Nommo

The Nommo are mythological ancestral spirits in Dogon religion and mythology. They are often depicted as amphibious, fish-like creatures that possess great power and wisdom. The term "Nommo" translates to "to make one's own" or "to give birth to" in the Dogon language, reflecting their role as creators and life-bringers. In Hebrew, the concept can be loosely associated with the term רוח (ruach), meaning spirit or breath, though the cultural context differs significantly. The Nommo are central to Dogon cosmology, representing the connection between the human world and the divine. They are said to have taught humanity the arts of civilization, including agriculture, metallurgy, and divination. The Nommo are also associated with the constellation Orion and the Sirius star system, highlighting their celestial significance in Dogon astronomy and mythology. In Bambara, a language spoken in Mali, the term for Nommo is N'mo, reflecting similar cultural and linguistic ties. The Nommo's dual nature as both creators and destroyers underscores their complex role in Dogon belief systems, embodying the balance between order and chaos in the universe.