construction Vodun
Gu, god of iron
Gu is the Vodun of iron, blacksmiths and war. Honored by craftsmen, he is also invoked by warriors and drivers before any journey.
Who is Gu?
Gu is the primordial Vodun of iron, tools and war. He is invoked by blacksmiths, soldiers and any craftsman who uses metal tools.
Vodun of roads and cars
With the arrival of motor vehicles, Gu became the protector of roads and drivers. Drivers pour libations to him before long journeys.
Forge and offerings
Gu’s altars are often set up in forges. Typical offerings:
Diaspora
In Brazil and Haiti, Gu becomes Ogum or Ogou — a Vodun found in Candomblé and Haitian Vodou. A transatlantic cultural continuity.
The master of metal
Gu is the bridge between tradition and modernity — venerated in the village as in the city. His resilience shows how alive Beninese Vodun is.
Fon culture is understood in the Fon language.
Proverbs, Vodun, the history of Danxomɛ: all of it is said first in Fon. 79 video lessons with a native speaker, from the first greeting to conversation — so you can listen to this culture without having it translated for you.
One free trial lesson when you sign up.
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test