fufufafaIn the vast tapestry of human imagination, woven with threads of awe, fear, and the enduring quest for understanding, lie countless stories passed down through generations. Among these are the myths and legends that offer glimpses into the worldview of ancient peoples, their attempts to explain the inexplicable forces that shaped their lives. One such narrative, echoing from the rich oral traditions of certain West African cultures, particularly those influenced by the Fon and Ewe peoples of Benin and Togo, is the tale of Mawu-Lisa and the Eternal Mountain. This is not a chronicle of divine decree, but a captivating story, a testament to the power of human storytelling and the symbolic landscapes our ancestors created to navigate their existence.
To understand the genesis of this myth, we must journey back in time to a pre-colonial era, a period where the rhythms of life were intimately tied to the cycles of nature. In these societies, the world was often perceived as a dynamic, animate entity, imbued with spirit and power. The heavens above, the earth below, the thunder’s roar, and the river’s flow were not mere physical phenomena but manifestations of potent forces, often personified and understood through narratives. The environment itself, a verdant expanse punctuated by ancient forests, winding rivers, and sometimes, the imposing presence of geological formations, played a crucial role in shaping their cosmology. The Eternal Mountain, a silent sentinel against the horizon, would have been a natural focal point for contemplation, a symbol of permanence and immutability in a world of constant change.
At the heart of this story lies Mawu-Lisa, a complex and multifaceted entity. In some traditions, Mawu and Lisa are seen as distinct but complementary deities, representing the dualistic nature of existence. Mawu, often associated with the feminine, the moon, coolness, and night, embodies creation, wisdom, and gentleness. Lisa, on the other hand, is linked to the masculine, the sun, heat, and day, representing action, power, and dynamism. Together, they represent the fundamental forces of the universe, the interplay of opposing yet interdependent principles that bring balance and order. Mawu-Lisa, as a unified concept, can be understood as the supreme creator, the primal force from which all things originate. Their symbolic attributes are not to be taken as literal divine pronouncements but as ancient attempts to conceptualize abstract principles: the nurturing aspect of existence (Mawu) and its active, generative force (Lisa). The mountain itself, the Eternal Mountain, is not a character in the traditional sense but a profound symbol. It represents the unshakeable foundation of the world, a testament to enduring strength, timeless wisdom, and the seemingly unassailable order of the cosmos as perceived by these ancient peoples. It is the silent witness to all that transpires, a constant reminder of the deep, unchanging truths that underpin existence.
The narrative of Mawu-Lisa and the Eternal Mountain often unfolds as a foundational myth, explaining the very creation and ordering of the world. In the beginning, there was only the vast, undifferentiated expanse, a primordial void. From this nothingness emerged Mawu-Lisa, the supreme being, the source of all. With a breath, or perhaps a thought, Mawu-Lisa brought forth existence. The sky was stretched, the oceans formed, and the land took shape. But the world was still nascent, chaotic, and in need of form.
It is said that Mawu-Lisa, in their infinite wisdom, desired a steadfast anchor for their creation, a symbol of enduring stability. Thus, they decided to forge the Eternal Mountain. This was no ordinary mountain; its creation was a monumental undertaking, a testament to Mawu-Lisa’s power and foresight. Some tales describe Mawu-Lisa laboring for eons, their efforts shaping the very bedrock of the world. Others suggest that the mountain simply was, an intrinsic part of Mawu-Lisa’s being, rising organically from their divine essence. Regardless of the precise genesis, the Eternal Mountain stood as a colossal, unmoving entity, its peak piercing the heavens.
This mountain was not merely a geological feature; it was imbued with spiritual significance. It was believed to be the point where the heavens touched the earth, a conduit for cosmic energy. The rivers that flowed from its slopes were seen as the lifeblood of the world, nourishing all living things. The winds that swept around its summit carried the whispers of creation and the wisdom of the ages. Mawu-Lisa, residing in or overseeing this creation from their celestial abode, watched over the world, ensuring its continued existence, its cycles of day and night, of growth and decay, all held in a delicate balance orchestrated by their will. The mountain served as a constant, visible reminder of this order, a silent promise of continuity.
The symbolism embedded within this myth is rich and multifaceted. The duality of Mawu and Lisa reflects a worldview that embraced complementary opposites, understanding that life, creation, and existence itself are often the product of opposing forces finding harmony. The Eternal Mountain, as a symbol of permanence and strength, could represent the foundational laws of nature, the unchanging principles that govern the universe, or perhaps the stability and leadership that ancient societies yearned for. It might also speak to a sense of reverence for the natural world, recognizing its immense power and the need to live in accordance with its rhythms. The myth, in its entirety, likely served to instill a sense of order, purpose, and belonging within the community, connecting them to the vast, mysterious forces that shaped their lives.
In the modern era, tales like that of Mawu-Lisa and the Eternal Mountain find new life and interpretation. They are studied by anthropologists and cultural historians, offering invaluable insights into the beliefs, values, and societal structures of ancient peoples. In literature, these myths can inspire fantasy novels, weaving epic narratives with rich mythologies. They can inform the creation of video games, providing unique settings and character archetypes. In visual arts, the imagery of deities and primordial mountains continues to spark creativity. These retellings, however, do not aim to validate the ancient beliefs but to explore the enduring power of storytelling and the archetypes that resonate across cultures and time.
Ultimately, the tale of Mawu-Lisa and the Eternal Mountain stands as a powerful testament to the human capacity for imagination and the ancient drive to make sense of the world. It is a story born from a specific cultural context, reflecting the worldview of a people who sought meaning and order in the grandeur of nature and the mysteries of existence. As Muslims, we recognize that the true Creator and Sustainer of all is Allah (SWT), whose power and majesty are beyond human comprehension. This ancient narrative, therefore, is not a matter of belief but a valuable piece of our shared human heritage, a window into the minds of our ancestors, and a reminder of the enduring power of stories to connect us to the past and to inspire our present. It highlights the rich tapestry of human culture, where imagination and tradition weave together to create narratives that continue to captivate and inform us, even as we understand them through the lens of our own faith and understanding.
