In the beginning, the universe was a vast expanse of water and sky. Olodumare, the supreme deity, decided it was time to create the earth. Ọbatala, the Orisha of wisdom and purity, was chosen for this sacred task. Olodumare gave him a golden chain, a snail shell filled with earth, a hen, and a pigeon. With these tools, Ọbatala descended from the heavens using the golden chain, which reached down to the watery abyss below.
When he reached the end of the chain, Ọbatala poured the earth from the snail shell onto the water. He then released the hen and pigeon, which began scratching and spreading the earth, forming solid land. Satisfied with his work, Ọbatala planted a palm tree and created the first humans from clay. However, during his work, he grew thirsty and drank palm wine, which caused him to make some imperfect figures. These became the first people with disabilities, who are honored in Yoruba culture as Ọbatala’s special creations.