Pythons Temple, Ouidah, Benin
An interesting and historical sight to visit in Benin is in the Python Temple in the town of Ouidah. There is and interesting story behind how the temple came to exist. The temple is facing the Ouidah’s basilica and the adoration of pythons started after a war that took place in 1717 when the kingdom of Dahomey still existed.
At the time Ouidah wasn’t part of the kingdom of Benin and during that war, Ouidah was defeated. King Kpassè, ruler of the kingdom of Ouidah, fled the town and took refuge in a big forest in order to not be captured by the notorious Ghézo warriors who were seating for him. The legend has it that during the search, many pythons started to come out of the forest therefore protecting king Kpassè of Ouidah from his capture.
Epic Benin Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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