Philippine Mythology

Philippine mythology is a
collection of tales and myths found in the Philippines which are derived from old folk
literature. Long before scientific ideas of the West arrived in the country, it has provided
explanations to strange natural occurrences and origin of beings. Philippine mythology is
very diverse due to the archipelagic nature of the Philippines and the presence of many
ethnic groups. Even though each ethnic group has its own stories and myths to tell, there
are concepts and beliefs they have in common:

 Human soul (Kaluluwa). Philippine mythology implies the existence of soul

which is the spiritual force that gives life to every human being. Each soul is unique
from one another, thus contributing to different personalitie s of people.
 Heaven (Kaluwalhatian) and Hell (Impyerno). Like many of its South and
Southeast Asian neighbors, Ancient Filipinos believed that once a human dies, his
soul either goes to heaven or hell. If the person was generally good during his life
on earth, his soul goes to heaven, otherwise his soul suffers in hell.
 Mythological creatures. Philippine mythology is known for its mythological
creatures. Even though the Philippines is highly Christianized, many Filipinos still
believe in the existence of th ese magical beings, especially in the rural areas.

The Story of Bathala

 In the beginning of time, there were three powerful gods who
lived in the universe, although they did not know each other. The three gods were Bathala,
the caretaker of the earth, Ulilang Kaluluwa (Orphaned Spirit), a huge serpent who lived
in the clouds, and Galang Kaluluwa (Wandering Spirit), the winged god who loves to travel.

Bathala often dreamt of creating humans due to loneliness, but the empty earth forbids
him to do so. On e day, while Ulilang Kaluluwa was visiting the Earth, his favorite place, he
met Bathala. Ulilang Kaluluwa was not pleased for he sees another god rivaling him, and
so challenged Bathala to a fight to decide who would be the ruler of the universe. After
three days and three nights of fighting, Bathala killed Ulilang Kaluluwa and burned his
remains.

A few years later, Galang Kaluluwa wandered into Bathala’s home. The winged god was
welcomed by Bathala with much kindness and invited him to live in his kingdo m. The two
gods became true friends, and they happily spent many years together.

However, Galang Kaluluwa became very ill. Before he died, he instructed Bathala to bury
him on the spot where Ulilang Kaluluwa’s body was burned. Bathala did exactly as he wa s
told. Out of the grave of the two gods sprouted a coconut tree. Bathala took a big round
nut from the tall tree and husked it. The nut reminded him of the Galang Kaluluwa’s head,
while the leaves reminded him of his friend’s wings. He also noticed that t he trunk was
hard and ugly like the body of his enemy, Ulilang Kaluluwa.

Bathala realized that he was ready to create the creatures he wanted with him on earth.
He created the plants, animals, and the first man and woman. Out of the trunk and leaves
of the coconut trees, Bathala built a house for the people. The first people drank the
coconut juice and ate its delicious white meat for food. They used the leaves of the coconut
trees for making mats, hats, and brooms. They also used the fibers of coconut tru nk for
making rope and many other things.
The Aswang – Vampires of the Philippines

The Aswang are, by far, the most prolific monsters in Filipino folklore. In fact, the term
“aswang” itself refers to various types of creatures that belong to this group. According to
Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the Aswang are the most feared monsters amongst the
mythological creatures of the Philippines.

What They Look Like

“Aswang” normally apply to a number of creatures, namely female shapeshifters of some kind
or other. The Aswang usually gets interchanged with manananggals, tik-tiks, and wak-waks,
but I will get to them in a bit. Originally, Aswang are female ghouls, mostly described as
vampire-like creatures that can change shape at will. It is difficult to accurately describe what
an Aswang looks like, because the description varies from region to region. A few similarities
do state that these shapeshifters normally live as regular female townspeople, though shy,
quiet, and mysterious. At night, Aswang take the forms of pigs, birds, or dogs and feast upon
human body parts (namely the liver and heart). The Aswang is said to have bloodshot eyes, an
indication of their staying up all night in search of victims.

Protection Against Them

Detecting and warding off Aswang can be done in a number of ways. People use a special bottle
of oil extract (from boiled and decanted coconut meat, mixed with plant stems) to determine if
an Aswang is nearby; the oil will boil or froth if the monster is nearby, and it will continue to do
so until the Aswang leaves. Among things that can ward off Aswang are silver, salt, ginger, and
coins. The silver is believed to have originated from western mythology, which makes sense
considering the Aswang are closely linked to lycanthropes—werewolves. Salt is used to burn
their skin, as it is believed to be a purifying agent in witchcraft. Ginger prevents the Aswang
from arriving (much like garlic is generally believed to ward off vampires), and the coins
prevent the Aswang from lifting snatching you up into the air.

Manananggals (Visayan) – The most distinct quality that separates Manananggals from the
Aswang is that, in flight, it detaches itself from its human torso. Imagine just seeing half of the
creature flying above you. That’s practically enough to scare the wits out of a lot of people. In
Tagalog, the term “manananggal” translates to “one who separates itself”). In its disguise, the
Manananggal takes the form of an older, beautiful woman, sometimes described as having
bloodshot eyes. This is also a monster that can potentially turn its victims into Manananggals,
usually through physical or supernatural means.
Duwende – The Duwende are the Philippines equivalent of hobgoblins and dwarves. These
are creatures (or little gnome-spirits) that play a certain amount of mischief on humans,
though from time to time they are also considered house-guardians. The Duwende also play a
great many part in superstitions throughout the country, but I will get to that in a later lesson.

Nuno sa Punso – These are male goblins, said to live in either an anthill or a termite mound.
The Nuno is said to look like a small old man, with a long beard. While the Duwende tend to be
more playful, mischievous creatures, the Nuno is temperamental and inflicts a whole slew of
terrible vengeance on those who cross it.

Tiyanak – This is not so much a dwarf or a goblin. In fact, a Tiyanak is similar to that of a
changeling, or a demon spirit in the form of a child. Usually, Aswang use them as substitutes
for the children they snatched away as victims.
FIRST GENERATION GODS

BATHALA

AMANIKABKE

IDIYANALE

DUMANGAN

LAKAMPATI

SECOND GENERATION GODS

MAYARI

TALA
HANAN

DUMAKULEM

ANITUN TABU
ANAGOLAY

THIRD GENERATION GODS ARE THE OTHER GODS