Across the vast, sun-baked plains and verdant river valleys of what is now West Africa, particularly among the Ewe people and their neighbors, echoes a profound and ancient narrative. This is the Chronicle of Mawu-Lisa, a story woven into the fabric of their oral traditions, a testament to the imaginative spirit of people who sought to understand the origins of their world and their place within it. These are not divine decrees to be worshipped, but rather the imaginative constructions of ancient minds, offering glimpses into their worldview, their fears, and their aspirations. The tale of Mawu-Lisa and the Eternal City is one such narrative, a rich tapestry of creation, cosmic order, and the intricate dance of existence.

In a time when the world was still finding its form, when the sky was a vast, unblemished canvas and the earth a nascent, untamed entity, the people who lived then viewed the cosmos as a place of both awesome power and profound mystery. Their understanding of the world was intrinsically linked to the cycles of nature – the relentless sun, the life-giving rains, the unpredictable storms, the fertility of the soil. They saw divine forces at play in every rustle of leaves, every surge of the river, every celestial movement. Their myths, therefore, were not mere fantasies but vital tools for making sense of a world that often felt capricious and awe-inspiring. The Chronicle of Mawu-Lisa emerges from this fertile ground of spiritual and intellectual curiosity, a sophisticated attempt to articulate the fundamental principles of existence.

At the heart of this chronicle lies the figure of Mawu-Lisa. This is not a singular entity but a dualistic being, a representation of the cosmic duality that permeated the Ewe understanding of the universe. Mawu, often depicted as the feminine aspect, is associated with the moon, the night, and coolness. Lisa, its masculine counterpart, embodies the sun, the day, and heat. Together, they are the primordial creator, the force that brought forth all that is. Their very existence is symbolic of the balance and interplay of opposing forces that, in the eyes of these ancient storytellers, governed creation. Mawu-Lisa’s attributes are not those of a vengeful deity but rather of a cosmic artisan, a benevolent force whose actions were driven by a desire for order and harmony. The imagery associated with them – the shimmering moon, the radiant sun – speaks to their connection with the fundamental celestial bodies that shaped the daily lives and perceptions of these ancient communities.

The narrative begins with the vast, formless void that preceded existence. It was within this primordial emptiness that Mawu-Lisa first stirred, a cosmic consciousness awakening to the potential of creation. Their initial act was to separate the heavens from the earth, establishing the fundamental spatial boundaries of the cosmos. Then, with a breath that was both the coolness of the night and the warmth of the day, they began to shape the world. They sculpted mountains, carved out valleys, and filled the oceans with water. They painted the sky with stars, each one a tiny spark of their boundless energy.

However, the raw creation was chaotic, a symphony of unbridled energy. To bring order to this nascent world, Mawu-Lisa conceived of an idea, a blueprint for cosmic harmony: the Eternal City. This was not a city of stone and mortar, but a conceptual realm, a perfect manifestation of order and balance. It was here that Mawu-Lisa established the fundamental laws of existence, the principles that would govern all life. They appointed celestial beings to oversee different aspects of the universe – spirits of the wind, guardians of the earth, keepers of the waters. These beings, born from Mawu-Lisa’s vision, were tasked with maintaining the delicate equilibrium of the cosmos.

The story often describes Mawu-Lisa’s meticulous craftsmanship in constructing this Eternal City. Each celestial pillar was set with precision, each cosmic river flowed with perfect rhythm, each star was placed in its appointed orbit. The city was a testament to their wisdom and foresight, a place where every element had its purpose and every action had its consequence. This was the ultimate expression of their desire for a world that was not only created but also sustained by an intelligent design.

The symbolism inherent in this chronicle is rich and multifaceted. Mawu-Lisa, as a dualistic entity, represents the fundamental concept of balance – light and dark, male and female, heat and coolness – that ancient cultures often perceived as the driving force of the universe. Their creative act signifies the inherent order that these societies believed lay beneath the surface of apparent chaos. The Eternal City can be interpreted as a metaphor for the ideal state of existence – a perfectly ordered society, a harmonious cosmos, or even the inner peace and balance that individuals strive for. The appointment of celestial beings to govern different realms speaks to a hierarchical understanding of the universe, where even in creation, there was a sense of structure and responsibility. The story may have also served as a moral compass, illustrating the importance of order, balance, and the consequences of disharmony.

In the modern world, the Chronicle of Mawu-Lisa continues to resonate, albeit in different forms. While no longer a guiding religious text, it finds expression in literature, cultural studies, and artistic interpretations. Anthropologists and folklorists study these narratives to understand the cosmology and societal values of ancient peoples. Authors and artists may draw inspiration from the rich imagery and symbolic depth of the myth to create new stories, explore themes of creation, duality, and cosmic order in contemporary contexts. In some instances, these tales might be adapted into theatrical performances or visual arts, keeping the spirit of the original narrative alive for new generations.

It is crucial to reiterate that the Chronicle of Mawu-Lisa is a traditional story, a product of human imagination and the desire to comprehend the mysteries of existence. It is a valuable piece of cultural heritage, offering profound insights into the worldview of ancient peoples. As Muslims, we recognize that the true Creator and Sustainer of all that exists is Allah, the One God, whose power and wisdom are infinite and beyond human comprehension. This understanding does not diminish the value of studying such ancient narratives. Instead, it allows us to appreciate them as windows into the diverse tapestry of human thought and storytelling traditions. The Chronicle of Mawu-Lisa stands as a testament to the enduring human need to create meaning, to seek order in the universe, and to weave tales that reflect our deepest questions about life, creation, and the enduring power of imagination.