Oya vs Storm

In Yoruba mythology, Oya (Alternative spellings: Oiá, Iansã, Iansan), is the Undergoddess of the Niger River.

In Yoruba, the name Oya literally means "She Tore".^[2] She is known as Oya- Iyansan,Oya - the "mother of nine." This is due to the Niger River (known to the Yoruba as the Oya) traditionally being known for nine tributaries.

She is seen in aspects as the warrior-spirit of the wind, lightning, fertility, fire, and magic. She creates hurricanes and tornadoes, and guards the underworld.^[1] She is the spirit of tornadoes (which are said to be her whirling skirts as she dances), lightning (the power of which she acquired from her husband, Shango- don’t ask me how), earthquakes, and any kind of destruction. Beyond destruction, Oya is the spirit of change, transition, and the chaos that often brings it about. Her association with the marketplace, and more specifically with the gates of cemeteries (as opposed to the entire underworld), reveals her in her aspect as facilitator of transition.

On the other hand we have Storm (a.k.a. Ororo Iqadi T’Challa Nee Munroe) – yeah; she’s Black Panther’s wife was the first female black superhero to grace Marvel Comics. And as seen in comics, cartoons and movies – she can control weather (hurricanes, thunderstorms, blizzards, tornadoes).  

Her precise control over atmospheric condition allows her to create special weather effects. She demonstrates the ability to separate Oxygen and Hydrogen molecules via electrolysis, allowing her to breath underwater .   She has also been seen to display potential for magic and witchcraft.

Storm's real name "Ororo" is translated in her tribal language as "Beauty".

Looking at these two ladies, you’d agree they have more than a lot in common- but seriously Oya seems to be more grounded in actual history than Storm- I believe the time is right to start showcasing our own Superheroes or “Orishas”.