Gugurang

 

Gugurang is the Supreme deity in Bikolano mythology
Most powerful of all the gods and the ruler of the heavens.
Gugurang is often depicted as a middle aged man, muscular and tall, He is described as having long silver hair and wears white clothing, He is the god of goodness and he is fair to all, he who commands obedience to all. There is a saying "si Gugurang Masuripot" which means god is fair to all.

"Gugurang is the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava. Gugurang picutred as middle aged man with long silver hair that commands fire,He has emmisaries known as Katamay (fair-skinned silver cladcelestial beings),in additon he also commands a cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (Garuda/Katambang) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang  are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey.

Gugurang

Gugurang

Gugurang

Gugurang

Gugurang in Bicol mythology

Gugurang

Gugurang as recorded by the Spanish invaders

''Gugurang was the good God, a benevolent genius of their region, defender and guardian of their homes, the one who protected them in their interests against the malice of the Asuang, who, on the contrary, was the evil spirit, the sovereign rival of Gugurang, an evil genius in itself who only delighted in causing them harm. They believed that Gugurang was always willing to hear their pleas and granted them whatever they asked for, both in things that were beneficial to them and to avenge themselves on their enemies, believing all their requests to be just. Hence, they always regarded him with great complacency and respect. In contrast, regarding the Asuang, from whom they expected countless evils, they constantly denounced, and at the idea that he could harm them, they fled in terror and alarm without knowing where to take shelter. The idea of the Asuang so relentlessly pursued them that when they were attacked by it, they abandoned everything, and they could even be heard erupting in uncontrolled cries of pity and horror, of lamentable imprecations, and moaning sighs. Above all, mothers who had young children spared no effort to carefully hide them, fearing that the Asuang would leave them bloodless and gutless.''



Gugurang's fire

Gugurang's fire was both symbolic and literal it is believed to be the flame that keep Mount Mayon and the whole of Ibalong warm and sunny. It is also believed that the fire of Gugurang is the knowledge of the gods, and is power. According to legend Asuang once tried to steal Gugurang's fire and send lava to Ibalong. Gugurang punished Asuang placing him under Mt. Malinao.

Descent to Ibalong

Makusog, matipuno, Mauban? 

In Bicolano mythology, tales of the Sky gods descending from the celestial realms are abundant. Among these legends is the story of Gugurang, the benevolent and supreme deity, who descended to the earthly realm by alighting upon the edge of Mt. Mayon. In this mythical narrative, Gugurang manifested as a sturdy young man adorned with flowing silver hair, which shimmered like the white or grey mauban. It is within this sacred encounter that Gugurang confronted Yasaw, a mischievous creature of the night.

Gurang na mauban

In various renditions of the legend, Gugurang exhibits a fascinating duality. At times, the deity assumes the guise of a venerable hermit with advanced age with all white or silver hair, only to seamlessly transform into a robust and powerful figure. The captivating stories further weave a narrative suggesting that Gugurang has chosen Mt. Mayon as a dwelling place, perpetuating the belief that the deity resides within the majestic confines of the mountain.

These enchanting tales not only highlight the divine presence of Gugurang but also underscore the dynamic and transformative nature of this celestial being in Bicolano mythology

Gugurang's subordinates

Linti  - the deity of lightning, embodiment of lightning that weirds the thousand spears

Dologdog - deity of thunder, rides a cloud 

Katambay - guardian spirits akin to western Angels

Katambang - bird creatures akin to hindu Garudas

Gugurang had two vassals under him, they were lesser gods and young Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog). They were the symbol of Gugurang's punishment. Gugurang would send the two to punish stronger beings (gods). They were seduced by Asuang to join him and was almost succesful.
Linti and Dologdog were the beings resposible why Mt Malinao is now half its size (people of Ibalong believed it was taller and bigger until the two lesser gods hit it with their powers)

The powerful Gugurang underhim commanded two groups of mythological being the Katambay and the Katambang. The Katambay are guardian spirit that protects men in time of need (similar to Western Angels). Semidivine being that is said to aid men when they pray to the gods and to him for help. Depicted as a tall muscular man with long black hair wearing a ''pudong'' (crown or headband or diadem depending on the stories) and clad in gold. He acts like a ''guardian angel'' againts evil. The other is the Katangbang (Garuda-like beings) cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (Garuda/Katambang) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang  are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey,which Gugurang sumons to fight Asuang's legion of monsters.

Gugurang and Asuang
The fire of Ibalong

 
Whenever the people disobeyed his orders or wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon Volcano to rumble terribly. The people in time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways. Or if their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners.
Gugurang then became the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava (abo)
Now, Asuang had no fire in his abode inside Mount Malinao (to the north of Albay). He wanted to be as powerful as Gugurang, at least. If the people aroused his wrath, he wanted to subdue them by a fire or rumbling in Mount Malinao (this was still whole then). He entreated Gugurang to give him some fire but Gugurang emphatically refused.
Angered He determined to oppose every move of Gugurang. He gathered around him evil counselors,his monsters and evil spirits whom he sent to the earth to turn the people to evil ways. After that, there was much immorality, lawlessness and crime. Gugurang in no time found out that it was Asuang who was causing all these things.

Asuang sent his monsters, his legions of ''Asuang'' ,He sent pestilence to the colonies and for a moment the people turned to the omnipotent for protection. Gugurang asked them for another atang or sacrifice and warned them to follow his commandments strictly or be exterminated by floods or eruption. Against Asuang himself Gugurang was powerless to do anything. It seemed that in the twinkle of an eye Asuang came to possess hidden powers hitherto denied him.

Gugurang particularly guarded his fire lest his enemy make good his threat of stealing it. He assigned his trusted helpers (catambang/katambay) to guard the symbol of his power. He was afraid, besides, that if the fire were to go out of its confines the world would be consumed in a mighty conflagration. 
Gugurang went to the colonies and summoned his winged guardians, cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (Garuda) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang  are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey. to Swoop down and tear the legions of Asuang. Asuang's monsters were many but Gugurang's birdmen were strong. 
Asuang tansformed himself into a Yasaw. Nobody minds the Yasaw because everyone knew they were harmless creatures 
Asuang was able to enter and locate the guarded object, and with many guiles and wiles, he bribed the guards with gold (bolauan). The temptation (sogot) was too sweet to be denied. Hence Asuang obtained possession of Gugurang's fire. Putting it inside a coconut shell he started with it.

   Gugurang in his throne suddenly noticed that everything around him turned black, and that there were cries in the bowels of the volcano. But outside, the world was on fire.
Every colony that Asuang passed caught fire.  And with this he flew into the air pursuing the thief. While terror reigned among the people who were powerless against the conflagration, Gugurang and Asuang raced for supremacy. Gugurang must get the fire back, or else he would be left without any power at all. All the air around grew hot but still they went madly on. Asuang was nearing his seat and if he could get there before Gugurang,
Asuang braced up for the last stride and just as he was about to descend Mount Malinao, Gugurang caught up with him, Gugurang snatched the fire from the Yasaw (Asuang in disguise)


Gugurang on reaching Mount Mayon returned the fire to its place, and everything was bright again inside. Now before doing anything else he set about stopping the conflagration. He bade the heavens (calangitan) to rain continuously. And there was rain. And the big fire was under control. The people at once offered atangs, because they were convinced it was Gugurang who had caused the fire because of their wickedness. Then Gugurang punished the guards by chaining them to the precipices. Then for his revenge on Asuang—he ordered Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike hard against Mount Malinao that was defying him. Asuang attempted to bribe Linti and Dalogdog. He almost succeded in tempting them with power and alliance but they feared Gugurang more. So they strike Mount Malinao with their power until it was half its size. Entombing Asuang inside.

Gugurang and Bulan

                          Gugurang decided to bring back Bulan, so he willed all his power to bring back the primodial deity. The deity was reborn as an extremely lovely adolescent boy with fair skin, lithe body, comely features and eyes as black as night and exceedingly long hair as black as midnight. Comely and he was childlike, Gugurang was happy. He placed Bulan in the heavens and commanded the wind people to serve Bulan. The wind people loved their new lord. for Bulan was kind and playful, the wind people vowed in unison to forever serve him. Bulan was Gugurang's favorite for Bulan was sweet and playful. Like a sweet boy to his father. Gugurang would occasionally visit the heavens to see Bulan. Then it became less and less because Gugurang was busy managing the realm of men. Meanwhile in Ibalong
Asuang is feared and blamed for all the misfortunes of people, all the blame, and hate. After being defeated by his brother Gugurang, he seeks refuge in his abode along with his beast and other monsters. From his mountain he saw the god Bulan descending from the heavens to the waters, he remembered that Bulan was Gugurang favorite that the supreme deity personally placed him in the heavens. Bulan descending with an entourage of wind nymphs (tawong lipod) in the waters of Bicol, and Asuang and his minion of night beast came to the waters, He had plans of taking the boy moon to have revenge on Gugurang.  Then he stood in awe at the luminosity and radiance of the moon. He sent his vicious magindara or mermaids to capture Bulan, instead of capturing the moon deity upon seeing his comeliness they became tame and played together like children.  Asuang angered by what had happened personally went to the waters to where Bulan and the mermaids and wind nymphs played. He walked into the water as if it were solid ground followed by his flying beast. Bulan saw Asuang, Asuang expected the boy to be afraid and scream in terror, to Asuang surprise Bulan smiled and asked him to play and swim in the waters with him. Asuang moved by the kindness and warmth welcome of the lunar deity vowed that they will be friends. And that no harm shall come to him whenever he descends to the waters and lands of his domain, that also his beast and monsters shall treat the moon with veneration.

Oratihon

Orathion or Uratihon a young demigod of the sun and fire, he fell inlove with a mortal and disobeyed Bulan, and Gugurang's warmings not to go down to Ibalong (since he was still an adolescent god he cannot control his emotions and power) When he saw the beautiful maiden his body emitted heat which burned most of the colonies in Ibalong, killing the maided he loves. Gugurang destroyed his golden boat (Orathihon's vehicle to earth) and forbid him to ever god down to the human realm.




Gugurang takes mortal form and the Yasaw

The story about Gugurang descending to the land (Bicol) as a robust young man and encountering the Yasaw. Yasaw are Asuang's favorite creatures they  are short clawed beings who look like very darkskinned small children (they also act and think like childrem) they are playful and like to make pranks and like to frighten humans but they only scare, they do not harm to humans. One day Gugurang was in the realm of men and stumbled on a Yasaw, thinking it was Asuang (before Asuang turned into a Yasaw to get into moutn Malinao) Gugurang burned the harmless yasaw to dust. The ekek (birdlike minion of Asuang) saw what had happened reported it to Asuang. This added more fuel to the fire to Asuang's anger towards Gugurang.




Gugurang in Visayan Mythology

The Visayan people acknowleged the existance of Gugurang, in their point of view Gugurang was proud and boastful lesser god who would sometimes bring his army of winged bird-men creatures and try to attack Mt. Kanlaon. The god Kanlaon would send his locust and fire, and Gugurang would always end up defeated and would return to ''Ibalong'' (the other side)

Gugurang

Agurang and Asuang of  Visayan mythology

There are stories in Visayans about the good spirit of deity called Agurang who battled the Evil spirit named Asuang. (akin to Gugurang and Asuang of Bicol)

Gugurang: The Supreme Deity in Bikolano Mythology

In  Bikolano mythology, Gugurang stands as the supreme deity, revered as the most powerful among gods and the ruler of the heavens. Muscular and tall, with silver hair and clad in white, Gugurang embodies goodness and fairness. This essay explores Gugurang's characteristics, origins, role as a symbol of justice, and interactions with other mythological beings.

Gugurang's Attributes and Symbolism:

Described as fair and just, Gugurang commands obedience from all. The saying "si Gugurang Masuripot" encapsulates the belief that this deity is fair to everyone, symbolizing an embodiment of justice. Gugurang is associated with fire, both literal and symbolic, believed to be the flame that keeps Mount Mayon and the entire region of Ibalong warm and sunny. The fire of Gugurang is considered the knowledge of the gods, representing power and enlightenment.

Role as a Symbol of Justice:

Gugurang

Gugurang serves as the symbol of good, ready to punish the bad. The people of Ibalong would offer sacrifices to appease Gugurang's potential wrath, especially when witnessing fire flowing from the crater of Mount Mayon. The Baliana, a priestess, officiated in these ceremonies. Gugurang, depicted as a middle-aged man with silver hair commanding fire, was revered for maintaining order and justice in the mythological realm.

Gugurang's Origins:

Gugurang's origin story traces back to Paros, the divine embodiment of the winds, who, after being bested by Dagat, gave birth to Gugurang and other powerful deities. Gugurang's aggressive nature led him to assert dominance over his brothers Cagurangan and Asuang, taking control of the winds and flames of the heavens.

Gugurang's Fire and Subordinates:

Gugurang's fire is both literal and symbolic, believed to be the source of warmth for Mount Mayon and Ibalong. Legend has it that Asuang attempted to steal Gugurang's fire, leading to consequences for both gods. Gugurang had two vassals, Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog), who served as symbols of punishment.

Gugurang's Angel-like beings

The Katambay are guardian spirit that protects men in time of need. Semidivine being that is said to aid men when they pray to the gods and to him for help. Depicted as a tall muscular man with long black hair wearing a ''pudong'' (crown or headband or diadem depending on the stories) and clad in gold. 

Katambay - Guardian spirits 

The Katambay are a mythological race of spirits in Bicol lore. They are believed to reside with Gugrangwas, the god of good, in the skyworld called Kamurawayan. A Katambay is a guardian spirit who protects humans, depicted as spirits that take the form of men with long dark hair and wear "pudong" or gold ornaments or silver. They act like guardian angels in times of need.

These spirits are called or invoked in times of need and trouble to protect from harm or danger. People believe that they descend from the heavens to help those in need with pure intentions. The presence of Katambay is sought for reassurance and guidance during challenging moments, and their benevolent nature is trusted to bring comfort and safeguard individuals from adversity.

Katambang - Bird creatures, winged bird men

Gugurang's Winged Guardians and Cadre:

Under Gugurang's command were the Katambay and the Katambang. The Katambay, guardian spirits, protected humans in times of need, while the Katambang, half-man half-bird creatures, were formidable emissaries capable of flight and transformation. These beings played crucial roles in battling evil forces.

Gugurang and Asuang:

As the symbol of justice, Gugurang dealt with those who disobeyed his orders. Asuang, in opposition, sought to defy Gugurang's authority. The struggle between Gugurang and Asuang unfolded in a narrative involving stolen fire, battles, and the eventual defeat of Asuang by Gugurang and his winged guardians.

Gugurang and Bulan:

Gugurang's interaction with Bulan, the lunar deity, showcased a different facet of the supreme god. Placing Bulan in the heavens, Gugurang commanded the wind people to serve him, establishing a harmonious relationship with the gentle and playful lunar deity.

The Divine Enforcers  Linti and Dologdog 

In Bicolano mythology, the lesser gods Linti and Dologdog emerge as formidable entities responsible for commanding lightning and thunder, respectively. These divine brothers serve Gugurang, the benevolent god residing in Mount Mayon, and play a pivotal role in the epic tale of Asuang's audacious attempt to steal fire, resulting in a cosmic clash that altered the landscape and balance of power.

Gugurang, the supreme deity in Bikolano mythology, stands as a symbol of justice, fairness, and power. His interactions with other mythological beings, battles against evil forces, and role in maintaining order contribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Bikolano people. Gugurang's stories reflect not only the complexities of mythological narratives but also the values and principles upheld by the community.

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