Ashanti mythology - Definition and Overview

The most important god in the pantheon of the Ashanti of Ghana is Nyame (also Nyankopon), the omniscient, omnipotent sky god. His wife is Asase Ya and they have two children, Bia and Anansi. Asase Ya is an earth goddess of fertility.

Anansi is one of the most important and famous gods of Ashanti lore. He is a trickster and a culture hero, who acts on behalf of Nyame and brings rain to stop fires and performing other duties for him. Eventually, Anansi was replaced by a chameleon.

In some beliefs, Anansi created the sun, stars and the moon. He created the first man, but Nyame actually made him come to life. He taught mankind agriculture.