The Goddess Oshun and the Dried Riverbeds (Yoruba)
When the Orishas were creating the world, they neglected to consult Oshun, the goddess of love, fertility, and rivers. Enraged by this disrespect, Oshun withheld her waters, causing the rivers to dry up and the land to become barren. The other Orishas grew desperate as crops failed and life became impossible. Obatala and Orunmila tried to intervene but failed. Finally, they recognized their error and sent a humble delegation to Oshun, offering her proper tribute. Oshun relented and released her waters, restoring life to the earth. The lesson became eternal: no endeavor can succeed without ackn