The Yoruba people of Nigeria revere and fear their beliefs and traditions. There are curses and charms shrouded in mystery and backed by supernatural forces. Ever heard of “Magun,” the legendary curse that keeps many up at night and serves as a deterrent for cheating spouses? Imagine a world where infidelity isn’t just a moral failing but an affair with serious consequences. The Yorubas take a severe stance on cheating and believe it to be a taboo, hence the thunderbolt curse designed to catch the cheating spouse in the act.
So, what exactly is this “Magun” that strikes down the unfaithful? It’s a curse, which means “Do not climb.” Think of it as a supernatural booby trap usually laid by a wronged spouse, typically the husband, to ensure fidelity. It is mostly cast on females, and it has the power to kill any man who has intercourse with her if he is not protected with anti-Magun.
The Anatomy of Magun, the Thunderbolt Curse
The exact workings of “Magun” are as varied as the stories surrounding it. It’s a blend of traditional medicine, spiritual incantations, and a healthy dose of fear. It comes in different forms, and each acts differently. It is believed that the “Magun” comes into action when the wife or husband engages in extramarital relations. The consequences can be terrifying and somewhat bizarre. The unfaithful woman may suffer from a strange illness and eventually die, while the man may end up crowing like a cock or have enlarged private parts.
Narratives suggest that during Magun’s actions, the man performs three somersaults, giving up the ghost. In some cases, he drinks water until he dies. This is believed to be a result of incurring the wrath of Sango, the god of thunder. To quench his thirst, he drinks until he dies. And then there’s the ‘thunderbolt’ part. In some versions, a literal, supernatural jolt strikes the man, causing anything from paralysis to instant demise. There are many other punishments associated with the different types of Magun, but regardless of whatever form the punishment comes in, the outcome is not often pleasant.
How is Magun placed? The Secret Ritual
Traditionally, people apply Magun in secrecy, a practice as mysterious as its effects. The husband or an elder in the family seeks the help of a traditional herbalist to cast the spell. One could infuse the charm into a thread or broom, then place it across the doorway to allow the unsuspecting lady to pass through. It could be placed by infusion method, where the charm is mixed into her food or drink, or in other cases, the charm could be imbued in a ring and laced on a woman by physical contact.
The spell itself is usually silent. Once done, it has no immediate effects, but the lady is already charmed with Magun until the fateful moment when she betrays her vows.
Cultural Narrative and Scientific Explanation
The thunderbolt curse is not only peculiar to the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is also common among the Togo, Bunyoro, and Azande people. For many, “Magun” is a cultural practice to curb infidelity. Some people hold the belief that Magun is merely a story, and its portrayal in Nollywood movies adds a thrilling twist to tales of love and betrayal. Beyond this, there are people who genuinely believe in the potency of Magun, and the fear of it serves as a deterrent against infidelity. It’s a reminder that actions have consequences, and occasionally, it might as well attract a spiritual one.
There have been several scientific explanations to explain Magun. One of them is penis captivus, a rare phenomenon that occurs during sexual intercourse whereby the vagina walls clamp around the penis, preventing withdrawal. When this happens, and coincidentally it occurs when a woman has been suspected of having an affair, it can be attributed to Magun.
Another scientific explanation is vaginismus, a condition that causes the vagina muscles to tense up and tighten around the penis involuntarily during sexual intercourse.
Whether Magun symptoms stem from fear or have a scientific explanation, their impact remains undeniable. Fear of its consequences can be a powerful force, shaping behaviours and influencing social dynamics.
Magun in Our World Today
In the era of dating apps and social media, the idea of Magun might seem archaic. But the fear of infidelity and the desire for revenge remain constants.
Nollywood movies have shown how the wronged spouse can use this phenomenon as a supernatural weapon to exact revenge. Not only do they serve as entertainment, but they also help educate people on how beliefs can shape human behaviour.
Whether you believe in Magun or think it’s another one of those folklores, its existence serves as a reminder that actions have repercussions, and perhaps, just perhaps, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective deterrent against infidelity isn’t a divorce but a healthy dose of fear and the tiny, little possibility of a well-timed, supernatural lightening strike..
So, the next time you hear a rumble of thunder in Nigeria, or maybe see a movie based on love and betrayal, remember the story of Magun and have it at the back of your mind that anything is possible, even a mystical thunderbolt.
Written By: Oluwadamilola Oke
