Rizal Technological University

College of Education
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Comparative Analysis of Bathala Across Cultures

Danimar Desabelle Jr., Jhanine Shy A. Esplana and Andrea N. Villones

All mythologies in the world that exist are composed of different stories to tell and
cultural background and beliefs to unfold. Mythology plays an important role in our society as it
provides the root of people’s belief, world creation, and even human origins. It gives people a
clarification about the things that cannot be explained and brings people hope especially during
unfortunate times. Mythologies are not complete and cannot be called a “myth” without the
pantheons and creatures who contribute to make the mythological stories more meaningful,
convincing, and interesting to people who believe in it and to those who study and read about it.
This article analyzes the comparison of ‘Bathala’ from other mythologies according to their
cultural and religious influences to people from their country of origin. Furthermore, through
the process of a thorough study of the differences and similarities in Bathala's portrayal, this
paper involves comprehensive discussion about the aspects of cultural interchange, adaptation,
and integration that have influenced native religious customs throughout the region as well as
all over the world.

Bathala originated in the Philippines. He appears as the supreme god, bearing on different
characteristics and responsibilities in many cultures and myths. He represents a highly revered
deity in Tagalog mythology, commonly portrayed as the creator of the universe and the heaven's
ruler. However, different regions and indigenous belief systems have diverse perspectives on
Bathala and its significance. This includes Bathala’s comparable deity from different cultures in
the Philippines. For instance, Kabunian from Ilocano, Lumawig from Igorot, Laon from
Visayan, and Allah from Muslim culture. In addition to that, foreign cultures also possess a
deity that is counterpart of Bathala, Zeus from Greek, Jupiter from Roman, Odin from Norse,
Ra from Egyptian, Brahman from Hindu, Tian from Chinese, Amaterasu from Japanese, Anu
from Mesopotamian, and Huitzilopochtli from Aztec.

In the Philippine archipelago, Ifugao is an ethnic group residing in Mountain Province.

Kabunian is the chief deity in their pantheon. He is responsible to the fifth region of the
universe believed as to where the important deities lived above the skyworld, was recognized as
the supreme being among them, akin to Bathala as the supreme God. Additionally, he was
perceived and regarded by different ethnic groups with distinct attributes and characteristics
assigned to him rather than physical representation. Including being a compassionate and
all-powerful deity associated with natural elements and life’s essential aspects. Having stated
that, the variety of perspectives about Kabunian serves as proof to the versatility and richness of
different ethnic groups' beliefs.
Lumawig, as well, was worshiped by an ethnic group from the Mountain Province, known as
the Igorot tribe. He was recognized as the greatest of all spirits and described by the Igorot
people as the creator of all things and the preserver of life. He is fascinated by and gives rise to
the Igorot. In fact, he taught them all they know, including how to plant and reap and how to
defeat the powers of nature. He used to reside in the Igorot town of Bontoc and was married to a
Bontoc woman. Wherein at a sacred grove, where trees are said to have sprouted from the
graves of his children, a ritual honoring him is held once a month. With that being said, his
descriptions highlight the significance of living in balance with the environment and preserving
traditional values.

While in addition to being fierce fighters, the Visayans were devoted believers who thought that
gods and goddesses had an impact on their life and prosperity. But Laon is the most almighty
deity of all, the one who rules them all. According to them, he didn't physically appear as a man
but rather as a beautiful young woman, a goddess, to the Visayas. Not only do the tattooed
Visayan warriors and the communities respect him, but the mountain tribes and the pygmy
tribes known as the Ati also worship him. In Bisayan languages, the name "Laon'' also has an
agricultural meaning, denoting old harvests or grains from the previous year's harvest. It is
believed that he resides in heaven or in another world, and that the mountain referred to as Kan
Laon allows access to his territory. Moreover, Laon, identified by another name, Lalahon, is a
deity who provides them with an abundance of harvests and other benefits related to agriculture.

According to Bathala’s believers in the Philippines, specifically those who are part of
catholicism, they often say “bahala na” or “Bathala takes care”. Filipinos make this a habit that
whenever they are in times of uncertainty they will just speak the words to ask for help from
Bathala. This phrase means that people put their fate in the hands of Bathala or simply god will
provide for them. Similarly, those believers of Allah have the same thing to do every time they
want something to work or to happen. In Islam, they say “in sha Allah” which means “if God
wills”. Muslim people call their God by that phrase to say what they grant for. The phrase is
always uttered first before they say something about it. On the other hand, Ilocanoes have their
own god with the same characteristics of Bathala and Allah which is Kabunian. Kabunian is a
prominent figure of Philippine mythology, he is portrayed as the Chief deity who created the
world and humans through clay. He is also associated with shaping the earth, populating the
world and creating rules and norms for human behaviors.

In Greek Mythology, Zeus, the king of the Gods and ruler of Mount Olympus is often depicted
as the powerful and authoritative deity which is associated with thunder, lightning and the sky.
He played a significant role in Greek religion and culture, influencing various aspects of the
lives of the Greek people. Zeus was known for controlling weather, leading him as the crucial
figure for agricultural activities that is why farmers pray to Zeus for favorable weather
conditions for the crops and successful harvest. Another significant impact in modern society is
the Olympics. According to myth, many Greek gods competed in Olympia, Zeus fought his
father Kronos for the throne. The Olympic is one of the important events commemorating the
winning of Zeus against his father Kronos, several people offered gifts and sacrifices and
athletes obey the rules as respect to their inspiration which is Zeus.

In Roman mythology, Jupiter is a Roman god who is considered as the god of sky and thunder
like Zeus. Jupiter influenced Roman culture in numerous ways. Jupiter is associated with
modern astrology which means expansion, abundance, growth, and good fortune. Attaining
happiness and peace, reduction of challenges in couples and success will be achieved through
worshiping Jupiter. He is worshiped through sacrifices of animals, construction of large temples
and festivals.

Another god from Europe is Odin, just like Zeus and Jupiter, Odin he is considered as the father
of all the gods. He was the ruler of the Aesir, one of the two groups of gods in Norse mythology.
Odin influenced European culture through literature and mythology itself. In European culture,
he is seen as a figure of great wisdom and knowledge and his story is often used as an
inspiration for literature and cultist identity. Odin's characteristics and attributes such as his
association with poetry and wisdom, contributed to the development of the romantic and
mythical elements in European literature. Additionally, the idea of Odin as a divine and
powerful figure played a role in shaping the cultural and mythological identity of European
societies.

The Sun god of Egypt, Ra, was also the creator of the world and heavens. He is a symbol of
light, life and power which continues to resonate with the people nowadays. Ra’s significance in
the modern world can be seen in Egyptian arts, architecture and cultural practices such as the
sun worship, the solar calendar wherein the calendar is based on the solar cycle and the
Funerary practices where deceased people come to underworld together with Ra to face the
trials, tribulations before reaching the afterlife.

Comparable to Bathala, and with other gods Brahman is the supreme god of Hinduism. Since
he was supreme he has several roles and responsibilities leading to three forms; Brahma, Vishnu
and Shiva. Brahma is the god of creation, Vishnu is the god of preservation and Shiva is the god
of destruction. All of the three have a significance in modern society, they are the representation
of the cycle of birth, life and death. Also, all of the three are essential in balancing harmony in
the universe that is why they are not seen as different entities but the same aspects of ultimate
reality.

One important idea in Chinese philosophy, especially in Confucianism, is "heaven" (tian 天). In
which images of a giant human like with a gigantic head and arms were used to symbolize the
sky during the Shang period. In connection with that, two more characters, "one" and "big," are
placed on top of each other to form the contemporary character for Tian (天). Wherein the
mortal world is represented by the bottom line, and Heaven is reflected by the top line. The
Chinese regard Heaven similar to Bathala in Tagalog mythology as their highest deity,
deserving of sacrifices, and acknowledge Him as the one God. Despite that, Confucius
occasionally questioned if Heaven spoke or whether everything is constantly created, casting
doubt on the idea that Heaven had a stronger impact on everyday life.

In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu is the counterpart of Bathala. Amaterasu possesses character

traits which are known to be warm, gentle, and mature. These traits of the highest deity in the
Japanese pantheon reflect the attitudes of Japanese people who believe in her. The Japanese are
popular for being one of the countries in the world with higher technological advancements.
The influence of Amaterasu’s mindset and maturity to them may be one of the reasons why
Japan is living in the future because they acquire the traits of their goddess. The same with
Bathala, Amaterasu is also a god who grants wishes of her devotees. Both Bathala and
Amaterasu are kind supreme deities because of their way of putting first of their people and
thinking about others before themselves.

In Mesopotamian mythology, Anu is the sky god and the most powerful pantheon. He is
included in some Mesopotamian myths however he only plays secondary roles. There is one
myth that he is the central role which is the Myth of the Adapa where he offers humanity eternal
life and it is refused. The story of Adapa is about Anu offering him immortality to be able to
live longer and escape death. The story reflects how compassionate Anu is to his believers. He
is ready to help him to avoid death even if he is upsetting the natural order of their rules. This
action of Anu is close to Bathala’s kindness which is to be accountable and concerned for their
people by providing them with the help they need especially in difficult times.

Every highest ranking god or goddess from different mythology possess unique characteristics
that. They have the same attributes which is the most powerful

Allah, Bathala, Amaterasu - nag aaask ng prayers yung mga believers sa kanila
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