Editing Efik mythology (section)

====Ndem====
Marine deities also known as Ndem (Singular: Idem) form a principal part of [[Efik religion|Efik traditional religion]]. The Ndem are regarded as territorial in character as they are believed to reside in several areas in the lower Cross River. Among the Ndem include Udominyan, Anansa, Atabrinyang, Atakpor Uruan Inyang, Afianwan, Ekpenyong, Ekanem and several others. Although Ndem are regarded as territorial, certain Ndem are believed to be present in several other locations while still headquartered at one site. Among these would include Atakpor Uruan Inyang. This is further confirmed in the Uruan saying: "Ke Ndem Efik Iboku, Atakpọr Ndem Uruan ke Ekụk", which can be interpreted to mean "Where there is the Efik deity, there is also Atakpor Uruan to share with it."<ref>[[#refEssien1993|Essien]], p. 82</ref> Many Ndem are described as possessing extremely beautiful features, among them is the deity Udominyang. Udominyang is a symbol of beauty and is believed to reside at the bottom of the river where she possesses a fine mansion.<ref name="auto14">[[#refSimmons1958|Simmons]], p. 348</ref> Udominyang is also believed to possess a lot of wealth as she obtains everything that falls into the river from capsized ships and canoes.<ref name="auto14"/> She is depicted on several brass trays as possessing a fish body with a woman's head and upper torso.<ref name="auto14"/> Another principal deity is Anansa also known as Anansa Ikang Obutong or Anansa Ikot Obutong or Anansa Enwang. Anansa is exalted in many Efik songs, one of the most popular was sung by Chief Inyang Nta Henshaw. She is believed to reside at the head of a spring or river near the [[Hope Waddell Training Institution]].<ref>[[#refWaddell1863|Waddell]], p. 328</ref> Ekpenyong may be regarded as a national deity in the area formerly known as Eburutu. By the 17th century, the cult of Ekpenyong was quickly spreading from the focal point which was Old Calabar. Ekpenyong or Ekpenyong Abasi is known by several names. At Arochukwu, it was known as [[Ibini Ukpabi|Ekpenyong Ibritam]]; Ibn Ukpabi and Ibitam inokon.<ref name="auto16">[[#refGoldie1862|Goldie]], Dictionary of the Efik (1862), p. 74</ref><ref>[[#refNwokeji2010|Nwokeji]], p. 6</ref> The deity was mainly worshipped by riverine communities such as Eniong, [[Uruan]], Ito, Ukwa, Idere and several others.<ref>[[#refEssien1993|Essien]], p. 25</ref><ref>[[#refHutchinson1858|Hutchinson]], p. 147</ref><ref name="auto16"/><ref name="auto17">[[#refNdaw1988|Ndaw]], p. 33</ref> Among the Efik, Ekpenyong is regarded as the custodian of [[Nsibidi]].<ref>[[#refSavage1985|Savage]], p. 294</ref> Although Ekpenyong is regarded as a marine deity, his spirit is believed to reside in a tree known as Ekom.<ref name="auto16"/><ref name="auto17"/> Some Efik communities such as Mbiabo Ikot Offiong believe that his spirit dwells in the cotton tree known in Efik as {{lang|efi|Ukịm}}.<ref name="auto15">[[#refAkak1982|Akak]], p. 299</ref> At Mbiabo Ikot Offiong, Ekpenyong is believed to have had a son known as Akpan Ekpenyong.<ref name="auto15"/> Unlike Ekpenyong, Akpan Ekpenyong is believed to reside in the water.<ref name="auto15"/> Just as Ekpenyong is believed to have bore a son, he is also believed to be married to the deity Ekanem Abasi.<ref name="auto15"/> The worship of Ekanem was also prominent in the lower Cross River but the cult of Ekanem did not travel as far as the cult of Ekpenyong. In many Efik folktales, Ekpenyong and Ekanem are featured as the supreme god and goddess.<ref name="auto15"/> Like Ekpenyong, the spirit of Ekanem is also believed to inhabit a cotton tree.<ref name="auto15"/>

As Ndem are primarily marine deities, most of its emblems are aquatic creatures. Among these creatures include python, alligator and crocodile.<ref>[[#refSimmons1958|Simmons]], p. 284</ref> The species of Crocodile known in the Efik language as {{lang|efi|Fiom Nkọi}} represents Atabrinyang, a deity believed to reside at Effiat.<ref>[[#refTalbot1923|Talbot]], p. 51</ref> The [[black kite]] is regarded as the messenger of Atakpor Uruan.<ref name="auto13">[[#refEssien1993|Essien]], p. 23</ref> Marriages are also believed to occur among the Ndem. Anansa Ikang Obutong is believed to be the spouse of Anantigha Enwang.<ref>[[#refEtifit1979|Etifit]], p. 15</ref> Atakpor Uruan is also believed to be the spouse of Atabrinyang.<ref name="auto13"/> Other unions between Ndem include Obo and Eme; Ebebe and Ukọñ Esụk.
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