In Yoruba mythology, Orunmila is the orisha associated with wisdom and divination.
Orunmila is one of the principal orishas in Yoruba religion and is closely connected with Ifá, the divination system used to seek insight into fate, ethical choices, and hidden knowledge. He is often praised as a witness to human destiny and as a sage who understands the relationship between divine will and individual character.
Ifá is interpreted by trained specialists, traditionally called babalawos; some communities also recognize female Ifá priests. Its corpus contains 256 major combinations, known as odù, each associated with verses, stories, proverbs, and ritual guidance. Orunmila is therefore more than a general wisdom figure: he is specifically tied to the preservation and interpretation of sacred knowledge.
A common mix-up is confusing Orunmila with Eshu, who serves as a messenger and mediator, or Ogun, who is associated with iron, warfare, and roads. Orunmila’s name appears in several forms, including Ọrúnmila, Orúnla, and Orúla in parts of the African diaspora.