Orunmila and the Snake: How Did the Snake Lose Its Legs?

by Esuwale Adigun (King Brujo)

A Story from the Yoruba Tradition of Ifa

Bendiciones and Alaafia, family. Today, we explore a powerful story — a sacred tale from the Yoruba tradition of Ifa that teaches deep spiritual truths through the lives and actions of the Orisha. Stories are not just folklore; they are lessons encoded in narratives, guiding us on how to live, think, and evolve spiritually.

This particular story, known as Orunmila and the Snake, answers a question many have wondered: How did the snake lose its legs?

The Importance of African Proverbs in Yoruba Orisa Tradition

Proverbs, or "òwe" in Yoruba, are a foundational element of African oral traditions. They are short, poetic expressions filled with deep meanings, often used by elders, diviners, and spiritual leaders to convey complex ideas with simplicity and beauty. In Yoruba culture, it is said that "Òwe l’ẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀, bí ọ̀rọ̀ bá sọnù, òwe la fi ń wá a" — meaning "A proverb is the horse of speech; when speech is lost, we use proverbs to recover it."

Just like stories, proverbs are vessels of ancestral wisdom, passed down from generation to generation. They offer guidance, caution, and reflection, providing a moral compass for individuals and communities. Within each proverb is a lesson — sometimes humorous, sometimes stern, but always insightful. To understand Yoruba tradition is to embrace the proverbs that breathe life into its teachings.

The Setting: Nature as Teacher

As I share the story of Orunmila and the Snake, I find myself surrounded by nature—in a wooded park where wildlife roams freely. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons—all are reminders of the harmony and danger that coexist in the natural world. The environment itself becomes part of the storytelling, emphasizing the spiritual truth that nature is a sacred mirror. The same way we watch nature, nature watches us. The same way we read nature, nature reads us.

Orunmila and the Snake

In Orunmila and the Snake, Orunmila—the Orisha of wisdom and divination—encounters the snake. Back then, the snake walked on legs like many other animals. But something happened. The snake came to Orunmila for guidance, seeking wisdom about its path in life.

Orunmila, as the master of fate and spiritual insight, performed divination and revealed that the snake’s deceitful and sneaky behavior would ultimately lead to a transformation. The snake had become too skilled at hiding, too good at striking without warning. It was warned: Change your ways, or your form will change instead.

But the snake did not listen.

As a result, Olodumare (the Supreme Creator), through divine decree, stripped the snake of its legs. From that moment on, the snake was cursed to crawl upon the earth—forever reminded of what happens when one misuses the gift of movement, freedom, and power.

Spiritual Lessons Hidden in the Story of Orunmila and the Snake

1. Be Transparent in Your Movements – Just as the snake’s secrecy brought it misfortune, we too must be mindful of how we walk through life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

2. Heed Divine Warnings – When divination reveals our faults or gives us direction, ignoring it can come with lasting consequences.

3. Transformation Can Be a Blessing or a Curse – The snake still survives, but its form is different. Change is inevitable, but the path of that change depends on our choices.

Why the Story of Orunmila and the Snake Matters Today

Orunmila and the Snake is not just about a serpent. It is a mirror for us. In our own lives, we must ask:

• Are we moving with integrity?

• Are we listening when spirit speaks?

• Are we willing to change ourselves before life changes us by force?

In the Orisha tradition, storytelling is not entertainment—it is an invitation. Every story, like Orunmila and the Snake, is an invitation to awaken a deeper part of ourselves.

🔮 Conclusion

How did the snake lose its legs? The answer, revealed in the story of Orunmila and the Snake, is deeper than biology or folklore. It’s a reminder that even nature itself is shaped by the moral and spiritual order of the universe. This story teaches us that wisdom, when ignored, leads to limitation. But when embraced, it leads to elevation.

As always, may Orunmila guide you, and may you walk (with legs or not) in truth, balance, and divine purpose.