Dragons of Fame

Damballah / Damballa / Dambella Wedo

History: Damballah is said to be one of the most important god of the Vodoun religion of the Carribean.¹ He is married to Dan Ayido Hwedo, who is also a Rainbow Snake.²

Damballah is a fertillity god as well as the god of all the Vodoun divinities. (He is also said to be the father of said divinities.) He forms the arch of the heavens. When traveling on earth, deep valleys are made when he passes. He also presents himself as a rainbow, along with his wife. ³ Sometimes the rainbows are seen as reflections of his scales.⁴

His holy color is white, and he is associated with snakes and Sundays.⁵ His vast coils bask before the sun, or he swims through the oceans, which creates waves.⁶ Due to Damballah's age, he does not speak, although his blessings are said to be powerful.⁷

Symbolism: Damballah is clearly seen as a powerful serpent. His movements are used to explain earthquakes⁸ as well as the movement of the ocean, the appearance of the rainbow, and the creation of valleys.

Physical Description: He is seen simply as a huge serpent, although his colors have been said to be white and silver.

1. Damballa
2. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
3. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
4. Damballah Wedo
5. Damballah Wedo
6. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
7. Damballah Wedo
8. Damballah Wedo

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.