In Yoruba mythology, Obatala was a creator god; he made human bodies, and his father, Olorun (husband of Olokun), breathed life into them. Obatala also created defective (handicapped) individuals while drunk off palm wine, making him the patron deity of such people. He is the god of the north. He had a son named Orunmila.

In Umbandism, a type of Vodun, Obatala is the oldest Orisha. In Santeria, another type of Vodun, Obatala is the equivalent of Our Lady of Mercy.

Alternative: Obtala