In Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo, Ogun is a warrior orisha associated with blacksmithing and the creation of iron tools and weapons. Called Ogou in Haiti, he is in charge of guarding sacred temples and political power, and is known for his protection of Vodou followers. HISTORY AND ORIGINS Like many of the orisha and loa, Ogun has his origins in Africa. In the Yoruba belief system, he was the first orisha to come to earth, in the form of a hunter named Tobe Ode, who led the other orishas to the world of mortals. Armed with an axe and sword, he was known as the god of warriors, blacksmiths, and hunters. Thanks to his role as a patron of the hunt, he is associated with dogs—the traditional hunting companion in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, he cleared paths through the forests with his machete and axe, and thus became known as the orisha who opens the way when it is blocked. As the patron of metalworkers, who are often healers and spiritual leaders, Ogun watches ...