TAWONG LIPOD

Tawong Lipod

 

Tawong Lipod refers to the archaic concept of invisible wind people, constituting a race of mythological creatures in Philippine folklore. Originally, they were regarded as female spirits associated with clouds and waters, belonging to a class of celestial beings in Bicolano culture. Over time, their role evolved to include invisible spirits,malevolent aspects such as dark shadows, malevolent elves, while also retaining benevolent characteristics like nymphs or fairies.

TAWONG LIPOD - as a general term for invisible mythological creatures like fairies, nymphs, giants, elves, etc.

Described as slender, beautiful, youthful, and elegant, these beings were believed to have the ability to take flight and control winds. In contemporary Philippines, Tawong Lipod is simply known as Engkanto. However, in modern times, they underwent a transformation, shifting from beautiful spirits of clouds and wind to being demonized as invisible malevolent entities causing ailments and sickness to ordinary people. Numerous horror stories depict them as dreadful and vile creatures.

Tawong Lipod

different meaning and depictions of Tawong Lipod

Tawong Lipod - Dark malevolent and invisible engkanto that causes harm, when they appear they show in scary forms such as dark shadows, dark ugly beings.

Tawong Lipod - Dark skinned Malevolent Engkanto

Tawong Lipod - Invisible spirits of the wind and clouds

Tawong Lipod - Wind maidens

Tawong Lipod - Unbaptized spirits

Tawong Lipod - Malevolent  invisible entities take on frightening forms, such as dark shadows or ugly beings

Ano nga ba ang Tawong Lipod ?

Ang Tawong Lipod ay isang pangkalahatang termino sa mitolohiyang Bikol para ilarawan ang mga di-nakikitang nilalang ng mitolohiya tulad ng mga diwata, nimpa, higante, duwende, at iba pang mahiwagang nilalang. Noong una, sila'y inilarawan bilang mabubuting espiritu na konektado sa kalikasan, partikular sa mga ulap at tubig, at itinuturing na mga tagapagbantay. Sa paglipas ng panahon, nagbago ang imahe nila at naging kaugnay ng mga masamang espiritu o Engkanto. Dati, pinaniniwalaang may kakayahang kontrolin ang hangin at sumasagisag ng kagandahan, ngunit sa mga modernong kuwento, madalas na silang inilalarawan bilang mapanganib at misteryosong mga puwersa. Ngayon, madalas na ikinukuwento ng mga bata sa Bicol ang mga nakakatakot na kwento tungkol sa Tawong Lipod bilang mga madilim at di-nakikitang nilalang na nagbibigay takot at kasiyahan sa kanilang mga takutan.

Tawong Lipod

The Tawong Lipod, believed to be invisible wind elementals in Bicol, are beings both feared and revered. They are thought to cause ailments when disturbed but can also be seen as companions of healers and bringers of luck. Inold mythologies prevalent in Bicol area they are the court servants and handmaidens of the lunar gods Bulan and Haliya. They are beautiful, supernatural beings, youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. They are the nymphs of the winds and clouds forever loyal to the moon gods.lithe beings with light-colored skin who inhabit the skies, and are often depicted taking flight. they are called Biraddali by the Tausug. In one story the god of Storms Onos was in a rampage sending storms and flood to Ibalong, The Tawong Lipod ordered by the lunar god tried to stop the storm god but he was too strong even for the combined efforts of the wind nymphs.

Tawong Lipod

they are the spirits of the clouds and air. Tawong Lipod. They are originally a type of female spirit of the clouds and waters,  in the begining the sole purpose and creation of the tawong lipod was to guard and take care of the lunar deity Bulan, who was placed in the kamurayan or heavens by Gugurang himself. Bulan was depicted as being extremely comely with luminous skin and long dark hair darker than midnight.  too beautiful and precious thus needing an entourage of wind nymphs The handmaidens and surfs of the lunar god, who brushes his long dark hair and performs dances and performance so that the lunar deity won't get bored in the heavens. Later when Bulan spawned Haliya they too served the goddess.

The story of how the lunar gods Haliya and Bulan descended is one that concerns them, for stories tell that it was the ''Tawong Lipod'' who convinced Haliya who in return convinced Bulan to go down and bathe in the waters of Ibalon (Bicol)

Tawong Lipod
(girls dressed as tawong Lipod in Daragang Magayon festival)

Tawong Lipod effigy

The Tale of the Moon People

This is an old tale, passed down through generations by word of mouth.

In ancient times, when the Earth did not yet exist, there was only one planet—the Moon. On this planet, two races of people lived: the white people, who were the masters, and the black people, who were the servants. The white people were beautiful, with fair skin and golden hair, and they lived in grand cities. The black people, smaller and darker in complexion, lived in caves in the forest and served as caretakers of a magnificent garden filled with fragrant flowers and delicious fruits.

Every year, it was a tradition for the Moon people to hold a feast for their young maidens. When the girls turned eighteen, they would be gathered in the garden on a full moon night in May, where they would sing, dance, and play music until dawn. The entire city celebrated with joy.

One day, a great earthquake shook the Moon, causing the planet to split in two. Half of it, including the garden and the servants, drifted away into space. Over time, the wise people of the Moon realized that the missing part of their planet had found its way to another place. They named this new place "Earth," meaning "The Other Half of the Moon." Eventually, they decided to visit Earth, curious about the garden's fate.

When the full moon came in May, the maidens of the Moon journeyed to Earth, coinciding with the Earth’s own May festivities. After performing their traditional rites, they returned to the Moon, unharmed. From that moment on, they visited Earth each year on the night of the full moon, unaware that Earth had living people—humans—who inhabited their planet's other half.

The forest dwellers on Earth noticed these strange visitors and their celebrations. An old man from the forest remarked, “Every year, when the full moon shines in May, these moon fairies visit us.” Intrigued, the young men of the forest made a plan to witness the return of these mysterious visitors.

When May arrived again, the young men of the forest were prepared. Before sunset, they went to the plains near the forest and saw the Moon people descending from the sky.

As the full moon rose, casting a golden glow, the wind began to hum. “They are coming,” one of the watchers said. Soon, the sound of music and singing could be heard. The men watched in amazement as the maidens, dressed in milk-white garments with golden hair flowing down their backs, floated gracefully down from the sky.

The Moon maidens continued to descend slowly, surrounding a large tree in the center of the garden. Once they reached the ground, they sang and danced around the tree as heavenly music played from above. After some time, they each approached the tree, removed something from their chests, and hung it on the branches. They then resumed their graceful dancing, their movements as light as clouds drifting over the grass. As dawn approached, they stopped and went to bathe in a silver-like stream nearby.

While the maidens bathed, the forest dwellers crept toward the tree and took the objects the maidens had hung on its branches. They then quickly hid.

When the maidens finished their bath, they were joyful—until they returned to the tree and found their precious items missing. In distress, they cried out, “Stolen! Stolen! We are doomed without our hearts!” Their cries were heard by the young men who had taken the items.

“Let’s return them,” one of the men said sympathetically. “Poor things,” another added. But some disagreed, suggesting, “They should pay for them.” A young man approached the maidens and asked, “What happened to you?” One of the maidens responded, “Our hearts have been stolen! We left them hanging on the tree.”

“Your hearts? You left your hearts on the tree?” the man asked, confused.

“Yes, when we travel far from home, we remove our hearts so we don’t lose track of time,” the maiden explained.

“The forest spirits must have taken them,” the man replied. “Please, have mercy and help us,” the maidens begged.

The young man replied, “Wait here... I will speak with the forest spirits and return shortly.”

The forest dwellers held a meeting, and one suggested, “If the maidens agree to live on Earth for a year, we will give back what we took.” Many others agreed, saying, “That’s a good idea.”

The young man returned to the maidens and said, “Your hearts are with the forest spirits. They will return them if you agree to stay with us on Earth for a year.”

“It’s better to die than live here,” one maiden declared. But another suggested, “We should agree—this is our fate. One year will soon pass.”

The men of the forest brought out the stolen hearts and returned them to the maidens. Each maiden gratefully took her heart and placed it back in her chest.

The people of Earth rejoiced, for each man now had a maiden companion. They took the maidens to their homes, and their lives were filled with happiness. Days passed quickly, months came and went, and before long, it was nearly May again. The maidens reminded their companions, “When the full moon returns, we must visit the tree where we once hung our hearts.”

The men agreed, in memory of the joyful year they had spent together. On the night of the full moon, they all gathered near the tree. As they approached, the men noticed golden fruits hanging from the branches.

“What are those?” the men asked.

“Those are the fruits of the Moon,” the maidens replied.

The maidens peeled the fruit and let the men taste it. “Sweet! Delicious!” the men exclaimed.

As the men savored the fruit, a great gust of wind suddenly swept through the area. When they looked up, the maidens were gone—whisked away like smoke in the wind. All that remained were the mango seeds, left as a reminder of the maidens from the Moon.

The Legend of the Tacay flowers

'Most prominent myth about the Takay flower. The Tawong lipod were created to be forever subservient and loyal to their lord and sovereign Bulan, who was the most luminous being in the heavens. They would take flight and dance to entertain him, But the tawong Lipod saw the mortal world and was curious. They convinced the goddess of the moon (moonlight) Haliya to come down, that they would be her entourage. in return Haliya convinced her brother Bulan.
So the lunar gods followed by their Sylphs would frequently go down to bathe and play with the mermaids.

One day the lunar gods and the tawong Lipod saw that the god Onos is furious and send storms and heavy rain into the lands of Ibalong. The tawong Lipod pointed out to the young maiden who is the source of the god of storms anger. It was the fair maiden Takay. The fair maiden had spurned the deity's feelings had drowned in the flood caused by the god Onos. The moon saw what had happened and took pity of the fair maiden and turned her into the lovely flowers that is now abundant in Lake Bato

Takay flower

Tawong Lipod as Benevolent and Malignant spirits

The water nymph of Lake Bula

 The celestial being Bulan, the Lunar god, chose to immerse himself once more in the pristine waters of Ibalong, specifically Lake Baao, also known as Lake Bula. The radiant deity of the Moon descended alongside a retinue of wind sylphs and cloud maidens.

Engaging in playful antics, swimming, and indulging in the aquatic realm, Bulan, in his childlike and forgetful nature akin to an adolescent, inadvertently left some of the wind nymphs behind. Some of these wayward spirits transformed into malevolent dark shadows, unseen entities that wrought ailments and mischief. On the other hand, others embraced benevolence, evolving into water nymphs and wind fairies.

Contrary to the prevailing ominous tales surrounding the Tawong Lipod, with their appearances as ominous shadows and malevolent entities causing distress, there exist tales of goodness. Lake Bula narrates one such positive account where a wind spirit transformed into a water nymph, standing as a guardian of the lake. This benevolent entity ensures the clarity of the water and blesses the lake with an abundance of fish, creating a harmonious and fruitful environment.

Tawong Lipod

HEART OF THE MAINDENS

(PUSO NG MGA DALAGA)

In the ancient times when the world was not yet formed, and there was only one planet – the moon. On this planet, two races of people lived: the fair-skinned people and the dark-skinned people. The fair-skinned were the lords, and the dark-skinned were their servants. The fair-skinned were beautiful, with pale skin and hair like gold. They lived in cities. The servants dwelled in the caves of the forest. They were small and dark-skinned people, the caretakers of a beautiful and large garden. There were various fragrant flowers and delicious fruits in the garden. They stopped dancing and approached a tree one by one. They took something from their chests and hung it on the branches of the tree. After this, they continued dancing. They moved gracefully like white clouds floating above an embroidered carpet. Morning came, and they stopped, heading to a river where the water sparkled like silver, and there, they bathed. Meanwhile, the people from the forest ran towards the tree and took what the maidens had hung there and hid again. Upon emerging from the river, the maidens were happy. But when they were about to retrieve what they had hung on the tree, they couldn't find it. Stolen! Stolen! their cry echoed. We will die because our hearts are missing. Their cries and pleas were heard by the thieves. Let's return it, some said sympathetically. Poor things, said another. We need to make amends, stated others. A young man approached the women and asked, "What happened to you?" Our hearts, which we left on this tree, were stolen, replied one of the women. What? Your hearts, you left them on the tree? asked the man. Yes, because when we travel to distant places, we take our hearts out so we won't forget the time. Goblins took your hearts, said the man. Have mercy on us. Help us, pleaded the women. Wait... I will find the goblins(duende)... I'll be back soon, said the man. The people from the cave discussed. They said, If the women agree to live on the ground for a year, we will return what we took. Some agreed: That's a good idea, said others. The man returned to the women. Your hearts are with the goblins. However, they said they will return them to you if you agree to live here on the ground for a year. It is better to die than to live here, said one woman. We should agree to their request, replied another; this is our fate. One year will pass. The men went out, carrying the hearts they took. One by one, they returned them to the women, and each woman carefully took her heart and placed it back in her chest.

Tawong Lipod

The people from the moon were happy because each one of them had a maiden as a companion. They brought the maidens to the cave, but the women complained. We will die if we live in this cave. So, they lived in houses, and their lives were happy. Days passed quickly; the months arrived and departed. Before long, the month of May came, as the women informed the men. When May arrived, during the full moon, we will visit the tree where we hung our hearts last year. The men agreed as a remembrance of their fortunate year. On that night when the moon was full, they gathered to visit the tree. As they approached the tree, the men saw golden fruits hanging from the branches. What is that? asked the men. Those are the fruits from the moon tree, replied the women. They plucked a ripe fruit and let the men taste it. Sweet! Delicious! said the men. While the men savored the sweetness of the mango, a strong gust of wind was heard. When they lifted their eyes, the women were gone. The wind carried them away like smoke. Only the mango seeds were left – a memory of the maidens. The people from the moon had a tradition of having a feast for the maidens. Every year, when the maidens reached the age of eighteen, they were called and gathered in the garden. This happened during the full moon in May. They played music, sang, and danced until morning. The whole town was happy. One day, unexpectedly, an earthquake shook the moon. The planet cracked, and the garden disappeared. The servants were caught in half. Over time, the wise people on the moon learned that your companion from the planet will float in another place. They called it Earth – which means Companion of the Moon. Before long, they thought of visiting the Earth. They saw that your beautiful garden was there on the ground, and its condition was good. It was easy to reach if one loved it. So, they planned to visit the Earth during the full moon. When May came, the maidens went to Earth. They timed it during the May festival. After performing the usual customs, they returned to the moon without any mishap. From then on, they visited the Earth every year during the full moon at night. They did not know that there were living beings on Earth, half of their moon. The people in the forest saw the visits of the moon people. The celebrations of the moon people were a great wonder for them. An old man from the forest said: Every year, during the full moon in May, enchanters come here. The young people from the ground decided to wait for the return of the enchanters. May arrived. The people from the ground were ready for the full moon. In the afternoon, they went to the forest and saw the reading of the moon people in a vast meadow. The moon people were also ready to go to Earth. When the moon rose, it looked like a golden ball. When it was about to descend to Earth, the wind roared. Those must be them, said a lookout. After a while, they heard the sound of music and voices singing. There they are, they said. When they reached the sky, they saw the maidens flying in front of the garden, dressed in pure white and with hair flowing like golden threads. The music from the sky did not stop.

Tawong lipod

The water nymph of Lake Bula

Once upon a time in the quaint village of San Jose, there lived a humble fisherman whose heart was filled with hope and dreams. One enchanting midnight, when the moon bathed the world in its silvery glow, he set out with his fellow fishermen to the magical Lake Bula, eager for a bountiful catch. As they rowed into the heart of the lake, surrounded by the shimmering moonlight, a wondrous sight unfolded before them. From the depths of the water, a majestic creature leaped, its scales glistening like stars. The fisherman, captivated by the enchanting dance of this radiant fish, could do nothing but gaze in awe. To his amazement, the fish transformed before his very eyes. As it resurfaced, a breathtakingly beautiful woman adorned with moonlight sat gracefully upon its back. The villagers believed her to be the water nymph, the guardian of Lake Bula. In a matter of moments, the mystical duo vanished beneath the water's surface, leaving behind a magical aura. As if touched by their presence, the once elusive fish now swarmed the nets of the fishermen, bringing an abundance of catch to the grateful village. From that day forth, the tale of the fisherman and the water nymph became a cherished legend in San Jose, reminding the villagers of the magical night when the moonlit dance of a mysterious fish brought prosperity to Lake Bula.

Tawong Lipod in contemporary Philippines - Engkanto, Encanto

The Tawong Lipod, mythical beings in Philippine folklore, underwent a transformation in their portrayal over time. Originally depicted as beautiful spirits of the clouds and waters, they were associated with positive attributes like gentle breezes and the beauty of the sky. In contemporary horror stories, however, they have become malevolent beings causing sickness, reflecting cultural changes and societal fears.

In older stories, the Tawong Lipod were semi-divine, serving as companions to lunar gods and depicted as benevolent entities connected to nature. In contrast, modern tales have turned them into dark shadows, symbolizing unseen forces causing harm, possibly tapping into societal fears of the unknown.

Tawong Lipod

The shift in focus to making people sick, especially those they fancy, adds a personal and malicious element to their actions, reflecting societal anxieties about illness and relationship unpredictability. The evolution of the Tawong Lipod's characterization demonstrates how folklore adapts to cultural contexts and serves as metaphors for the fears and challenges faced by different generations.

The origin story of the Tawong Lipod involves their creation to guard and entertain the lunar deity Bulan. Over time, their curiosity about the mortal world led them to convince the moon goddess Haliya to descend, ultimately causing a series of events involving storms, a young maiden named Takay, and the creation of the Tacay flowers in Lake Bato.

Tawong Lipod

TAWONG LIPOD HORROR STORIES

The evolution of Tawong Lipod from benevolent wind maidens to malevolent beings in contemporary storytelling indeed reflects a dynamic relationship between folklore and the cultural context in which it is told.

Many contemporary horror stories depict tawong Lipod as invisible malevolent engkanto causing harm and dread. The shift towards horror storytelling often involves emphasizing darker and more menacing aspects of folklore about Tawong Lipod. The evolution of Tawong Lipod into malevolent entities aligns with the conventions of horror narratives, where mysterious and ominous beings create tension and fear. Tawong Lipod as Dark malevolent and invisible engkanto that causes harm, when they appear they show in scary forms such as dark shadows, dark ugly beings.

Tawong Lipod

 

Descent to Ibalon:

The Tawong Lipod played a pivotal role in the celestial narrative, convincing Haliya to descend to the earthly waters of Ibalon. It was in the gentle embrace of these waters that Haliya, persuaded in turn by the wind nymphs, convinced Bulan to join her. This descent marked a celestial connection between the heavenly deities and the earthly realm, setting the stage for interactions that would shape the destiny of both worlds. In other stories it was originally them who wanted to go down to bathe in the waters so they tricked the naive Bulan to go down so they would accompany him in bathing in the waters.

Tawong Lipod

Legend of the Tacay Flowers:

Among the Tawong Lipod's many adventures, the most poignant is the tale of the Tacay flowers. Forever subservient to their sovereign, Bulan, the wind nymphs danced to entertain him. However, their curiosity about the mortal world led them to convince Haliya to descend, initiating a series of celestial descents. Witnessing the fury of the storm god Onos, the Tawong Lipod identified the source of his anger – the fair maiden Takay. They tried to stop the god of Storms but he was too powerful. In a tragic turn of events, the spurned maiden drowned, prompting Bulan to transform her into the Tacay flowers that now bloom abundantly in Lake Bato.

Bulan and tawong lipod

Moon Maidens and Earthly Connections:

The celestial narrative expands beyond the moonlit heavens to the moon maidens' saga on a distant planet. Divided into fair-skinned lords and dark-skinned servants, they danced and cared for a lush garden, guarded by goblins. When their hearts were stolen and later returned, the maidens lived on Earth, unaware of the wonder they inspired among Earthly inhabitants. The annual May festival marked their visits to Earth, creating an ageless bond between the moon and Earth.

Tawong Lipod as Evil Encanto

The transformation of the Tawong Lipod from beautiful wind maidens and spirits of the clouds to malevolent beings causing ailments and sickness is a fascinating evolution in their portrayal across different time periods and storytelling traditions. This shift in their characterization reflects cultural changes and the adaptability of folklore to contemporary themes.

In the older stories, the Tawong Lipod were semi-divine beings, characterized by their beauty and fairness. They were likely associated with positive attributes, such as the gentle breezes and the beauty of the sky. These narratives may have depicted them as benevolent entities with a connection to nature, perhaps aiding or enchanting those who encountered them.

Tawong Lipod

In contrast, contemporary horror stories have taken a darker turn, transforming the Tawong Lipod into malevolent beings that bring sickness and ailments. This shift could be influenced by changing cultural beliefs, fears, or societal challenges. The transformation into dark shadows may symbolize unseen forces that can cause harm, tapping into the primal fear of the unknown.

The specific focus on making people sick, especially the ones they fancy, adds a personal and malicious element to their actions. This could be a reflection of societal anxieties, such as the fear of illness or the unpredictability of relationships.

It's important to note that folklore and mythology often adapt to the cultural context and the collective psyche of a society. The evolution of the Tawong Lipod's characterization showcases how these mythical beings can take on new meanings and serve as metaphors for the fears and challenges faced by different generations.

Tawong Lipod

Tawong Lipod

Tawong Lipod

Tawong Lipod

Tawong Lipod

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.