In Yorùbá culture, proverbs (òwe) are more than just clever sayings, they are deep, symbolic expressions that carry the wisdom of generations. One of the most frequently quoted sayings about proverbs is: “Òwe lẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀, ọ̀rọ̀ lẹsin òwe”, meaning A proverb is the horse of speech and speech is the horse of proverb. This phrase is well known, especially cultural discussions about the meaning or the defination of Yorùbá proverb. Despite its popularity, most people in the society who use this phrase often don’t actually understand its meaning. This is because many traditional facts and expressions like this are gradually being forgotten, some might even say they are becoming extinct.
You can also see Àkójọpọ̀ Ìtándòwe Yorùbá, it is a collection of Yorùbá historical Proverbs and the story behind them.
Another important point to note is that the Yorùbá express the idea “òwe lẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀” (a proverb is the horse of speech) in two slightly different ways, suggesting there are two common versions of the expression. The most widely known and cited version is “Òwe lẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀, ọ̀rọ̀ lẹṣin òwe” meaning, “A proverb is the horse of speech, and speech is the horse of proverb.” However, some people use a slightly extended variation: Òwe lẹ̀ṣín ọ̀rọ̀, ọ̀rọ̀ lẹ̀ṣín òwe (A proverb is the spike of speech, and speech is the spike of proverb). The underlying idea is that a proverb functions like a spear used by fishermen to catch fish. You can use proverbs to sharpen and elevate a speech, and similarly, a speech can lead to or enhance the use of a proverb.
A fisherman picks a fish with a spear.
On the other hand, the phrase “Òwe lẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀, ọ̀rọ̀ lẹṣin òwe” can also be interpreted as: “A proverb carries speech, and speech can also carry a proverb.” That is, a proverb often guides the flow of speech that follows it, while the speech that comes before may also determine the appropriate proverb to use. Another important interpretation is that proverbs serve as tools for expression when one does not know exactly how to respond. This concept is reflected in a popular Yorùbá song:
Òwe lẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀,
Ọ̀rọ̀ lẹṣin òwe.
Bí ọ̀rọ̀ bá sọnù,
Òwe là fi ń wá a.”
Translation:
A proverb is the horse of speech,
And speech is the horse of a proverb.
When speech is lost,
A proverb is what we use to find it.”
The Yorùbá myth that explains the origin of this expression, Òwe lẹsin ọ̀rọ̀.
It is one Yorùbá myth that explains the origin of this expression, Òwe lẹsin ọ̀rọ̀. In the story, Òwe (proverb) and Ọ̀rọ̀ (speech) are personified as siblings, one older, one younger. According to the story, one day Ọ̀rọ̀ left the house early in the morning. As the day passed and evening approached, Ọ̀rọ̀ had not returned. Unknown to others that Ọ̀rọ̀ had been chasing a beautiful, colourful bird into the forest. The more the bird flew from one tree to another, the deeper into the forest Ọ̀rọ̀ went. Eventually, Ọ̀rọ̀ became completely lost and couldn’t find the way home. After realizing this, Ọ̀rọ̀ became sad and started to cry, searching desperately for the path back home, but the more he walked, the more disoriented about the knowledge of his way back home.
When the people at home realized that Ọ̀rọ̀ had gone missing, they sent Òwe to look for him. Òwe already understood the kind of person Ọ̀rọ̀ was, likely to get distracted, perhaps trying to catch birds or pursue squrriel. So Òwe immediately took the path he believed Ọ̀rọ̀ had followed into the forest. After some searching, Òwe found Ọ̀rọ̀ lying on the ground, exhausted and unable to stand. He had strayed far from home. Òwe then carried Ọ̀rọ̀ on his shoulders and began the journey back. Ọ̀rọ̀ was relieved and happy to be carried, feeling as though he were riding a horse. Everyone who saw them on the road began to say, “Look at that! Ọ̀rọ̀ is riding Òwe like a horse.” But Òwe said nothing, he simply continued walking home.
After a long walk, Òwe became tired, and by then, Ọ̀rọ̀ had regained some strength. So he got down and carried Òwe on his own shoulders, just as òwe had done for him. When people along the way, who had seen them earlier, now saw Ọ̀rọ̀ carrying Òwe, they began to say, “What a wonder! Òwe first carried Ọ̀rọ̀ like a horse, and now Ọ̀rọ̀ is the one carrying Òwe.”
It was this myth and the expressions it inspired, the Yorùbá concluded and passed down the saying: “Òwe lẹṣin ọ̀rọ̀, Ọ̀rọ̀ lẹṣin òwe.” (“A proverb is the horse of speech and speech is the horse of the proverb.)
You can also see Àkójọpọ̀ Ìtándòwe Yorùbá, it is a collection of Yorùbá historical Proverbs and the story behind them.