reflected, "then my arrow would surely find its target." Unfortunately, Ochosi lacked the tools necessary to clear the dense forest that blocked his path.

Ogun, Ochosi's brother, tried to catch a deer by digging hidden traps covered in bushes. Despite his mechanical and engineering skills in making iron tools, Ogun lacked his brother's agility and stealth. His approach alerted the animals, preventing them from falling into his traps. Like Ochosi, he returned home every day without success.

Ogun mused, "What about my traps? I have meticulously crafted them with my tools. If only the animals would be trapped!"

There was strong competition between Ogun and Ochosi, especially as to who could successfully hunt deer to feed the people. Despite their best efforts, neither of them could achieve success, leading them to constantly ask themselves, "What are we doing wrong?"

Finally, they sought the advice of Orúnmila, the renowned fortune teller, hoping that he could provide them with clarity. Orúnmila revealed that his struggles were caused by Elegua, who felt excluded and envious. Elegua was interrupting their hunts because he didn't want them to act without involving him. Orúnmila advised them to make an offering (ebbo) to Elegua in the forest and seek his help to overcome their challenges.

When Ogun and Ochosi arrived at the designated place in the forest to make their offering, they unexpectedly encountered a large deer. Ogun hesitated, afraid of scaring it away, while Ochosi silently advanced, took aim and successfully hit the deer with his arrow, felling it.

"Live!" Ogun exclaimed. "Now the townspeople will have food. Everyone will enjoy venison tonight."

However, Ochosi remained unsure. He looked at the dense brush surrounding the deer and realized he couldn't reach the carcass to retrieve it. Although he had killed the deer, the meat would spoil if they couldn't access it.

"That I have to do?" Ochosi asked his brother. "My arrow hit the deer, but I can't. I can only walk on foot and there is no path."

At that moment, Ogun recognized how he could help his brother by using his machete to cut his way through the thick vegetation. While wielding his machete tightly, he urged Ochosi to follow his example so that together they could reach the deer, bring it home, and provide the town with much-needed food. With Elegua's guidance, the brothers understood the importance of collaboration. They recognized their individual strengths and limitations and realized that together they could achieve more than either of them could alone.

From that day on, they promised to always collaborate. This tale illustrates why Ogun, Ochosi and Elegua remain inseparable as close friends and brothers, known collectively as "the warriors." The lesson of history emphasizes that cooperation achieves more than rivalry and envy. When powerful forces come together, they become unstoppable.