This week’s reading was enlightening due to the fact that even though both Yemaja and Aganju are “gods”, Aganju’s role has fallen into “disuse”.
First and foremost, Yemaja being raped by her son was very unexpected. I found that her body “exploding” the birth of other gods was a symbol of the children that replace the pain she endured from her son. It was nature’s way of compensating her for her son ruining her life. I found this article that briefly summarizes the story of Yemaja, and I like how the author mentions that her ‘waters protect her children from a predatory world.” This story is inspiring because it shifts the idea of victimized women being broken and vulnerable, and instead paints them to be hero’s of their own narratives. Rather than being depicted as a pained and emotionally devastated women, her rage turned her into a powerful protector of the sea.
Literature and the Environment: Mermaids
Professor Jessica Pressman. Spring 2024
Hi Hiba,
I enjoyed reading your post. I appreciate that you provided extra context for Yemaja. After yesterdays class, I can’t help but wonder if the two iterations of the story are the same. It was extremely interesting to learn about the story of Yemaja, and the link you sent provides context to how she is perceived in the modern age.
Hi Hiba,
I really liked your take on Yemaja’s story and how she was in fact not just a victim. I feel like from what we spoke about in class in regards to changes or great gifts coming after an occurrence of pain or loss that this is always how the story in literature and life has gone. A lot of people go through hard times to get to good ones like the saying “there’s no rainbows without a little bit of rain”. Im not sure why pain is the key to good things but I bang to ponder that idea for the first time because of these stories and class discussions. Great post!