MAGUN: The Deadly Yoruba Charm of Infidelity that Punishes Adultery – Origins, Myths, Beliefs, and Impact by Ayo Marvel

Magun, often referred to as the “thunderbolt,” is a powerful and popular mystical ‘juju’ charm in Yoruba culture. Deeply rooted in yoruba traditional beliefs, it is used as a means of preventing or punishing infidelity, particularly adultery.

Typically, Magun is secretly placed on a woman sometimes without her knowledge by a suspicious or jealous husband. Its purpose is to serve as both a deterrent and a form of retribution, with deadly consequences for any man who attempts a sexual encounter with the woman. Victims are said to experience strange physical reactions, ranging from paralysis and convulsions to sudden death.

The origin of this practice lies in the Yoruba desire to preserve marital fidelity and uphold family honor. By invoking supernatural forces, the community sought to enforce moral codes and discourage betrayal within relationships.

In Yoruba tradition, Magun literally meaning “Do Not Climb” is one of the most feared charms associated with infidelity, morality, and supernatural justice.

The Yoruba say, magun, “idekun afowofa eda” “magun is a self-inflicted snare”. So Yoruba people use Magun to check infidelity because of the potency.

Rooted deeply in Yoruba beliefs and spiritual practices, Magun is said to be a mystical power placed on a woman, usually by her husband or family, to prevent or punish acts of adultery.

According to Yoruba oral history, Magun is not just an ordinary charm but a powerful spiritual enforcement. It is believed to cause strange, often fatal consequences for any man who engages in sexual relations with a woman under its influence.

Folklore describes incidents where victims collapse, somersault, bark like animals, or even die instantly after the forbidden act. These dramatic effects, whether spiritual or psychological, have contributed to the fear and reverence surrounding Magun.

The cause of Magun in the Yoruba race is deeply linked to traditional values around fidelity, trust, and the sacredness of marriage. In pre-colonial times, Yoruba society was highly communal, and moral order was strictly enforced through cultural mechanisms.

Adultery was not just a betrayal of trust but also a threat to family honor and lineage. To curb this, spiritualists and traditional healers created charms like Magun to act as deterrents.

However, in modern times, opinions on Magun are divided. While some still believe strongly in its potency, others see it as a cultural myth, psychological suggestion, or even a tool of control within relationships.

Contemporary Yoruba society continues to debate whether Magun should be regarded as a spiritual reality, a cultural heritage, or a superstition fading with modernization.

Regardless of belief, Magun remains one of the most talked-about and mysterious aspects of Yoruba traditional practice a symbol of the intersection between culture, spirituality, and human behavior.