Ọrunmila

See also: Orunmila

Yoruba

Etymology

From ọ̀run (“heaven”) +‎ mọ̀ (“to know”) +‎ ìlà (“salvation”), literally “Only knows heaven who reach salvation”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɔ̀.ɾṹ.mĩ̀.là/

Proper noun

Ọ̀rúnmìlà

1. a semi-legendary figure who is identified as being a priest, scholar, and philosopher in ancient Yoruba society, and may have developed from several wisemen figures throughout ancient history who aided in the spread and development of the Ifá oracle.
2. Ọrunmila, the primordial divinity (irúnmọlẹ̀) and orisha of wisdom and divination. He is regarded as the custodian of the Ifá oracle.

   Synonyms: Ifá, Fọ́nrán-kan-ṣoṣo-òwú, Àgbọnnìrègún, Ẹlẹ́rìí ìpín, Ọlọ́jà Ẹbọra

Derived terms

• ọlọ́runmìlà (“Ifá priest”)

Descendants

• English: Orunmila