Bestiary

Legba, also referred to as Eleggua and commonly referred to with the appellation Papa, is the first and oldest of all the gods. Legba is the most prominent god above all others. No ritual, religious festival, or practice can proceed without his approval.

Without him, prayers cannot make it to heaven. Without him, people cannot age, pass over in death, or mature. He is the god of crossroads, doors, and paths, and he allows all the movement in the universe to happen. Without him, nothing happens at all.

Legba is everywhere, and he has 256 forms, each of which is a different part of his personality. Whatever his form, Legba comes to a people when he’s least expected, in order to test their integrity. This propensity to show up at the most inconvenient time contributes to the perception that Papa is a trickster. Legba, though, is not trying to trick anyone; when someone’s completely unguarded and unprepared, he feels, that is when they’re at their most authentic.

At birth, everyone receives Legba as their first guardian spirit because he represents the beginning of spiritual development and learning. Legba opens the doors to growth and possibility. A mage might evoke Legba when they wish for doors to open or paths to appear; when such people get stuck, though, and have a hard time making decisions. Legba opens the doors so they can start their journey toward spiritual awakenings. Thus, no true journey can start without an offering to Legba so Papa can open the path toward your destination.

The offerings a person can make can range from candies and toys for his younger side, to popcorn and toasted corn for the older side of his personality. Crossroads traditionally represent a sacred place for his worship, but since Legba lives everywhere, every place is sacred.

Legba often spends time with his friends Oggun, Oshosi, and Oshun. Together, they’re known as the Warriors: those gods who help guide a person’s spiritual path. They are responsible for opening up a passage for a person’s spiritual journey, and to watch over that person as she travels along the roads and eventually makes it to the other side. These friends are often found together, enjoying large meals of wild-caught animals and harvested food provided by Oshosi.

Legba has many forms, depending on the situation and his mood. Sometimes he appears as a small child, an elderly person, or the man of your dreams. Traditionally, he has a withered, twisted, or otherwise distorted leg (a common Mark of Favor for his devotees), bears a cane or walking stick, and is frequently attended by at least one dog. Because he is a god, however, he can take whatever form Legba desires… and some forms, like the virile lover Legba Atibon, are quite desirable!

Papa Legba savors the element of surprise. When talking to someone, he suddenly changes topics, trying to catch that person off guard. Papa values candor over politeness, and can come across as blunt, obnoxious, mocking, or rude in order to get the answers he seeks.