Tradition / Region: Benin Mythology
Also Known As: Arhuanran, Aruanran
Category: Giant, Hero

The Myth

Aruan of Udo is a legendary prince from the ancient Kingdom of Benin, remembered in oral tradition as a giant of enormous strength and size. According to the stories, he was so powerful that he could sweep the entire city of Benin using palm trees.

Born in the 16th century to Oba Ozolua and Queen Ohonmi, the prince was originally named Idubor. Tradition says that he and his younger brother were born on the same day. Although Idubor was born first, he did not cry at birth. His younger brother Osawe, born later to Queen Idia, cried immediately after being born. Because of this, Osawe was considered the rightful heir and later became the famous Oba Esigie.

Having lost the throne despite being the elder brother, Idubor was compensated by his father and granted rule over the town of Udo near Benin City. From that point onward he became known as Aruan of Udo.

Benin oral traditions remember Aruan as a gigantic and powerful figure connected to strength, nobility, and the royal history of the Benin Kingdom.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Aruan of Udo. In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 10, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aruan_of_Udo