Changó, the Lord of Thunder and Fire
Changó (Shangó) is the powerful orisha of thunder, lightning, fire, and war in Cuban Santería/Lucumí, syncretized with Saint Barbara in Catholic tradition. According to myth, Changó was once a king of the Yoruba city of Oyo who was deified after death. He wields a double-headed axe and dances with fiery intensity. Changó's legends tell of his battles, his many lovers including Oshún and Oyá, and his terrible temper. The batá drums are sacred to him, and his number is 6. A famous patakí (sacred story) tells how Changó received his powers from Obatalá and how he used thunder to defeat his enemie