Mawu

Mawu is a central deity in the Vodun religion, primarily practiced by the Ewe and Fon peoples of West Africa. She is often depicted as the creator goddess, responsible for the formation of the universe and all life within it. Mawu is considered the supreme being, existing in a distant, transcendent realm. While she is the ultimate source of creation, her active involvement in the day-to-day affairs of the world is often delegated to other spirits or lesser deities.

In many traditions, Mawu is seen as androgynous or possesses both male and female aspects, reflecting a balance of energies. She is associated with the moon, the night, and the earth. Her name itself is often translated as "silence" or "peace," suggesting her serene and imperturbable nature. Despite her supreme status, Mawu is not typically directly worshipped with elaborate rituals; instead, prayers and offerings are often made to intermediaries who can approach her.

Mawu's role is primarily that of a primordial force and the ultimate origin of all existence. She established the order of the cosmos and then withdrew, allowing lesser gods, known as Vodun, to govern the world. These Vodun often represent natural forces, human activities, or ancestral spirits, and it is through them that Mawu's will is enacted and her power is channeled. Understanding Mawu is key to comprehending the foundational cosmology of Vodun.