In the lush, mysterious forests of West Africa, where the trees whisper ancient secrets, and the air buzzes with magic, there exists a race of tiny, benevolent beings known as the Aziza. These are not your dainty, glittery, Tinkerbell-esque fairies; no, the Aziza are far more captivating.
Join us as we discuss everything you need to know about these mysterious black fairies.
What are the Aziza?
The Aziza are a race of nature spirits in the mythology of the Fon people of West Africa. The creatures are tiny humanoids with fairy-like wings that live in anthills and act as guardians of the forest.
The Aziza are the kind of supernatural beings you want on your side; they offer protection and invaluable knowledge, especially in hunting, farming, and even mystical arts.
What does the Aziza Look Like?
Stories about the Aziza have been passed down orally for generations. Unsurprisingly, there are some conflicting reports regarding their physical appearance.
In most accounts, the Aziza are described as diminutive beings with remarkable beauty. They are often described as “bright and glowing”, although their features are still visible.
Encyclopedia.com describes the Aziza as “small, hairy” creatures, similar to Western dwarves. In most illustrations available, however, the Aziza doesn’t have such features. Instead, they are depicted as either child-like or youthful with serene expressions.
One of the most attractive physical features of the Aziza is its wings. The Aziza have a pair of magnificent wings reminiscent of those of a butterfly.
In Modern depictions are shown with several ornaments that reflect their role as forest spirits. They wear traditional West African clothing and adorn themselves with Flowers and leaves.
Where are the Aziza From?
The Aziza are often featured in many oral and written stories in some parts of West Africa, particularly by the Fon people.
The Fon people reside in what is now the country of Benin, which was formerly known as the Dahomey Kingdom. As one of the most prominent ethnic groups in Benin, their beliefs have spread far and wide in this area.
The Fon people follow a religious system that blends ancestral worship with veneration of deities and nature spirits. They revere the ancestors of the royal family and believe in the existence of specific deities and spirits that can influence the material world.
Among the supernatural beings in the fon mythology, the Aziza hold a special place, mainly because of their role as benevolent guides and protectors.
Where does the Aziza Live?
According to Fon tradition, the Aziza reside deep within the forest, particularly in the trunks of silk-cotton trees and cavities of anthills.
Being nature spirits, the Aziza are known for their connection to the environment. Unlike other nature spirits, though, the Aziza aren’t strictly territorial. They aren’t known to attack or harm humans who happen to come into the forest. They might even offer a helping hand to those who need it.
Although these African fairies do not show themselves to anyone, shamans, medicine men, and people with strong ties to nature and the spirit world are more likely to encounter these creatures and get help from them.
Like the fairies of Western Mythology, the Aziza are not solitary creatures. They prefer to live in groups. Some even believe that they establish “village-like” homesteads within silk-cotton trees. These collective homesteads are called “Azizans”.
Powers and Abilities of the Aziza
According to African Mythology, the Aziza are guardians of nature, similar to the Diwata in Filipino mythology, the Nymps of Greek mythology, or the classic fairies in European folklore.
Like these other Nature spirits, the Aziza are gentle beings that provide spiritual and physical help to those who need it. They teach humans essential skills, such as the use of herbs as medicine. At a time when a simple mistake in selecting the wrong plant could mean death, the help provided by these creatures was crucial to survival.
Healers, shamans, and hunters are among those who are often on the receiving end of Aziza’s gifts. As with other cultures, people who have strong ties to nature and the spirit world gain the favour of those who dwell within them.
Other powers of the Aziza include the ability to shapeshift into forest animals. They can also camouflage to remain virtually invisible to the untrained eyes.
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The Gbo: Gifts from the African Fairy
Among the many gifts an Aziza can bestow, the gbo is perhaps the most powerful.
A gbo is a magical charm that bestows anyone in its possession with mystical powers. It’s been said that a gbo has the power to ensure good luck and protect its wearer from any kind of danger.
For hunters, this is probably the best gift they can obtain. Not only will the gbo help them to find a good hunt, but they will also be protected from harm, including accidents, illnesses, and dangerous animals. Farmers with these charms are guaranteed a bountiful harvest, while traders are blessed with immeasurable profits.
However, a gbo is more than a protective amulet or a good luck charm. It can also be used as a divination tool. There are many kinds of gbo, but the most widespread ones are those used for protective and divination purposes.
Besides the Aziza, other deities also hand out gbo, including the trickster god Legba and the earth deity Sagbata.
Other mentions of Aziza in African Mythology
While the fairy-like image of the Aziza is the most famous depiction of these mythological creatures, the name “Aziza” is actually very common in African mythology.
For the Urhobo people in southern Nigeria, the Aziza is a major deity in the traditional religion. In the Jeje oral tradition, the Aziza is described as a small, one-legged god who always smokes a pipe.
Aziza Vs Abwata
Another tiny humanoid creature of interest in African Mythology is the Abwata. These small creatures are indigenous to the Zulu people of Southern Africa. The Abwata are described as tiny men who spend their days hunting and fighting. These creatures are small enough to hide under a blade of grass or ride ants into battle.
Like the Aziza, the Abwata live in groups inside ant hills. However, Unlike the Aziza, the Abwata are more violent and dangerous. Despite their small size, they are armed with poisoned arrows, which they can use to kill any animal, no matter the size.
The Abwata are very sensitive about their small size, and if encountered, the only way to avoid being attacked by the creature is to overestimate its size, and like that, you had seen it from a very far distance.
Conclusion
The Aziza is a fascinating mythological figure in many ways. Despite their lack of appearance in stories, people easily remember them for their ethereal beauty, gentle nature, and supernatural abilities. They also symbolize the side of nature which nurtures.
It can be said that the Aziza represents humans’ belief that nature will provide and protect us as long as we respect it.