In Yoruba mythology, Obàtálá was a creator god; he made human bodies, and his father, Olorun (husband of Olokun), breathed life into them. Obàtálá 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 Candomblé, Obatalá is the oldest Orixa funfun (white), Obàtálá is the oldest Orisha.

In Santería, another type of Vodun, Obàtálá is the equivalent of Our Lady of Mercy .

Alternative: Obtala