One story that tells of his mischievous is when he posed as a merchant, alternately sold increasingly magnificent gifts to each of a man's two wives. The ensuing battle for the husband's favor tore the family apart. When worshiping any orisha, he too is being worshipped because he has a place in every shrine. .
Among these orisha, the Yoruba see the god Ogun as among the most important. He is the god of war, hunt, and of iron working. Ogun serves as the patron deity of blacksmiths, warriors, and all who use metal in their occupations. He also presides over deals and contracts. In the Yoruba courts, devotees of the faith swear to tell the truth by kissing a machete sacred to Ogun. The Yoruba consider Ogun frightening and appalling in his revenge. They believe that if someone breaks a pact made in his name, quick retribution will follow. A legend that gives example of Ogun's importance tells of the orisha trying to carve a road through a dense jungle, but Ogun was the only one with the proper tools for the task. He therefore won the right to be king of the orisha. He did not, however, care for the position, and it went to Obatala.
Some gods, such as Olokun, appear only in certain regions. Olokun, owner of the sea, is described as both a god and a goddess, lives under the sea with his or her soldiers and mermaids. An admired myth tells of Olokun trying to conquer the earth by means of a great flood. The worship of Olokun occurs in the southern coastal regions.
Heavenly ancestors are deceased human beings who have acquired supernatural status. They possess special powers and can help or harm the living There are two types of ancestors. Family ancestors, who gained their supernatural status by living a good life until an old age, are only worshiped by their families. Defied ancestors were very important and famous people during life, and are worshipped by many people. Ancestors are worshipped through special shrines and rituals.
