~Philippine Mythology & Folklore~

Our country has a rich mythology and other forms of folklore such as

legends and folktales. Many myths are about gods and  the origin

of the universe, man, animals, plants, etc.  Each ethnic group

has its own myths.  Here are selected stories:

                            ARAW & BUWAN-

                                        Araw and Buwan were daughters of a fairy. Araw was kind while

                             Buwan often quarreled with her.  One day, Araw cried out for help.      

                             God came down to find out how Buwan mistreated her.  Because of her

                             good nature, God gave Araw a large diamond.  This made Buwan jealous so

                             she stole one of God's diamonds in heaven.  The diamond was not as bright

                             as the one given by God to Araw.  God ordered his angels to punish Buwan.

                             However, the angels threw both Araw and Buwan into the sea and they also 

                             threw the diamonds of the sisters into the sky.  Araw's diamond became the

                             Sun.  Buwan's diamond became the Moon.

                                  ALUNSINA-

                                            Alunsina was a  powerful goddess who was lazy and selfish.

                                  Her husband was Tungkung Langit, a god who keeps order in the world.

                                  One day, they quarreled.  Alunsina left and was never seen again. 

                                  Whenever he was lonely, Tungkung Langit would cry out and his cry

                                  became thunder.  His tears that fell on earth became rain.

                                  APOLAQUI & MAYARI-

                                            Apolaqui and Mayari were the children of Bathala.  After their

                                  father died, they fought for the right to rule the earth.  Apolaqui

                                  hit his sister in the eye, causing her blindness.  Later,  they made

                                  up and agreed to rule the earth alternately.  Apolaqui (Sun) ruled at

                                  daytime while Mayari (Moon) ruled at night.

                                  BERNARDO CARPIO-

                                             As an infant, Bernardo Carpio was already very strong and

                                  became stronger as an adult.  He  was so proud of his strength that

                                  he even challenged God.  God tested him and one of the tests was to

                                  stop the quarrel between two mountains.  Bernardo Carpio went between

                                  them and was instantly buried alive. It is said that earthquakes occur

                                  whenever he tries to free himself.

                                   MAGAYON- Magayon was a beautiful girl who fell in love with Matapang,

                                    a warrior.  However, Magayon's father had already promised her

                                    to Maraut, a wealthy man.  Magayon and Matapang eloped and were

                                    pursued by Magayon's father and his men.  An arrow killed Matapang 

                                    while Magayon was bitten by a poisonous snake as she fled.  Magayon

                                    was buried on the spot where she died and overnight, her grave became

                                    became Mt. Mayon.

                                    MALAKAS AND MAGANDA-

                                             In stories about creation, Malakas (strong) was the first man, while

                                    Maganda (beautiful) was the first woman.

                                    GUGURANG-

                                             Gugurang was a good god who lived inside Mt. Mayon.

                                    He had an evil brother named Asuang who lived inside Mt. Malinao.

                                    They quarreled because Asuang wanted Gugurang's fire which the

                                    latter refused to give.  One day, Asuang stole the fire.  Gugurang

                                    was able to get it back, but he had to undo the damage done to the fire

                                    by his  brother.  Gugurang sent his  warriors to punish Asuang.

                                    Mt. Malinao was cut into two and Asuang was killed.

                                      MARIANG MAKILING-   

                                                Mariang Makiling is  referred to as the fairy who lives in

                                       Mt. Makiling.  Noted for her kindness, Mariang Makiling is depicted

                                       as being close to nature.

                                        ANTING-ANTING-

                                                 A charm made of metal or wood of different forms and has

                                        various inscriptions.  The person who wears an anting-anting is supposed

                                        to have supernatural powers and is protected from harm.

                                        ASWANG-

                                                   A vampire.

                                         BATHALA-

                                                   God.

                                         ENGKANTADA-

                                                   A fairy.

                                         LAMANG LUPA-

                                                   An elemental.

                                         MANGKUKULAM-

                                                   A male/female witch.

                                         MUTYA NG SAGING-

                                                  A charm from the banana flower that appears at the stroke of

                                         midnight when there is a full moon.  A man who gets this charm with his

                                         lips becomes irresistible to women.

                                         SIOKOY-

                                                  A merman.

                                         SIRENA-

                                                  A mermaid.

                                          DUWENDE-

                                                  A dwarf.

                                          KAPRE-

                                                  A big creature sitting on top of a tree smoking a big cigar.  It

                                          looks hideous but is actually harmless.

                                          TIKBALANG-

                                                  A long-legged frightening creature with long hair, bird's feet, a 

                                           human body with a horse's head.   It smokes a cigar.