Onos: The Tempestuous Deity of Ibalong

 

ONOS

In the mystical realm of  Bicol, the settlers held both reverence and trepidation for Onos, the formidable god who wielded the power of storms and deluge. Standing tall and muscular, Onos possessed a unique temperament that melded the ill-temperedness of a deity with the childlike innocence of someone much younger, creating an enigmatic aura around him. In the oral traditions of Bicolano mythology, Onos emerged as a guardian and, at times, a harbinger of devastating forces, marking his presence with tales of awe and fear.

Onos' dominion over the winds and his ability to unleash torrents of rain and floods were central to the myths that portrayed him as a protector of Ibalong against foreign intruders. The settlers believed that Onos watched from the celestial heights, ever-vigilant for the approach of Visayan raiding ships. However, his impulsive nature occasionally led to outbursts that wreaked havoc upon the colonies and minor kingdoms scattered across the picturesque Bicol Peninsula.

One of the most captivating aspects of Onos' narrative involves his ill-fated love affair with a mortal maiden named Takay. The god of the moon, Bulan, warned Onos of the complexities of divine-mortal love, predicting it would bring only pain and suffering. Ignoring these warnings, Onos descended from the heavens, revealing his affections for Takay. However, Takay's heart belonged to another, Kanaway, which sent Onos into a fit of rage. The ensuing events saw Kanaway turned to stone and Mt. Asog sinking into Lake Buhi, marking the earth with the consequences of divine emotions.

The repercussions of Onos' fury were further felt as he unleashed storms and freed the great flood upon Ibalong. The celestial gods, Haliya and Bulan, intervened, dispatching their wind people to quell Onos' wrath. Unfortunately, the destructive force proved insurmountable, resulting in the ruin of colonies and the tragic drowning of countless beings. In a moment of mercy, Bulan transformed the mortal Takay into a lovely flower, a poignant symbol of the delicate balance between love and divine retribution.

Onos' narrative intertwines with the plight of Rabot, a powerful monster residing in Ibalong. As Handiog purged the land of monsters, Rabot fell victim to Onos' wrath. Handiog, initially charmed by Oryol, a demigoddess, and partner to Rabot, struggled with the moral quandary of monsters and gods coexisting. The divine couple bestowed knowledge upon the people, including the arts of cultivation, sailing, pottery, and writing, transforming Ibalong into a thriving community.

However, Rabot, once a guardian, faced tragedy when Onos, in a fit of rage, caused a great flood that claimed Rabot's biological mother. Consumed by grief and anger, Rabot transformed from a protector into a force of vengeance, highlighting the intricate interplay between the divine and the mortal realms.

The tale of Onos unfolds as a narrative tapestry, woven with threads of love, rage, and divine intervention. His dual role as both protector and destroyer mirrors the unpredictable nature of the elements he controlled, leaving an indelible mark on the folklore and collective memory of the people of Ibalong.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners and foreign products. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos,and retold by Filipinos.