Every culture has its own set of myths and legends, and the Yoruba people of West Africa are no exception.

With a mythology that dates back thousands of years and is still very much alive today, the Yoruba tradition is filled with deities, heroes, and cosmological tales.

Here is our list of some of the best books about Yoruba mythology.

The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts

Author: Baba Ifa Karade

This is often the first book recommended to anyone interested in Yoruba religion and mythology. Karade provides an in-depth introduction to the Orisha – the deities of the Yoruba pantheon. The book delves into their various manifestations, histories, and roles in the cosmology of the Yoruba people.

For those seeking a foundational understanding, this handbook is indispensable.

Yoruba Legends

Author: M. I. Ogumefu

If you’re interested in diving straight into the stories and legends, “Yoruba Legends” is the book for you. Ogumefu has curated a collection of myths, folktales, and legends that offer a glimpse into the Yoruba worldview. From the creation of the world to the antics of the trickster god, Eshu, this book captures the spirit and essence of Yoruba storytelling.

Sixteen Cowries: Yoruba Divination from Africa to the New World

Author: William W. Bascom

This text dives into the Ifá divination system, a central aspect of Yoruba spirituality.

Bascom discusses topics such as the use of the “opon Ifá” (divination tray) and “ikin” (sacred palm nuts), explaining the complex processes and interpretations.

City of 201 Gods: Ilé-Ifè in Time, Space, and the Imagination

Author: Jacob Olupona

Ilé-Ifè is often considered to be the spiritual birthplace of the Yoruba people. Olupona’s work is a comprehensive study of this city, its history, its significance in Yoruba cosmology. The book weaves history, archaeology, and mythology to provide a panoramic view of Ilé-Ifè’s place in Yoruba tradition.

Tales of Yoruba Gods and Heroes

Author: Harold Courlander

Courlander brings together an impressive compilation of Yoruba myths, focusing on the adventures of gods and heroes.

Written in an engaging narrative style, this book is perfect for both young readers and adults.