Long ago, before time was measured by the rhythm of days and nights, the supreme being Mawu-Lisa ruled over the heavens. Mawu-Lisa was not like any ordinary being. They were one, yet two. Their face held the mystery of both woman and man. On one side was Mawu, the gentle mother, her eyes glowing as the silver light of the moon. This face guided the quiet hours of the night and was known as Filawu. On the other side was Lisa, the strong father, his eyes blazing as the golden light of the sun. This face ruled the day with brilliance and warmth. Together, Mawu-Lisa embraced the balance of night and day, woman and man, moon and sun.
Since Mawu-Lisa was both mother and father, they carried life within themselves. From this union came many children, each destined to play a role in the shaping of the world.
The first to be born were twins: Da Zodji, the male, and Nyohwe Ananu, the female. Their birth brought joy, for twins were seen as signs of great power and harmony. Then came Sogbo, who reflected the dual nature of Mawu-Lisa, for he was both male and female in one body. After him came another pair of twins: Agbé and Naete, both linked to the waters. Next was Age, a son with the gift of the hunt and the forest. After him arrived Gu, a strange and mighty child. Gu was unlike his brothers and sisters, for he had no head. Instead, from his shoulders rose a great shining sword, and his trunk was as solid as stone. He was all strength and power.
The sixth birth was not flesh and bone but breath itself. This was Djo, the air and the atmosphere, invisible yet essential for life. And finally came the youngest, Legba, the playful child, spoiled and mischievous, yet dearly loved by his parent.
One day, Mawu-Lisa gathered all the children to assign each of them their dominion. The moment was solemn, for this division would shape the balance of the universe.
To Da Zodji and Nyohwe Ananu, the first twins, Mawu-Lisa gave the earth itself, along with all its riches. They were told to dwell among humans and guide them in the ways of life.
To Sogbo, who bore the likeness of their divine parent, Mawu-Lisa gave the sky. Sogbo was told to remain above, guarding the heavens as one who shared both male and female essence.
To Agbé and Naete, the sea twins, Mawu-Lisa entrusted the vast waters. They were to command the oceans, lakes, and rivers, ensuring that the waters never ceased to flow.
To Age, the hunter, Mawu-Lisa gave all the animals of the wild and the birds of the air. His dominion was the forest and the bush, where he would roam as protector and hunter alike.
To Gu, the sword-bodied child, Mawu-Lisa gave strength itself. “You are my power,” Mawu said, “and it is because of you that the earth will not remain only wilderness. You shall teach men the skills of work, craft, and survival so they may live with joy.”
To Djo, the spirit of air, Mawu-Lisa gave the space between the earth and the sky. Djo was entrusted with the breath of all living beings and with the life span of humans. Djo also clothed the invisible brothers, making them unseen yet ever present.
Finally, to Legba, the youngest and most beloved, Mawu-Lisa spoke with tenderness. “You are my spoiled child,” they said. “You have never been punished, and I will not hand you over to the care of your brothers. You will remain always with me. Your task shall be to visit all the kingdoms of your siblings and bring me word of what happens there.”
Thus, Legba was gifted with something greater than any dominion: he was given all languages. While each child of Mawu-Lisa forgot the tongue of the heavens and was given only their own speech, Legba remembered them all. He became the linguist of the gods, the one through whom every message passed.
That is why to this day, the Fon people say no prayer can reach Mawu-Lisa without passing through Legba. He stands before every shrine and every home, for humans and gods alike must speak to him first. Legba is everywhere, watching, listening, and carrying the words of all creation to the great parent Mawu-Lisa.
Moral Lesson
The tale of To Each Is Given His Dominion teaches that every being has a place and a purpose. Mawu-Lisa showed wisdom in dividing the realms, ensuring balance between sky, sea, earth, and air. Even the youngest and seemingly least powerful, Legba, was given a task of great importance. The story reminds us that strength is not always in size or might, but in the role one plays within the greater whole of life.
Knowledge Check: To Each Is Given His Dominion
Who are Mawu and Lisa in Dahomean (Fon) tradition?
Mawu is the moon and motherly face of the deity, while Lisa is the sun and fatherly face. Together, they form the supreme being.Which children of Mawu-Lisa were twins who ruled the earth?
Da Zodji and Nyohwe Ananu, the firstborn twins, were given dominion over the earth and its riches.What dominion was given to Agbé and Naete?
They were entrusted with the waters, ruling the seas, rivers, and lakes.Why did Gu have no head but a sword instead?
Gu represented divine strength and was meant to teach humans the crafts and skills needed for survival.What role did Legba play among his siblings?
Legba became the messenger and linguist of the gods, knowing all languages and serving as the link between Mawu-Lisa and creation.What is the moral lesson of the story To Each Is Given His Dominion?
It teaches that every being has a unique purpose, and harmony comes when each fulfills their role in the balance of life.Source: Dahomean (Fon) folktale, Beninese tradition
