Moremi Ajasoro

spirit · Nigeria · West Africa

Moremi Ajasoro was a legendary queen of Ile-Ife who sacrificed her own happiness to save her people from repeated raids by the neighboring Ugbo people. When Ife warriors could not defend against the Ugbo — who were disguised as forest spirits — Moremi allowed herself to be captured. Taken as a slave, she learned their secrets and escaped to reveal them to Ife, enabling victory. As a blood price, her beloved son Oluorogbo was taken by the gods. The Yoruba honor her courage with the annual Edi Festival, celebrating maternal sacrifice for the survival of the people

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