Kalapitnan - god of bats

Kalapitnan

Kalapitnan Deity of Bats

Kalapitnan is the deity of bats in Bikolano mythology, he is a lesser neautral divine spirit, neither good nor evil. Depicted as a young lean man with large bat wings. People of Ibalong used to venerate bats,  bats were symbols of happiness and joy, venerating them brings prosperity in life.

 Sometimes appearing as a huge humanoid bat or a swarm of bats. In some stories it is said that Kalapitnan used to have pure white feathered wings, but out of childish mischief he stole the divine shell that Languiton gifted to Tubigan. As punishment Languiton flicked him with his finger, in doing so all of Kalapitnan's feathers fell off and in its place bat wings spurted out.

Diwata (Diyos) ng mga Paniki

before Spanish destruction of Culture all over the Philippines, People of Ibalong used to venerate bats,  bats in Ibalong (Animism and Hindu-buddist) were symbols of happiness and joy, venerating them brings prosperity in life. Venerated as deity of prosperity and joy.

The Many Faces of Kalapitnan:

Kalapitnan is a deity known for his ability to take on various forms, each reflecting the essence of bats in different ways. One manifestation portrays him as a lean young man with expansive bat wings, symbolizing agility and nocturnal prowess. Another depiction transforms him into a colossal, monstrous creature reminiscent of a bat, standing bipedal as a testament to his divine power and imposing presence. Kalapitnan's versatility extends to a swarm of bats, highlighting his connection to these creatures and emphasizing the collective nature of their existence.

As the god of bats, Kalapitnan navigates seamlessly between these forms, embodying the diversity and adaptability of his winged subjects. The shapeshifting nature of Kalapitnan introduces an element of unpredictability, mirroring the elusive behavior of bats and reinforcing his status as a deity beyond easy comprehension.

Neutrality in the Divine Struggle:

Unlike the major deities Gugurang and Asuang, who embody opposing forces of good and evil, Kalapitnan assumes a neutral stance in the cosmic struggle. This neutrality distinguishes him as a god who transcends the binary conflicts of the divine realm, allowing him to traverse the boundaries between light and darkness without allegiance.

Kalapitnan's neutrality raises questions about the nature of morality and the intricate balance required for the cosmos to function harmoniously. As a neutral deity, he neither aligns with the benevolence of Gugurang nor the malevolence of Asuang, prompting contemplation on the nuanced and complex nature of divinity within the Ibalong mythos.

The Symbolic Significance of Bats:

Bats, under the purview of Kalapitnan, carry symbolic weight in Ibalong mythology. Like many of the old gods Kalapitnan was assosicated with symbols of happiness and joy, wealth and prosperity bat was considered a guide and guardian remiscent of  Hindu mythology.Traditionally associated with the night, mystery, and the supernatural, bats become emissaries of Kalapitnan's divine influence. The various forms he takes underscore the adaptability and resilience attributed to bats, emphasizing their role as guardians of the night and facilitators of unseen connections between the mortal and divine realms

Bats in Hinduism (India)

Bats are also revered throughout India. In Madurai, worshippers of the Muni god regard Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius, formerly Pteropus giganteus, as sacred and protect colonies for fear of heavy punishment. However, after offering prayers.

Fatelessness of Sinogo (Bisaya)

One of the stories concerning Kalapitnan takes a very similar story to the story of Sinogo, Visayan tale about the Winged Emmisary of the Visayan sky god stealing a magic shell or conch. 

Kalapitnan in modernday Philippines

Kalapitnan is unknownalmost  unheard off aside from the stories told by grandparents in Bicol not to harm animals, specifically bats or you will get sick or unseen entities might relatiate.

Bats bats bats... Kalapitnan, the god of bats in Ibalong mythology, is a captivating figure embodying the mystique and adaptability of these nocturnal creatures and symbolizing joy and prosperity in Ibalong. His shapeshifting nature and neutrality in the cosmic struggle elevate him to a position of intrigue, prompting reflection on the complexities of divinity and the interconnectedness of the natural world. In the grand tapestry of Ibalong, Kalapitnan stands as a symbol of the enigmatic forces that shape both the seen and unseen aspects of existence, fostering a deeper understanding of the delicate balance maintained by the lesser gods in this rich mythological tradition.

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.