Ija

Appendix:Variations of "ija" Yoruba Alternative forms yo Ụ̀ja Ị̀ja Èkìtì Etymology Possibly from yo ìjà fight, conflict, but the tone shift from low to mid is unclear, and may suggest origin from a root yo ja. Also possibly related to yo ìja whirlwind. Among the Ekiti people, the deity is known as yo Ụ̀ja or yo Ị̀ja, and is largely recognized as a brother and close hunting associated of Ogun, while other traditions regard the deity as a female counterpart and the wife of yo Ògún, representing the male-female dualities of energies in the form of deities. For other examples, see yo Ṣàngó, yo Òrìṣàoko and yo Ọya; yo Ọbàtálá with yo Yemòwó, yo Ọ̀rúnmìlà and yo Ọ̀ṣun, yo ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀/yo ikin divination with yo ẹ̀rìndínlógún. The association of a female deity associated hunting is quite peculiar as hunting and war were primarily seen as strictly male professions, but also the duality of male and feminine aspects of hunting can also been seen in deities like yo Lógunẹ̀dẹ. Pronunciation Ìja Proper noun Ìja a primordial divinity (yo irúnmọlẹ̀) and orisha of war, hunting, and fighting. He is closely associated with yo Ògún and is regarded as his brother along with yo Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì. the wife of yo Ògún, the feminine aspect of hunting Derived terms yo Ìjálúsì yo Yoruba religion