Below is an infograph of information about the deity Oshun (Ozun). There is a brief summary of her place with the pantheon and Yoruba religion, notes on her personality, life, and Catholic counterpart, a prayer to invoke Oshun, elements associated with Oshun, as well as different paths she has lived in her many reincarnations (the ones that I believe have some influence on the character in Red & Brown Water.
Below the infograph is a connection to each of the paths listed here as they relate to the world of the play as well as Beyonce's music video "Hold Up" from the album Lemonade which draws on Oshun.
Osun Anani -- known to be argumentative, this path speaks to Shun's defensiveness against anything that is said to or about her; with this path, you must be prepared to defend your case, which also speaks to Shun's defensiveness but also to her tendency to start things.
Osun Ibu Odonki -- in this path, Osun is said to be where the stream is born, the essence sof mud of the river--essential elements of the earth. Ogun is said to be born from the earth, which connects the two of them as they are "made of the same." This (as well as the Osun Ibu Semi path) also might explain why Shun is present when Mama Moja dies.
Osun Ibu Akuanola -- this path is a bit ironic in the sense that Oshun is known for freeing Shango from Oyá's imprisonment in this path. However, in the play Oyá, is essentially being held prisoner by Ogun in the sense that he has Elegua keep an eye on her and doesn't want her to leave the house. This path connects Osun to Oyá and Shango.
Osun Ibu Semi -- since this is the path where Osun lives in areas around the rivers, this makes sense in the world of the play as it takes place on the water, in the bayous. This path also may explain why we see Shun when Mama Moja dies, as Moja is being led to a body of water that symbolizes her passing on.
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