Dangbé: The Sacred Serpent of Life and Continuity

1. Introduction: The Principle of Life Force

Dangbé is the Sacred Serpent, a primordial form of Vodun Dan. He is particularly worshipped in the city of Whydah, in ancient Dahomey, where he was seen as the deity of life, continuity, and protector of the city. Dangbé represents the vital force that moves, the energy that ensures the perpetuation of the lineage and the prosperity of the community.

2. Fundamental Myths

A Whydah myth tells of Dangbé helping the people in a war, emerging from the earth and frightening their enemies. In gratitude, the people built a temple to him and made him their main deity. He is the serpent that never dies, shedding its skin and renewing itself, symbolizing the immortality of the royal lineage and the people.

3. Domains and Symbols

His domain is the earth and rivers. His symbol is the living serpent (python) and its metal representations.

4. Archetype and Personality

Their children are persevering, cunning, and possess a great capacity for adaptation and renewal. They are always on the move and undergo major transformations throughout their lives, always for the better. They are bearers of luck and wealth.

5. Relationships and Dialogues

Dangbé is a specific and very important manifestation of Dan, the Vodun of the serpent. He dialogues with Oxumarê and Angorô. His specific cult in Whydah demonstrates the diversity and richness of the Vodun religion, where cities and lineages had their own protective deities.