Ogou (Lwa of War and Iron)
Ogou is the fierce lwa of war, iron, fire, politics, and justice in Haitian Vodou. He is second only to Papa Legba in importance and is the patron of soldiers, blacksmiths, mechanics, drivers, and all who work with metal. Ogou is descended from the Yoruba deity Ogun (god of iron and war), but in Haiti he evolved into a distinct family of lwa including Ogou Feray (the warrior), Ogou Badagris (the politician), and Ogou Balendjo (the healer). He is depicted as a powerful, muscular man dressed in military uniform -- a general coat with epaulettes, a red sash, and a machete or saber. He rides a hor