The Kingdom of Earth, The Kingdom of Heaven

Ears cannot pass the head.
obara eiyunle

The great one does not eat out of the hands of the small one.

Shangó was riding his horse through the countryside when he saw Obatalá walking the same path. “Father, why do you walk?” he asked.

“Because I am too tired to run,” said Obatalá. He smiled weakly.

Shangó jumped off his horse and helped Obatalá climb on. He took the reins and walked back toward Oyó.

“It has been many years, father,” he said. “So long that you have not seen my kingdom. Let me show you.” Obatalá sat silently as he rode into town.

As Shangó entered Oyo the townspeople greeted him, parting so he could pass through with Obatalá and his white horse.

In the center of town near his palace Shangó raised his arm to heaven and said, “My people! Show my father, Obatalá, that I am your king!”

A great cry rose, thousands of voices cheering Shangó at once. It was deafening.

When the people went silent, Obatalá slid down from Shangó’s horse.

“Now, Shangó, let me show you my kingdom.”

Obatalá swept his arms to the sky and the heavens opened up.

The spiritual world seemed to impose itself on the material; they were side by side, the seen and normally unseen. All the orishas and spirits in heaven bowed to Obatalá, and the people of Oyo bowed as well. Soon, even Shangó put his head to the earth. Obatalá blessed them all.

As the rift between heaven and earth sealed, Shangó rose; his subjects remained prone. There was not a sound—even the wind stood still.

“You are a greater king than I, Father. Even the spirits in heaven put their heads down to you.”

“It is true—I am the king of heaven, Shangó. But as humble as you are, you will always be a king on earth.”

Since that time, Shangó has been known as the King of the religion, and all oriatés in the religion become, while fulfilling their roles, Shangó’s representatives on earth. For while Obatalá rules supreme in heaven, the head of all the orishas, Shangó by his decree rules supreme on earth, the head of all those who worship the orishas.
Obatalá gave him that because of his humility before the kingdom of heaven.