Shango

Shango (Yoruba: Ṣàngó) is the Orisha (or deity) of fire, thunder, lightning, virility, dance, drumming, strength and justice in the Yoruba religion. Genealogically, Shango is a royal ancestor of the Yoruba as he was the third Alaafin of the Oyo Empire prior to his posthumous deification. Shango is known for his double-headed battle-axe (Oṣé) and is considered to be one of the most powerful rulers in Yoruba history. Xangô, as he is called in Candomblé and various other Afro-Brazilian religions, is believed to have numerous manifestations as various historical and legendary figures, including Ayrá, Agodo, Afonja, Lubé, and Obomin. Ayrá is derived from another deity in Yorùbáland, the personification of thunder, that is often closely associated with Ṣàngó and is called Ara (lit. 'Thunder'). In the New World, he is syncretized with either Saint Barbara or Saint Jerome.