Cartoon Network's 'Iyanu' has roots in Africa — and St. Louis

Reported by STL Today

We’re all familiar with Greek mythology, with gods like Zeus and extraordinary men like Hercules. We know Norse mythology, too, with gods like Thor and Odin.

But African mythology is less familiar. St. Louisan David Steward II, the founder of Lion Forge Entertainment, is trying to change that.

Lion Forge is the studio behind “Iyanu,” a new 10-episode animated television show airing on Cartoon Network and streaming the next day on Max. It is aimed at children 8 to 12 years old, and anyone older who is interested in the material.

The story follows Iyanu, an orphaned teenage girl who lives 500 years ago in the fictional country of Yorubaland. Iyanu has certain powers — called “wonders” on the show — which she learns to develop and use throughout the course of the season. Read more.