Phillipine Mythology and FolkloreClass Info HomeworksPhilippines Myth and Folklore is a one-term class, with monthly lessons. Homework will accompany these lessons, for an opportunity to earn a maximum of 300 points. To pass the class, you MUST complete 100 points out of the possible 300 available to you for the term.Just to let you know, I usually try to mix things up, so dont expect the homework questions to be all multiple choice or true/false, etc. Be prepared to actually voice an opinion! All assignments should be sent to hol.philmyths@gmail.com. If there are any questions, you can send me a PM or a HOL message.Homework is graded at the end of each month, so the preliminary due dates are sometime then (more on these below).

Late AssignmentsThe final due date for all assignments is near the end of the term. I will not be penalizing late assignments, however, Id recommend you not waiting until the last minute and submitting all of the homework at once. Im more than likely to get cranky and take off points if I have to stare at all of them at the same time. There are no extensions for the final due date.

Quills and GradingA quill will be awarded for the entire course and will be given at the end of the term after the student passes the class. Grades will be done in the following manner:Outstanding 275-300 points, final project submittedExceeds Expectations 225-274 points, final project submittedAcceptable 175-224 pointsPoor 125-174 pointsDreadful 75-124 pointsTroll 0-74 points Awards will be given at my discretion.As a reminder, Philippines Myth and Folklore is an HOL-affiliated class, and thus all HOL Rules apply. Please respect your fellow colleagues as well as the assistant and me. I will be posting all announcements on the Discussion Board and sending you periodic reminders for due dates etc. New lessons are scheduled to be updated at the first of each month, but please keep in mind that real life happens, so if youre wondering where the next lesson is, chances are I just dont have time at the moment to update and will do so as soon as I can breathe. *nods*

Syllabus February Creation MythsMarch The Gods and Goddesses April Creatures and MonstersMay SuperstitionsJune - Literature and the Media

Encyclopedia DeitiesTagalog GodsAman Sinaya - god of the sea, fishing, and seafaringAmanikable - god of the hunt, the protector of huntsmenAnitun Tabu - goddess of the wind and the rain, generally fickle-mindedApolake - god of the sun, lord of war, son of Bathala, patron of warriorsBathala - king of the gods, ruler of the heavens, creator of humanity, father of Apolake, Mayari, and TalaDian Masalanta - goddess of love, pregnancy, childbirth, became known as "Maria Makiling" post-Spanish arrival, protector of loversHanan - god of the morningHayo - god of the sea and the oceanHukloban - goddess of death, "huklob" means "enchantment", normally in the appearance of a crone or hag, one of Sitan's helperIdianale - goddess of good deeds and hard work, might also be the goddess of death (most claim her identity to Hukloban), also said to be goddess of agriculture and animal husbandryLakambuwi - god of gluttony, food, and eatingLakapati - deity of fertility and cultivated fields, protector of crops and farm animals, also known as "Ikapati" or "Lakanpati," thought to be Bathala's queen consortLinga - god of disease, although unlike Manggagaway, he cures themMalyari - god of strength and bravery, his pride and selfishness resulted in punishment: he was trapped between two mountains crushing himManggagaway - goddess of disease, poses as a healer and inflicts terror by inducing maladies instead, one of Sitan's helperMangkukulam - god of fire (not to be confused by the sun), name means "witch"Manisalat - god of broken families, usually causes discord between husband and wifeMayari - one-eyed, beautiful goddess and ruler of the moon, daughter of BathalaSitan - god of the afterlife, guardian of the realm of the spirits, has four follower godsTala - goddess of the stars, daughter of Bathala, usually the "morning and evening star"Visayan GodsAlunsina - virgin goddess of the eastern skiesBangun Bangun - god of time and cosmic movementsBulalakaw - bird god, causer of illnessBurigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan - goddess of greedinessDalikamata - the many-eyed goddess, cures eye illnessesKan-Laon - the southern supreme ruler, counterpart BathalaKaptan - supreme ruler of the gods, counterpart BathalaKasaraysarayan sa Silgan - god of riversLalahon - goddess of harvest, fire, and volcanoes, sends armies of fleas to destroy crops when angeredLisbusawen - god of soulsLubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokan - goddess of the night breezeLuyong Baybay - goddess of the tidesMagdang Diriinin - god of lakesMaguayan - goddess of the sea, wife of KaptanMaguayen - ferryboat god, ferries souls to hellMaklium sa Tiwan - god of the valleys and plainsMaklium sa Tubig - god of the seaMunsad Buralakaw - god of politics and affairs of menPahulangkug - god of seasonsPaiburong - god of the middle world (not Middle-Earth)Panlinugun - ruler of the underworld, god of earthquakesRibung Linti - god of lightning and thunderSantonilyo - god of gracesSaraganka Bagyo - god of stormsSaragnayan - god of darknessSuimuran and Suiguinarugan - gods of hell, the final destination for all deceased soulsSuklang Malayon - goddess of homeliness, sister of AlunsinaSumalongson - god of the rivers and the seaSumpoy - god of the afterlifeTungkung Langit - upper world and supreme god, counterpart BathalaVarangao - god of rainbowsYnaguinid and Macanduc - gods of war, battleBicolano GodsAswang - god of evil (not to be confused with the Aswang monsters), brother and enemy of GugurangBakunawa - in origin, dragon/sea serpent, "Moon eater," enemy of Haliya, also surfaces in Tagalog mythsGugurang - supreme god, keeper of sacred fire atop the regional mountain, enemy of AswangHaliya - protector of women and goddess of the moon, believed to be the only one protecting women from Bakunawa, goddess of the moonNagined, Arapayan, Makbarubak - the "trinity deities," inflictors of pain and deathOryol - serpent goddess, Aswang's daughter, shapeshifter with an enchanting voice, controls an invisible giant

Monsters and CreaturesAlan - deformed spirits with wings, takes the blood from miscarriages and transforms it into human childAmalanhig - Aswang that rises from the dead and feeds upon humans by biting their necksAmomongo - hairy, man-sized ape with long nails, a wild monkey-man that terrorizes solitary villagesAnggitay - half-female, half-horse, also has a horn like that of a unicorn, comes when it rains in a cloudless skyAswang - demons, humanlike by day and monsters at nightBal-Bal - monster that steals corpses from its grave, foul breath, associated with AswangBatibat - takes form of an old, fat woman residing in trees, and is very vengeful, most punishments include suffocationBerbalang - ghoul, resembling vampires with wings and slanted eyes, dig up graves to eat corpsesBerberoka - swamp creature that lures victims by sucking water in pond to pool fish together, attracting fishermen, who then drown in the processBungisnigs - one-eyed giant who is always laughing, is strong, but dim-wittedBusaw - ghoul and corpse thief, usually resembling humans, but is ogre-like at nightDalaketnon - beautiful elitists, said to control the Aswang, and are powerful and evil spiritsDiwata/Engkantada - mostly females, or fairies, also believed to be gods (the Marias)Duwende - dwarves, mischievous little creatures who can shower good or bad luckEkek - human, bird-like creatures flying in the night sky in search for flesh and bloodEngkato - environmental spirits with ability to take on human form, forest spirits or elvesHantu demon - evil spirit or demon, notorious for possessing people and driving them to insanity (many types of hantu)Higante - the Philippine equivalent of the giantKapre - big, filthy creature that hides within large trees, scaring little children playing at nightKataw - higher-ranked merman, reigning rulers of the oceans and has ability to manipulate waterMambabarang - wicked witch who uses insects and any material to enter the body of anyone they hate and come out disgustinglyManananggal - Aswang who flies and carries only half its body, bodies are cut in half at nightManaul - mythical king who turned into a bird (sometimes believed to be the very bird who caused the seas and skies to fight, forming the islands)Mangkukulam/Bruha - witches that cast evil spellsMinokawa - large bird, said to feed on the moon where there are no other sources of food aroundNuno sa Punso - angry male goblins inflicting harsh punishments to those who offend themPugot - shapeshifting creature, usually that of a black, gigantic headless being, can move at great speeds, feeds on snakes and insects, usually harmless to humansSarangay - half-human, half-bull, with a jewel attached to ears, will kill if jewel is stolenSarimanok - magical mythical bird who brings good luck to anyone who catches itSigbin - looks like a hornless goat, said to suck blood out of its victims from shadowsSirena - mermaid, sea creatures with fish tails who attract fishermenSiyokoy - sea creatures with fish-like bodies and long, green tentacles that drown mortalsTigmamanukan - bird of omen, usually letting travelers know to expect good or bad luckTikbalang - half-man, half-horse (reverse centaur), terrorizes womenTiyanak/Impakto - child-like creatures that eat the living and terrify childrenWakwak - human, bird-like creatures flying in the night sky in search for flesh and blood

LessonsLesson 1Creation Myths IntroductionMost of us, if not all, are familiar with the popularized Western myths. In fact, it would be a bit surprising if at this point you havent at least heard of the gods and goddesses once worshipped by the Egyptians, the Greeks, and/or the Romans. Even the Norse myths of Thor the thunder god might ring bells. Though while all of these myths are highly fascinating and worth studying once over, there is definitely more obscure folklore out there, even in countries where the religion might have quashed out the remains of mythological belief. Philippines mythology contains the same elements found in most other myths: creation, monsters, and beliefs. Though the Philippines is largelyif not whollyWesternized and Christianized, there are still superstitions that most Filipinos and Filipinas have not relinquished. Certainly, most of the monsters are still used as fairy tale fodder to scare the children (and in some cases, to make adults wary of their surroundings). Because of the numerous amounts of islands, the Philippines consist of diverse myths from each province. While I would really love to explore the myths in every dialect, one term is not going to cover all 175 dialects found in the country. So Ill just be dabbling mostly in stuff I can translate.

How the World Came to Be (an ancient Visayan myth)In the beginning, there was only water and sky. The Water Kingdom belonged to the god Maguayan, who had a daughter named Lidagat. The Sky Kingdom belonged to Captan, who had a son named Lihangin. To bring peace about their domains, Captan and Maguayan proposed that their children marry. So this was done. Lidagat and Lihangin had four children: 3 sons (Licalibutan, Liadlao, and Libulan) and a daughter (Lisuga). Licalibutan had the body of hard rock, and he was strong and brave; Liadlao was made of gold and was always so cheerful; Libulan had a copper body and was weak and timid; Lisuga was made of pure silver and had a sweet and gentle disposition.It came to be that the aging Lihangin and Lidagat soon passed away. Before he died, Lihangin gave his eldest son Licalibutan control of the winds. But a long time had passed in peace, and Licalibutan became greedy. He wanted more than just the winds at his beck and call. So he plotted against Captan, ruler of the Sky. After forcing his brothers to join in the plot, Licalibutan stormed at the gates of Captans realm and attempted to invade. Almighty Captan, infuriated at this betrayal, summoned the forces of nature and struck each of the brothers in turn. All of them tried to run, but to no avail, they were destroyed. Licalibutans rock body shattered into pieces of varied size. The pieces fell into the water, and it later became known as land.Missing her brothers, kind and gentle Lisuga headed towards the heavens, only to be attacked by a rampaging Captan, who also struck her dead. When the deed was done, the King of the Sky confronted Maguayan about this attack. The Sea God was more patient and logical, and eased Captans mind. Soon both gods began to despair at the loss of their grandchildren. In honor of their grandchildrens destruction, Maguayan and Captan set parts of their bodies into the sky. Liadlao became what was now the sun, Libulan the moon, and Lisuga shone brightly as the stars. Only the greedy Licalibutan remained where he was, for his wicked deeds deserved no honor. Instead, it was decided that his body would become the support for Captan and Maguayans new offspring.And in so doing, the two gods planted on the land a bamboo tree. From this trees hollow branch emerged the first man (Sicalac) and the first woman (Sicabay). The two married and in turn had many offspring.Other Mythical Beginnings

Of course, while the ancient Filipino creation myth is the widely acknowledged version of the worlds creation, there are still other versions from different dialects. In Tagalog, the lands creation was not so inclined to violence. In fact, it was a bird that spurred creation on. Because the bird could find no land to rest its weary wings, it made the water rise towards the sky. As a defense mechanism, the sky dropped pieces of land onto the water, to prevent it from rising up again. And so the land was made, and the bird made its nest and produced children.In Igorot, the Great Spirit Lumawig came down from the sky towards the unpopulated earth. He cut up reeds in pairs and placed them in different regions. The regions became men and women who spoke different languages. Lumawig helped the people in their early days and watched them prosper. In Mindanao, the moon and the stars were the result of a single spinster woman. In the days when the sky was so close to the ground, a spinster woman came out of her home to pound rice. Rice is pounded by taking a mortar and smashing the bundle of grains on top of a hide placed on the ground. Before the spinster began her work, she unhooked her glittering beads from her neck and untangled her crescent comb from her hair. She hung these on the sky and began to pound. Each time she raised her mortar up, however, the end of the mortar hit the sky, which recoiled upwards. It came to the point where the sky floated up so high that the spinsters possessions were lost to her. At night, we can still all see it: the crescent comb-shaped moon and the glittering bead-like stars are still shining in the night sky.

Clearing Things UpTo help give you a better sense of why these stories are what they are, here are just a few explanations for things: Lihangit and Lidagat Taking the Li prefix out of their names, hangit can be derived from hangin, which means air, and dagat is sea. Which makes sense for Lihangit to be the son of the Sky God, while Lidagat is the daughter of the Sea God.Licalibutan, Liadlao, Libulan, and Lisuga Again, take the Li prefix out, and calibutan means world, adlao means day, bulan means moon, and suga means light. Licalibutan became the land, and thus part of the world, Liadlao turned into the sun, Libulan became the moon, and Lisuga turned into the stars in the sky. Land masses If you notice, in the stories Ive summarized, everything began with the sky and the sea. The land had to be created. Because of the way the Philippines itself is arranged, most myths explain the reason for the scattered islands. Whether its by a giant falling into pieces or the sky raining land onto the sea.People and races I didnt add so much of this in my summaries, but I do want to mention the myths about the humans a bit. What I happen to like about having read these creation myths is the fact that they explain not only how the world came about, but also how the different ethnic peoples came about. It may be because those in the Philippines did not start as one entire country speaking the same language. So that had to be explained (the gods separated them out of punishment or out of necessity). The concept of races was also an amusing bit of reading, though, again, I will leave you the choice to find that bit of information.ReferencesJohn Maurice Miller, Philippines Folklore Stories (Boston: Ginn and Company, 1904), pp. 57-64Mabel Cook Cole, Philippine Folk Tales (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Comopany, 1916), pp. 99-101, 124

Lesson 2The Gods and Goddesses Again, just like the creation myths, gods and goddesses vary from region to region. Ive mentioned a few in the creation stories, but I actually want to discuss a few different ones this time (though, in some cases, they can be linked to the creation gods from the previous lesson).The Tagalog PantheonBelow, I have listed the major Pantheon gods and goddesses. This may or may not include the Diwata, who were believed to have been gods in ancient times. Now, the term diwata refers to mythical creatures akin to fairies and nymphs (and in some cases, demons), but well get to that in a later lesson.

BathalaBathala, or Bathalang Maykapal (or any other spelling variations), is the head honcho of the gods in the Tagalog myths. There are definitely counterparts in the other dialects, and you might recognize him as Captan/Kaptan from the Visayan creation myth. Bathala reigns supreme in the heavens, though his beginnings were not necessarily so set.In his story, Bathala was more known to have ruled over the barren Earth, while two other gods (brothers, perhaps)Ulilang Kaluluwa (a snake living in the clouds) and Galang Kaluluwa (the winged wanderer)ruled the skies. None of the three knew each other, and when Ulilang met with Bathala, tempers ran high. In a violent duel, Bathala emerged as the victor, and Ulilang was killed, giving Bathala control of the heavens. Galang, the more good-natured of the sky rulers, became Bathalas best friend, and after the sky wanderers illnessleading to an ultimate deathBathala ruled supreme. The god is known to have married a mortal woman, and from her sprang three of his powerful offspring: Apolaki (God of War and Guardian of the Sun), Mayari (Goddess of the Moon), and Tala (Goddess of the Stars).Apolaki and MayariIm putting these two together for a reason. Apolaki is also known as Adlaw (remember Liadlaw?), and he holds dominion over the sun. His sister, Mayari (whose Visayan equivalent is Bulan), rules over the moon, and is known to be the most beautiful goddess in Bathalas kingdom.According to one myth (generally believed to be Pampangan), when Bathala passed away, he did not designate the Earth to any of his children. Apolaki and Mayari both fought over the Earths dominion; the sun god wanted to be the sole ruler, but the goddess of the moon wanted an equal share. This resulted in a ferocious battle, Apolaki taking out one of his sisters eyes. Regretting his actions, he conceded and ruled the earth with Mayari, only they would rule at different times. In the day, it was Apolakis moment, and at night, Mayari shone in the sky (though her luminescence is dimmer, due to the loss of one eye).TalaNot much is said about Tala as the daughter of Bathala, only that she ruled the stars (and is usually referred to as the evening and morning star). There are, however, varied accounts of her origination. One myth tells us that she is not the daughter of Bathala, but in fact the child of moon goddess Buan (probably a variation of Bulan). It is said that Tala warns her mother of sun god Araos (Adlaw) rampage, and only when the sun is gone is it safe for Buan to bring forth the stars in the sky.AmihanThe bird of legend is said to be the first creature inhabiting the universe, and has been linked to the saving of Earths first humans: Malakas (strong) and Maganda (beautiful). While this name is particularly not used in the Tagalog creation myth about the bird who stirred up the waters and the heavens, I believe there may be a correlation.

The MariasMaria Cacao, Maria Makiling, and Maria Sinukuan are mountain goddesses (or fairies) with their own separate jurisdictions. The most famous of the three, Maria Makiling, is the guardian of Mount Makiling, located in Laguna. The mountain is said to resemble the profile of a woman, perhaps of Maria herself. Maria Cacao watches over Mount Lantoy in Cebu, and it is said that her domain houses the Cacao plants, a useful ingredient in most Filipino chocolate delicacies. Lastly, Maria Sinukuan holds dominion over Mount Arayat in Pampanga. There, she is said to bring forth bountiful harvests from the mountains fruit trees.BakunawaMoon eater Bakunawa is most akin to that of a gigantic sea serpent or dragon, and is said to be the god of the underworld. Bakunawa is apparently a major cause of the eclipse, for he swallows the moon at that time.According to some accounts, Bathala and Bakunawa are mortal enemies. In ancient times, it was believed that Bathala created seven moons to light up the night sky. Enchanted by the beauty of the seven moons, Bakunawa leapt from the sea and swallowed the moons, angering the king of the gods. To keep the giant serpent from swallowing the moons whole, people in the ancient villages would bang their pots and pans noisily outside their homes, in hopes of scaring Bakunawa into spitting the moons back out.Post-Spanish PhilippinesIn time, the gods and goddesses roles, names, and myths changed to better fit a more Spanish and Christian influence. Because of the Spaniard settlements on the islands of the Philippines, missionaries of the time have worked to assimilate the idea of Bathala and the major gods into a monotheistic principle, with saints as the lesser divinities. The missionaries may have been successful, but even then, some of the Filipino culture is steeped with allusions to the gods and goddesses of old.I have included a more comprehensive list of Visayan, Bicolon, and Tagalog gods and goddesses in a separate page if you would like to take a look at them and see the similarities among those of its Western mythological counterparts. For a longer list, you might want to check this link out.References:F. Landa Jocano, Outline of Philippine Mythology (Centro Escolar University Research and Development Center, 1969)

Lesson 3Creatures and Monsters Like the number of gods in the Philippines pantheon, the amount of creatures that fill Filipino folklore is numerous. From the myths retold by the separate townsfolk of different dialects, you will find that the creatures serve similar roles as its Western counterparts. There are many, many creatures that I would love to discuss, but the most important ones belong to one specific group, a group that encompasses monsters very similar to our western, Transylvanian friends.

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 LikeAswang 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 ThemDetecting 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 lycanthropeswerewolves. 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.Similar CreaturesNow heres a few descriptions of other aswang. Now, keep in mind, that when I say aswang, it usually means the group of them, and not just the monster Ive discussed above.Amalanhig (Visayan) These creatures are a mixture of zombies and vampires. The Amalanhig is an aswang that rises from the dead, and feeds upon humans by biting their necks. Their canine fangs are most prominent, and one can usually escape them by running in a zigzag direction or by climbing up a tree. Due to the stiffness of the Amalanhigs body, the monster can only walk in a straight direction, and cannot climb trees. Bodies of water are also good hiding spots, since the Amalanhig is frightened of them.

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. Thats 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. Ekek/Ek Ek and the Wakwak/Wak Wak (Visayan) These are bird-like humans, much like the Manananggal, except they cannot sever their torsos from their body. These shapeshifting aswang monsters turn into large birds or bats and prowls at night. The Ekek is named appropriately, because in its attacking its victim, this monster produces an ek-ek-ek sound. In a similar manner, the Wakwak is named for the sound it emits when it flies.Sigbin (Visayan) The Sigbin (or Sigben) are said to suck the blood out of its victims from the shadows. The Sigbin are usually invisible to its victims, but the humans can usually tell a Sigbins presence from its nauseating stench. This creature resembles that of a hornless goat, and is connected to the Aswang as a type of familiar, not so much a similar creature.The Other MonstersOkay, now that Ive discussed most of the Aswang, Id also like to give a brief mention to the other monsters that are said to roam the Philippine islands. Keep in mind, Ive split them up into their Western equivalents, so theyre organized.

Merfolk and Water SpiritsSirena This refers to the female mermaid, and an engkanto, meaning a spirit/elf, usually found within nature. Like its namesake (most definitely stemming from the Greek mythology), the Sirena is a half-human, half-fish creature that possesses a beautiful voice, attracting men into a watery grave. Sound familiar? I wouldnt put it past you.

Siyokoy The Siyokoy are the male equivalents of merfolk, and are described to be more animalistic than the Sirena. In fact, the Siyokoy is even described to be a monstrous creature with long, green tentacles and fish-like bodies.Kataw This is the name of the higher-ranked mermen, said to be the reigning rulers of the oceans. Unlike the Siyokoy, the Kataw resembles a human almost in full form, with feet instead of tails; the only difference is that the Kataw have gills on their bodies and fins on their arms. These creatures are also said to possess the ability to manipulate water.Birds of a Feather

Sarimanok This legendary bird is sort of like a chicken (manok translates to chicken), and is said to have originated from Islamic legend. According to the Maranao people, who originated this mythfrom a totem bird called Itotoro, the bird woke every living creature except man. It is said that the world would end if the crow of this particular bird ceases. Tigmamanukan This one happens to be a bird of omen, and like the cat for luck, the direction in which this bird flies usually indicates the prospect of a journey. If the bird flew from right to left, then it brings success; on the other hand, if the bird went from left to right, then those that are traveling were doomed.Minokawa The Minokawa is a large bird, said to be so enormous that it blocked out the light from the moon. This bird is also said to feed on the moon when there are no other sources of food around, and is a relative to the sky serpent, Bakunawa.The Little Folk

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.Half-Human, Half-Beast

Tikbalang The Tikbalang is what you would call a reverse centaur. The creatures body is male, and its head and feet are that of a horse. These creatures are set to scare travelers astray, usually getting them lost and traveling in circles. Anggitay The Anggitay is the female counterpart of the Tikbalang. They are, however, more similar to centaurs, with their heads being that of a female human, and the body of a horse from the waist down. Sometimes they are also described to have one horn, like that of a unicorn, and are attracted to gemstones. Legends say that the Anggitay appears on the event that rain falls even with a clear sky.Sarangay This is perhaps a creature resembling the minotaur. The Sarangay is a half-human, half-bull, with a jewel attached to its ears. Those who attempt to steal this jewel from the Sarangay is killed in cold blood.Again, there are plentiful creatures that I havent mentioned. Ive added all of the above and then-some into the Encyclopedia, titled Monsters and Creatures.References:Cruz, Neal. As I See It: Philippine mythological monsters. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2008.Miller, Andrei. Magical Creatures and Non-Human Beings. http://www.mysiquijor.com/MagicCreatures.html. 2007.Scott, William Henry. Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1994.

Lesson 4Superstitions There are peoplewhether behind a religious belief or traditional thinkingwho believe in superstitions. While superstitions usually lack logical explanation or scientific ground, it doesnt change the fact that a number of us still slightly recoil when a black cat crosses our path. And we certainly do avoid walking under a ladder (though I suspect thats also due to it being generally unsafe to walk underneath).Im going to mention just a few of those superstitions that follow a number of Filipinos today, including ones my family actually observes.Duwende

Now, as Ive mentioned in the previous lesson, the Duwende are mischievous little creatures. In fact, what theyre most well-known for is their appearance at night. While the Duwende appear at noon for an hour, they are prominent later at night. Its the middle of the night, and you are craving that usual midnight snack. Getting out of bed, you tip-toe to the kitchen, in search of something delectable to munch on. There, inside the pot, was the dinner you voraciously wolfed down just a few hours back, and you think to yourself: Well, it doesnt hurt to get a little more of it! And you open that lid, reach in...Next thing you know, youve been trapped. Inside the very pot you were reaching into. And theres a tiny cackle from outside, locking you in...Duwende play a ton of tricks on people, and it is said sometimes that they take your souls and trap them inside kitchen equipment. Parents have warned their children about the dangers of sneaking into the pantry, and solely for the reason that the Duwende is known to strike at that poignant time.To prevent souls being stolen, Filipino mothers usually tell these warning tales to their children. Often, mothers use the thought of the Duwende to get their children to finish their food. Dont blame me if you get hungry later on. The Duwende might come find you!White Lady

While not the product of Filipino mythology, I would like to mention this ghost, because it is a slightly international superstition. The White Lady is generally a female ghost, mostly known for her appearances in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Norway, the United States, and the Philippines. Like the tales of the Manananggals and the Aswang, the White Lady is a prominent figure used as a horror story for children. Superstitious folk even go as far as claim that white ladies have been sighted all over the countryside.One well-known tale of this mysterious, eerie figure is that of the White Lady of Quezon City. In the street of Balete Drive, it is said that a White Lady haunts the graveyard shift (a shift that lasts from late at night until very early morning), and is the sole reason for major accidents around that road.A tired taxi driver is driving in the empty road of Balete Drive, his night-shift just at its beginning hours. Its a quiet night, and it looks like there wont be much trouble, the only light appearing from the drivers vehicle. But still, the taxi driver is nervous. He had heard about the tales told along this road.He knew one driver who had quit just recently, telling tales of a frightening, yet beautiful woman who had asked for a ride. Only, this womans face was filled with blood and bruises, and her apparition looked almost translucent. The drivers friend ran out of that car and never bothered to return.But it looks like it would be an uneventful shift, and the driver holds his breath as he makes his way down to the end of Balete Drive. He peers to the front, seeing nothing hindering him. Then he checks his rearview mirror.Reflected in the back is the face of a beautiful woman sitting in the backseat. The driver balks, he hadnt picked anyone up that night. He turns around. Nothing there. He looks at his rearview mirror again. Her face watches him. Distracted, the driver didnt see the sharp turn up ahead...Most late-night accidents in Balete Drive are blamed on this womanly apparition, and when the White Lady appears, its only a sign of trouble.Minor SuperstitionsKumakatok Most of this superstition has declined since after World War II, however, the Kumakatok is a group of three hooded figures, one young woman and the other two old men. These figures are usually omens of death, the eldest member of the family dying after they show their presence. The Kumakatok knocks on their victims doors. For people to prevent this passing, residents usually painted white crosses on their doors, and the trio usually avoid those houses.The Trickster In Visayan, hes known as Juan Pusong. In Tagalog/Pampangan, hes Juan Usong/Osong. In any case, he is widely known as the trickster, a deceitful and dishonest man who deceives and swindles people. Though rarely doing anything for evil purposes, he does have the propensity to hoodwink unsuspecting people.ResourcesParaiso, Salvador and Jose Juan. The Balete Book: A collection of demons, monsters and dwarfs from the Philippine lower mythology. Giraffe Books, 2003.Eugenio, Damiana L. Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology. University of the Philippines Press, 2007.

Lesson 5Superstitions There are peoplewhether behind a religious belief or traditional thinkingwho believe in superstitions. While superstitions usually lack logical explanation or scientific ground, it doesnt change the fact that a number of us still slightly recoil when a black cat crosses our path. And we certainly do avoid walking under a ladder (though I suspect thats also due to it being generally unsafe to walk underneath).Im going to mention just a few of those superstitions that follow a number of Filipinos today, including ones my family actually observes.Duwende

Now, as Ive mentioned in the previous lesson, the Duwende are mischievous little creatures. In fact, what theyre most well-known for is their appearance at night. While the Duwende appear at noon for an hour, they are prominent later at night. Its the middle of the night, and you are craving that usual midnight snack. Getting out of bed, you tip-toe to the kitchen, in search of something delectable to munch on. There, inside the pot, was the dinner you voraciously wolfed down just a few hours back, and you think to yourself: Well, it doesnt hurt to get a little more of it! And you open that lid, reach in...Next thing you know, youve been trapped. Inside the very pot you were reaching into. And theres a tiny cackle from outside, locking you in...Duwende play a ton of tricks on people, and it is said sometimes that they take your souls and trap them inside kitchen equipment. Parents have warned their children about the dangers of sneaking into the pantry, and solely for the reason that the Duwende is known to strike at that poignant time.To prevent souls being stolen, Filipino mothers usually tell these warning tales to their children. Often, mothers use the thought of the Duwende to get their children to finish their food. Dont blame me if you get hungry later on. The Duwende might come find you!White Lady

While not the product of Filipino mythology, I would like to mention this ghost, because it is a slightly international superstition. The White Lady is generally a female ghost, mostly known for her appearances in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Norway, the United States, and the Philippines. Like the tales of the Manananggals and the Aswang, the White Lady is a prominent figure used as a horror story for children. Superstitious folk even go as far as claim that white ladies have been sighted all over the countryside.One well-known tale of this mysterious, eerie figure is that of the White Lady of Quezon City. In the street of Balete Drive, it is said that a White Lady haunts the graveyard shift (a shift that lasts from late at night until very early morning), and is the sole reason for major accidents around that road.A tired taxi driver is driving in the empty road of Balete Drive, his night-shift just at its beginning hours. Its a quiet night, and it looks like there wont be much trouble, the only light appearing from the drivers vehicle. But still, the taxi driver is nervous. He had heard about the tales told along this road.He knew one driver who had quit just recently, telling tales of a frightening, yet beautiful woman who had asked for a ride. Only, this womans face was filled with blood and bruises, and her apparition looked almost translucent. The drivers friend ran out of that car and never bothered to return.But it looks like it would be an uneventful shift, and the driver holds his breath as he makes his way down to the end of Balete Drive. He peers to the front, seeing nothing hindering him. Then he checks his rearview mirror.Reflected in the back is the face of a beautiful woman sitting in the backseat. The driver balks, he hadnt picked anyone up that night. He turns around. Nothing there. He looks at his rearview mirror again. Her face watches him. Distracted, the driver didnt see the sharp turn up ahead...Most late-night accidents in Balete Drive are blamed on this womanly apparition, and when the White Lady appears, its only a sign of trouble.Minor SuperstitionsKumakatok Most of this superstition has declined since after World War II, however, the Kumakatok is a group of three hooded figures, one young woman and the other two old men. These figures are usually omens of death, the eldest member of the family dying after they show their presence. The Kumakatok knocks on their victims doors. For people to prevent this passing, residents usually painted white crosses on their doors, and the trio usually avoid those houses.The Trickster In Visayan, hes known as Juan Pusong. In Tagalog/Pampangan, hes Juan Usong/Osong. In any case, he is widely known as the trickster, a deceitful and dishonest man who deceives and swindles people. Though rarely doing anything for evil purposes, he does have the propensity to hoodwink unsuspecting people.ResourcesParaiso, Salvador and Jose Juan. The Balete Book: A collection of demons, monsters and dwarfs from the Philippine lower mythology. Giraffe Books, 2003.Eugenio, Damiana L. Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology. University of the Philippines Press, 2007.

HomeworkHW# 1Homework 1 There are a total of 120 points available for you to earn in this homework. Only the first 60 points will be graded, so please dont do them all.Identify: Who is each entity? (10 points)LihangitLidagatLicalibutanLiadlaoLibulanShort Answers: (10 points)1) Who are Sicalac and Sicabay?2) What dialect did the myth of How the World Came to Be come from?3) Which of Lihangit and Lidagats children plotted against Captan?4) In the beginning, there was the sky and the sea. What was always missing?5) Which dialect spoke of a spinster woman, and what items became the moon and the stars?Either Or?: (10 points) Answer each in 3 or more sentences1) Which myth on the creation of the stars and the moon did you prefer? Why?2) Which myth about the creation of land did you prefer? Why? All About Timing: (10 points) Answer in 5 or more sentencesLisuga was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you were Captan, and you knew Lisugas personality, would you have destroyed her along with her brothers? Explain why or why not.What bird is it?: (5 points)In the Tagalog version of how land came to be, a bird was responsible for stirring up the waters that went to the sky. Some versions of this tale name different types of birds. Find at least one version where a specific bird is named.Compare and Contrast: (15 points)In some mythology, gods have murderous tempers. Captan is one of them. Find another king of the gods from a different mythology and compare and/or contrast this other god with Captan. Minimum 200 words. So Thats How It Is...: (15 points each)1) Knowing what you know about the many different dialects, write your own myth of how these people came to speak so differently from each other. Minimum 200 words.2) Knowing what you know about the Philippines making up 7,000 islands, write your own myth of how the land was formed. Minimum 200 words.Imagine That!: (15 points each)1) Draw, sketch, or paint a scene or a character from any of the myths in the lesson. An image manipulation program (like Paint, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc.) is allowed, as long as it is YOUR OWN ORIGINAL WORK!2) A few of the gods children are described in appearance. But you never know what all the other gods appear as. Pick from Maguayan, Captan, Lihangin, Lidagat, and Lumawig, and illustrate what you think they look like. Use the context clues in the lesson to figure out what they are exactly. This can be drawn, sketched, painted, or image manipulated.All images should be uploaded to an image server (Photobucket, Flickr, ImageShack) and sent as a link. DO NOT send any attachments!Send all assignments with the subject Assignment 1 - HOL ID to hol.philmyths@gmail.com. Make sure to add your HOL name somewhere in the email. Assignments are graded at the end of each month.

HW#2Homework 2 There are a total of 120 points available for you to earn in this homework. Only the first 60 points will be graded, so please dont do them all.Identify: (10 points) One-line descriptions are fine.Name five of the Pantheon gods and goddesses and briefly describe them.Short Answers: (10 points)1) According to Bathalas story, who are the two gods who originally ruled the sky?2) Who did Amihan save?3) How many Marias are there, and what mountains did they guard over?4) Which two of Bathalas children fought over ruling the Earth?5) Who is known as the Moon eater and what does he look like?Decisions, decisions: (15 points) Answer each in 3 or more sentences1) Between Apolaki, Mayari, and Tala, which of them would you have preferred taking control of the Earth after Bathalas passing? Why?2) If you were to choose, which of the three Marias would be your patron? Why?3) How would you prevent Bakunawa from eating the moon(s)?The wanderer: (10 points) Answer in 5 or more sentencesAfter Ulilang Kaluluwas death in the hands of Bathala, the other sky-ruler Galang Kaluluwa is invited into Bathalas kingdom, and the two become fast friends. If you were Galang, would you have gotten angry that your brother/partner was killed? Would you have taken the opportunity to avenge Ulilangs death? Explain why or why not.Research: (15 points)In the Encyclopedia, under Deities, pick a god/goddess and find an equivalent god/goddess in another culture (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.). Explain what the equivalent god/goddess does in that particular culture. Minimum 200 words.Pick a god, any god: (30 points)Pick a god or goddess in the Encyclopedia, under Deities. There is barely much information regarding myths about most of them. So heres an opportunity to make up your own! Write a description of this particular god/goddess. This can go from physical description, to background story, to even a randomly created myth related to the particular god/goddess! Minimum of 500 words for full points, please.Note: If you want to split things up and do two gods/goddesses, then its a minimum of 250 words per deity, at 15 points each.Picture this: (15 points each)1) Illustrate either Amihan or Bakunawa. You can do this by drawing, sketching, painting, or using image manipulation programs (Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc.) to showcase this. The illustration can be anything from just solely Amihan or Bakunawa, or a scene in their respective myths.2) In some myths, certain gods and goddesses have emblems they call their own. Norse god Thor has his hammer, Grecian Zeus his lightning bolts. Pick a god/goddess (from either the lesson or the Encyclopedia, under Deities) and draw, sketch, paint, or Photoshop his/her symbol. If they dont have one, make it up. Think creatively!All images should be uploaded to an image server (Photobucket, Flickr, ImageShack) and sent as a link. DO NOT send any attachments!Send all assignments with the subject Assignment 2 - HOL ID to hol.philmyths@gmail.com. Make sure to add your HOL name somewhere in the email. Assignments are graded at the end of each month.

HW#3Homework 3 There are a total of 120 points available for you to earn in this homework. Only the first 60 points will be graded, so please dont do them all.Matching: (10 points)Match the following monsters to the group indicated underneath. (Example, 1-a, 2-c, etc.). Note: There will be repeating letters.1) Kataw2) Tiyanak3) Manananggal4) Ekek5) Anggitay6) Duwende7) Minokawa8) Sigbin9) Siyokoy10) Amalanhig a) Aswangb) Merfolk and Water Spiritsc) Birdsd) Little Folke) Half-Human, Half-BeastIdentify: (10 points)Give a short (1-2 sentences) description of each monster/creature.1) Wakwak2) Sirena3) Tigmamanukan4) Nuno sa Punso5) SarangayShort Answers: (10 points)Answer the following in 1-3 sentences.1) What do you use to protect yourself against the Aswang?2) When does the Anggitay appear, according to legend?3) What legendary bird originated from Islamic legend? What type of bird did this monster come from?4) The Kataw is different from the Siyokoy, how?5) How do you run away from Amalanhig, and why does it work?Chiropterans: (10 points) Answer in 5 or more sentencesIve listed a number of similarities in the lesson regarding vampires versus the Aswang. What makes these two creatures resemble each other? Feel free to cite examples from all the different types of Aswang.Additional Lesson: (20 points)There were a few other creatures I so wanted to talk about but unfortunately would have dragged the lesson on. So! There are four terms listed below. Pick one, do a little research, and tell me about the term. Does the term refer to a demon? A monster? A group of creatures? Be as specific as you can. Minimum 200 words.DalaketnonHantu DemonEngkantoDiwataGuide to Self-Protection: (30 points)Were going to do this the wizarding way! One of the monsters is wreaking havoc in the jurisdiction relating to the Eastern Branch of the Ministry of Magic. As the Ministry official who provides communication from the Cabinet to the public, your job is to write up pamphlets that instruct the rest of the community on how to defend against creature attacks. Come up with the content for your pamphlet, and dont forget the pamphlet title!You can use either the creatures in the Encyclopedia (under Monsters and Creatures) or the creatures in the lesson (except the Aswang). Minimum 300 words.M-M-Monster: (15 points each)1) Ive mentioned that the Aswang have familiars, or sort of demon minions to help them (the Sigbin). Illustrate this demon familiar of theirs.2) Take one of the creatures in either the Encyclopedia (under Monsters and Creatures) or the lesson and draw/Photoshop me your depiction of it.All images should be uploaded to an image server (Photobucket, Flickr, ImageShack) and sent as a link. DO NOT send any attachments!Send all assignments with the subject Assignment 3 - HOL ID to hol.philmyths@gmail.com. Make sure to add your HOL name somewhere in the email. Assignments are graded at the end of each month.

HW#4Homework 4 There are a total of 120 points available for you to earn in this homework. Only the first 60 points will be graded, so please dont do them all.Identify: (20 points) Describe each element in 1-2 sentencesDuwendeWhite LadyKumakatokThe TricksterTrue/False: (10 points) Indicate whether the statement is True (T) or False (F)1.The White Lady is generally a female ghost, mostly known for her appearances in the United Kingdom, Germany, Borneo, Portugal, Nicaragua, the United States, and the Philippines.2. The Duwende are prominent in the early afternoon.3. The Kumakatok is a group of three hooded figures, one young woman and the other two old men.4. In the street of Balete Drive, it is said that a Trickster haunts the graveyard shift, and is the sole reason for major accidents around that road.5. The Trickster in Visayan, hes known as Juan Usong/Osong. In Tagalog/Pampangan, hes Juan Pusong.Short Answers: (10 points) Answer each in 1-2 sentences1) Most late-night accidents in Balete Drive are blamed on what?2) Which houses did the Kumakatok avoid?3) The Duwende sometimes traps your soul but in what do they lock it?4) What is the other name of the trickster?5) Which thought do mothers use to get there children to eat?Superstition Shmuperstition: (10 points each)a) Imagine you are trapped inside a pot by the Duwende like the person mentioned in the lesson. What would you do? Try to escape? Enjoy your snack anyway? Answer in 5 or more sentences.b) Try to find a non-Filipino superstition and a Filipino superstition that are similar (you can use the superstitions from the lesson or find another one).Summarizethem in at least 5 sentences each. Be sure to tell where the other superstition is from!A Sad Tale: (15 points)The White Lady has a pretty morbid past, according to Filipino tales. However, for the sake of keeping the HOL rating, I wont get into it. Instead, try to make up your own version of her past. Why does the White Lady haunt Balete Drive? And why show herself to drivers late at night? Do you think this is from a malicious standpoint? Or is she out crying for help? Minimum 300 words!The Mothman Prophecies: (15 points)Knowing what you know about the Kumakatok, write a story you might have heard about their appearance and write about what happened. Also, do you think that the mothman legends are a similar superstition as the Kumakatok or are they something else? Minimum 300 words!Encounters: (30 points)Heres a chance to illustrate a scenery from the lesson. You have four different types of elements of superstition (Duwende, The White Lady, Kumakatok, and the Trickster). Take one element and draw a scene where they play a part (perhaps the taxi driver in Quezon City, or the Kumakatok calling in for the death of a resident). You can use any artistic medium here; just remember it must be your own!All images should be uploaded to an image server (Photobucket, Flickr, ImageShack) and sent as a link. DO NOT send any attachments!Send all assignments with the subject Assignment 4 - HOL ID to hol.philmyths@gmail.com. Make sure to add your HOL name somewhere in the email. Assignments are graded at the end of each month.

HW#5Homework 5 This assignment is going to be a little different, as it will encompass all the five lessons in the term.You will still have the opportunity to get 60 points for this homework. Each category is worth 30 points, with a total of 60 points maximum.

Crossword: (30 points)Each answer is worth 2 points, with a total of 30 points in all. You can send the image back with your answers (no attachments!), or you can list them down in the following format:Across3. ANSWERDown2. ANSWERClick the image for full view.

EasyPeasySurveySqueeze: (30 points)Because the next two sets of homework topics consist of writing and/or artwork *eg*, I suppose Ill give you guys a break and have this option for those whod rather not write me pretty things! Still, since this is worth 30 points, I would like 3-5 sentences per question, please!1) Why did you take this class?2) Which lesson did you like? Which one did you least like? Why?3) I didnt cover a ton of information, unfortunately, but if there were things you wanted to have had covered and I didnt mention, what were they?4) What do you remember the most about in the lessons?5) Was the encyclopedia useful for you? Or would a link to lists be better instead?Folklore: (30 points)You are doing your own documentary of the myths of the Philippines. Youve set up your questions, done your research and interviews, and are now putting your compiled documentary together. In whatever medium you so choose (a magazine/newspaper article, an essay, a book excerpt, a video interview, etc.), display your findings. If youre planning to do written pieces, keep them over 300 words, please.Setting: (30 points)We dont talk much about where the gods and the monsters live so much, so heres your chance to illustrate and describe the scenery! Pick one of the mythological entities (gods, monsters, spirits, etc.), and portray the habitat they live in. Example: Balete Drive (you can use this still, if you wish). You can use any medium for this. If writing the scene, please use no less than 300 words. If you are using any artistic medium, no attachments please!All images should be uploaded to an image server (Photobucket, Flickr, ImageShack) and sent as a link. DO NOT send any attachments!Send all assignments with the subject Assignment 5 - HOL ID to hol.philmyths@gmail.com. Make sure to add your HOL name somewhere in the email. ALL assignments are due on the final deadline of January 15. There are NO extensions after the final deadline.

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