O MITO DE EXU E A REPRESENTAÇÃO DA ENCRUZILHADA

Abstract

It is proposed to discuss the representation of the Myth of Exu in Afro-Brazilian literature. By Afro Literature, I understand here the intellectual production produced by Afro-descendants, whether inserted into culture or African mythology, which was, in a way, erased by Western culture that legitimizes itself as erudite and, in doing so, disqualifies and bestializes the production of black people. In Yoruba literature Exu is considered one of the most turbulent and complex Orixás. Such complexity is certainly due to the demonization that has always existed around this so hybrid, multifaceted, polyphonic God that sharpens the imagination of Brazilian culture due to its polysemy and the history distorted by Christianity that until today makes a point of looking away from this God who is, deep down and in essence, the living and creative power of the human being. Exu, tragic sign par excellence, will be drawn here as a decolonial turn that tensions, in turn, the white myth, Greek, hegemonically accepted by the West. Thus, a plastic, poetic and philosophical understanding is proposed around this deity so important and so little commented on in African literature that is, in a way, the imagetic construction of the identities of the Brazilian people that are strengthened as a work of art at the crossroads.

KEYWORDS: Exu; Myth; Afro-Brazilian Literature; Tragic; crossroads.