The King of Ifé would always host a grand festival to celebrate the yam harvest. This time, in addition to the celebration, one of his daughters was getting married. During the festivities, a white bird, resembling a dragon, appeared and began to exhale a hot breath that felt like fire. In panic, everyone fled, and the king called for the renowned hunter and archer Oxotogum from the city of Ido, who arrived with a basket of twenty arrows.
Oxotogum tried in every way, but he couldn’t hit the giant bird. The king then sent a messenger to summon Oxotogi, who came with forty arrows, he, too, failed. Next came Oxotadotá with eighty arrows (though some versions mention fifty or sixty), but he also missed the bird.
Finally, Oxotocanxoxô arrived, carrying just one arrow.
Before confronting the creature, he and his mother consulted Exu (Orixá known as the messenger between humans and the divine). Exu explained that the bird had been sent by the Great Mothers, the Iyámi Oxorongá. (Important note: these powerful beings must be referred to respectfully as “the Great Mothers.” If one wishes to name each of them individually or use the full title Iyámi Oxorongá, one must first ask permission.)
Exu revealed that the Great Mothers had sent the bird because the King of Ifé had forgotten to invite them to the festival.
To make amends, Oxotocanxoxô and his mother shared what they had received from Exu with the Great Mothers.
Then, with his single arrow, the hunter struck the white bird, restoring peace between the King of Ifé and the Great Mothers.
From that moment on, Oxotocanxoxô became known as Oxóssi. The city of Ifé resumed its yam harvest celebrations, now in harmony with all spiritual forces.