Chukwu

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Chukwu is the god of the Igbo in traditional Igbo mythology. He is the creator in their pantheon and the Igbo believe that all good comes from him. He brings the rains necessary for plant growth. There are certain trees dedicated to him. Therefore sacrifices are made to him in bushes and under trees. His wife is called Ala and she is also given as his daughter. His symbol is the sun.

In one story he sent a dog messenger to men. This dog was to advise them that, should anyone die, they should be lain on the ground and strewn with ashes. After doing that they would return to life. The dog, however, was tired and delayed, so Chukwu sent a sheep with the same message. It also got delayed, stopped to eat along the way, and on arriving it had forgotten the message's wording. However the sheep decide to guess the message so told men that they should bury a corpse in the earth. The dog later arrived with the correct message, but it was not believed death was established on the Earth.

The name Chukwu is also used for the Christian God.

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