Arch Aswangs of Oral mythology

 In Philippine oral mythology, Arch Aswangs are considered the most powerful and influential members of the aswang race, often serving as leaders or even royalty among their kind. These terrifying figures appear in various legends and urban folklore, where they exhibit abilities far beyond those of ordinary aswang.

Mga Matataas na uri ng Aswang

ASWANG BANGKILAN

The Bangkilan

The Bangkilan are one of the most notable Arch Aswangs, standing out not only for their power but also for their beauty. Unlike most aswang, who are typically depicted as terrifying monsters, the Bangkilan are described as seductive women with golden-tanned skin (some fair and lovely) , small bat wings on their backs, and razor-sharp claws. Their beauty is deceptive, as they possess the power to shape-shift into terrifying creatures such as huge black boars, dogs, or birds of the night. This ability allows them to blend into their surroundings and hunt unsuspecting victims.

Bangkilan 

One of the Bangkilan’s most feared powers is their ability to turn humans into aswang. Through a kiss, they transfer a dark stone from their body to their victim, corrupting them and turning them into an aswang(kiwing, awok, abat, asbo,abwak.) . In the Cuyunon tribe of Palawan, the term "Bangkilan" is linked to the word for a fanged or fanged boar or  fierce boar, hinting at their terrifying transformations.

Bangkilan Aswang

In some myths, the Bangkilan are said to be priestesses who once worshipped the god Asuang. As a reward for their devotion, Asuang took them as his brides and gave them the power to create other night creatures. In this version, he transferred black birds and eggs into their mouths, which allowed them to give birth to dark creatures under their command. She rules over the Awok, Kiwig,Abwak and Kikik

ASWANG AGARAS

Agaras Aswang

Agaras

The Agaras

The Agaras are a rare and cursed type of aswang, feared even among their own kind. These powerful creatures possess immense strength and speed, and their unique trait is their ability to feed on lesser types of aswang and even magical beings such as fairies. This cannibalistic behavior makes them despised by other aswang, who fear becoming their prey.

Aswang Agaras

Few Agaras exist, as their spirits only awaken when they find a worthy successor to inherit their power. Upon biting their victims, the Agaras spread toxins through their saliva, weakening their prey and making it harder for them to escape. While they consume humans, their favored prey are the weaker variants of aswang, whom they devour for sustenance. Some stories also suggest that Agaras aswangs are immune to magic and curses (lihim na karunungan).

ASWANG HANAGOB

Hanagob

The Hanagob (Aswang King)

In oral mythology and folklore, the Hanagob is a powerful male Aswang, often described as royalty due to his pure bloodline. As a pure-blooded Aswang, the Hanagob has the potential to become the Aring Aswang or "Aswang King." Other titles for this figure include Pinunong Aswang (Aswang Leader).

Some stories suggest that a Hanagob originates from the Bangkilan variant of Aswang, though he is male, unlike the usually female Bangkilan. According to certain legends, a Hanagob is an extremely rare offspring, born from the union of an ancient pure-blood female Bangkilan and a male Gabunan, both powerful Aswang types that are traditionally natural enemies. This unlikely combination of two opposing Aswang bloodlines makes the birth of a Hanagob a one-in-a-million occurrence, mixing powerful traits from both lineages.

Hanagob

The Hanagob, also known as the Haring Aswang (Aswang King), is considered the supreme ruler of the aswang race. His bloodline is said to be pure, descending from ancient aswang who were as powerful as the datus or rajahs of old and often a son of a Bangkilan. However, unlike human leaders, the Hanagob rules over the various kinds of aswang, including Awok, Kiwig, Asbo, Tiktik, and Wakwak, among others.  The Hanagob is one of the few Aswang variant that can use black magic (lihim na karunungan) and curses.

Hanagob

The Hanagob is not just a ruler of his clan but the overseer of all aswang clans. His power and authority stretch across the aswang world, making him a figure of immense respect and fear.

ASWANG GABUNAN

Gabunan

The Gabunan

Among the Arch Aswangs, the Gabunan are apex predators, feared for their ferocity and their taste for other aswang. Gabunans hunt and devour the black pearls or chicks that reside within Bangkilan and other powerful aswang. This predatory nature makes them natural enemies of the Bangkilan. Stories often originating in Western Visayas. Gabunan also signifies a rank of dominance within Aswang society, representing the "alpha" among its kind—a title given only to the strongest. Within groups of Aswangs, the one who rises above the rest, commanding and leading others, is known as the Gabunan.

Gabunan

Gabunan

Gabunans are described as dark-skinned, fierce creatures with coal-black skin, bloodshot eyes, some with long white hair, and protruding fangs. Despite their terrifying appearance, they consume human flesh sparingly, indulging in such feasts only once or twice a year.

ASWANG HARIMODON

The Harimondon

The Harimondon or Harimondon Rajamodon are the male counterparts of the Bangkilan, though they lack the ability to fly. They rule the lands while the Bangkilan dominate the skies. Harimondon can also transform into aswang and take the form of fierce wild boars. The Harimodon is the lord of all the Kiwig (boar) and Awok,Aswang Like the Bangkilan, their blood is considered purer and more potent, as they are said to descend from ancient KaDatuan nobility.

Harimondon can produce multiple black stones or pearls, much like the Bangkilan. These stones, placed in their saliva, contain the essence of the aswang, allowing them to create new aswang by passing these stones to humans.

Oral mythology of the High or Arch Aswangs

The Arch Aswangs in Philippine folklore represent the highest echelons of the aswang race, with powers and roles far beyond ordinary aswang. Each Arch Aswang, from the seductive Bangkilan to the fearsome Gabunan, plays a vital role in the dark hierarchy of their world. Their stories reflect the rich oral traditions of the Philippines, where mythological creatures take on roles of both terror and leadership, governing the shadowy realms of night and fear.

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

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.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. 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.

REMINDER

Mga kwentong Pilipino at pagkukwento ay para sa lahat...

Philippine Mythology is for everyone—Filipinos, Filipinxs, and even foreigners! These stories are meant to be shared, enjoyed, and passed down through generations. They’re not set in stone and can have many different versions You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy them. These stories evolve with time, and everyone is welcome to listen, share, and get lost in their world. Mythology connects us all, no matter where we come from!

REDISCOVER THE ASBO IN PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY

 Aswang Asbo

Asbo

In Philippine mythology, the Asbo is a weredog in Philippine mythology type of aswang known for turning into rabid and wild dogs. These creatures always hunt in packs and are never alone, making them particularly dangerous. If you see one Asbo, there are surely more nearby.

By day, Asbos look like ordinary people, but at night they transform into wild, fierce dogs. They have a unique craving for human intestines, which they eat with savage delight. Their pack behavior allows them to attack in a coordinated and strategic manner, making them formidable and deadly hunters.

Aswang Asbo

strength in numbers 

The Asbo, much like other aswangs, is a shape-shifter. During the day, they appear as ordinary humans, blending seamlessly into society. However, when night falls, they reveal their true nature. Transforming into fierce, rabid dogs, they roam the night in packs, their eyes glowing with a menacing hunger. The transformation is both physical and behavioral, as they adopt the ferocity and pack mentality of wild canines.

One of the most gruesome aspects of the Asbo is their diet. They have an insatiable craving for human intestines, which they devour with savage delight. This grisly preference sets them apart from other aswangs, whose dietary habits can vary widely. The Asbo’s method of hunting is coordinated and strategic, utilizing the pack’s numbers to overpower their prey. This tactic makes them formidable foes, as they can attack from multiple directions and overwhelm even the most vigilant individuals.

Asbo in Bicol mythology

Feared by some people specifically in Iriga Bicol, the asbo or rabid weredog lurks and waits for it victim usually in packs in the forest waiting for lone travellers

Oral mythology 

Asbos are said to be abundant throughout the Philippines, with legends of their existence prevalent in various regions (from Katagalugan to Quezon, Bicol Samar (Western Samar) Leyte). Their presence in folklore serves as a cautionary tale, warning people to be wary of traveling alone at night. The fear of the Asbo is deeply ingrained in the cultural consciousness, and stories of their attacks are often used to explain mysterious disappearances and unexplained deaths.

Asbo in Bicol mythology and folklore

The story of Tanding a gentle giant who protected the villagers from a pack of rabid Asbo. And at the end he got killed the monsters by drowning them in the waters. Tanding perished but he turned into a whale shark. 

Visayan folklore 

Asbo stories in Visayas redudant about them attacking and abducting villagers in remote places. Some even claim to have seen and have survived being attacked by a group of Asbo 

Comparison with the Kiwig

The Asbo closely resembles and is related to another aswang variant known as the Iwig and Kiwig(dog variant with the same name) found in Aklan. Like the Asbo, the Kiwig transforms into large dogs with sloping backs and crooked tails during the night. In their human form, Kiwigs typically have a stooped posture, a reflection of their habit of prowling under elevated houses. They are known for their disturbing practice of licking sick or dying persons, which further enhances their sinister reputation.

Asbo in popular media

Asbo as portrayed in the movie My Darling kong Aswang 

Comedy horror movie features the Asbo variant of Aswang. Victor (Vic Sotto) is a single father who falls in love with Elisa (Cristine Reyes) who turns out to be an Aswang (from Asbo clan). But even so, Victor loved Elisa so much that he accepted who she is and even live with her as his second wife.

But the problem comes when the leader of the Aswang clan (Jean Garcia) finds out that Elisa and her mother (Agot Isidro) are not eating humans anymore. She sends out other Aswangs to hunt down Elisa and her mother, and also for Victor and his family.

Victor then will face the leader of the Asbo Aswang clan to save his beloved Elisa.

Asbo as portrayed in movie My Darling kong Aswang 

the Asbo is a terrifying figure in Philippine mythology, embodying the fear of the unknown and the danger that lurks in the shadows. Their ability to transform into rabid dogs and their relentless hunger for human intestines make them one of the most dreaded aswangs, ensuring their place in the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore.

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.

REDISCOVER THE AWOK IN PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY

Awok

 

The Awok in Philippine mythology is a type of aswang that transforms into a huge black boar or vicious big black pig. The Awok of the Tagalog and Bicolano folklore is different from the Visayan Awok

In Philippine mythology,specifically Tagalog and Bicol mythology the Awok is a type of aswang, a malevolent shape-shifting creature known for its appetite for human flesh and internal organs. The Awok is particularly feared for its ability to transform into a massive black pig or boar, using this fearsome form to hunt and stalk its prey. Like other aswangs, the Awok is a nocturnal predator, capable of living among humans by day and transforming into a monstrous being by night. The aswang that closely resembles the Kiwig.  

Aswang na Awok

Characteristics of the Awok

The Awok is distinguished by its ability to transform into a huge black pig or boar, a form that enhances its predatory abilities. In this animalistic shape, the Awok can move stealthily through forests and rural areas, hunting both animals and, when necessary, humans. While they have a notorious reputation for devouring human flesh and intestines, Awoks prefer to live in remote areas where they can avoid human contact and primarily hunt animals. However, they will not hesitate to prey on humans if the opportunity arises.

Servants of the Bangkilan

AWOK BILANG TAGAPAGLINGOD NG BANGKILAN

The Awoks are not just solitary hunters; they are also bound in servitude to a far more powerful and fearsome aswang known as the Bangkilan. The Bangkilan is a unique and formidable variant of the aswang, known for her ability to transform into multiple terrifying forms, including a black boar, a black dog, and even a winged demonic maiden with bat wings and long, razor-sharp claws.

This shape-shifting ability sets the Bangkilan apart from other aswangs, but what truly makes her exceptional is her internal power. Unlike typical aswangs, who possess a single black stone that they must pass on to a successor before they die, the Bangkilan has multiple black pearls and chicks within her body. These black pearls and chicks are sources of her dark power, allowing her to create more black stones and new aswangs without facing the threat of death that comes with passing on her power.

AWOK IN TAGALOG AND BICOL MYTHOLOGY

the Awok in both Tagalog and Bicol mythology is a land Aswang that turns into a huge black pig or boar while the Awok in the Visayan mythology sharing the same name is very different that it can fly and has bath wings

AWOK IN VISAYAN MYTHOLOGY

The Awok in Visayan mythology is different from the Bicolano mythology Awok. The Visayan Awok has batwings while the Bicolano Awok is more pig or boar-like 

AWOK CONFUSED WITH THE KIWIG

The Awok and the Kiwig greately resemble each other with the difference is that the Kiwig is bigger and the territory is different. 

AWOK CONFUSED WITH MOTOG

because they both change into huge black boars they are often confused and interachanged with one another in oral stories 

AWOK CONFUSED WITH THE BANGKILAN

The Awok and the Bangkilan are two distinct types of aswang. While both can transform into a black boar, they are often confused due to this shared ability. The Awok specifically transforms into a huge black pig or boar. In contrast, the Bangkilan is far stronger and more formidable. Unlike the Awok, the Bangkilan can also transform into various other creatures of the night, including a large black bird, a black dog, and even a monstrous maiden with bat wings and long, razor-sharp claws.

Bangkilan's Role and Power

The Bangkilan's ability to produce multiple black stones and chicks gives her an unparalleled ability to perpetuate her kind. She can create new aswangs by passing these stones and chicks to others, effectively turning ordinary humans into aswangs. This power makes her not only a leader among her kind but also a feared figure, as she has the potential to spread the aswang curse far and wide.

The Awoks, in their role as servants of the Bangkilan, are loyal followers who praise her and carry out her bidding. They may act as enforcers, protectors, or recruiters, bringing new victims or potential aswangs into the Bangkilan's fold. The relationship between the Awok and the Bangkilan highlights the hierarchical nature of aswang communities in Philippine folklore, where different types of aswangs have specific roles and levels of power.

Cultural Significance

The mythology of the Awok and the Bangkilan serves as a potent narrative in the regions where these stories are told, particularly in rural areas where the fear of aswangs is deeply rooted in local culture. The Awok's preference for remote living and its connection to the powerful Bangkilan reflects a broader cultural fear of the unknown and the dangers that lie beyond the safety of the village.

The Bangkilan, with her ability to create more aswangs and her immunity to the death that other aswangs face, represents an ever-present threat that is both physical and spiritual. She embodies the fear of corruption and the spread of evil, a theme that resonates deeply in communities where these myths are a part of everyday life.

AWOK IN POPULAR MEDIA

Ang Lihim ni Annasandra (International title: The Secret of Annasandra) is a Philippine television drama fantasy series aired by GMA Network. Directed by Albert Langitan, the show stars Andrea Torres in the title role. The series, which features the awok type of aswang, premiered on October 6, 2014,

Annasandra is the daughter of Belinda and Carlos. Circumstances lead to Annasandra being cursed to become an "awok." To protect her from being misjudged and to prevent her from hurting others, her loved ones keep her true identity a secret.

the Awok is featured in the tv series Lihim ni Anasandra

Ang mga Baboyramong Aswang na mga Awok

The Awok and other aswangs  integral figure in Philippine aswang mythology, representing the dark forces that lurk in the shadows of human society. The Awok, with its terrifying ability to transform into a massive black boar, serves the powerful and nearly immortal Bangkilan, who stands out as a unique and formidable aswang capable of creating new monsters without facing her own demise. Together with the other aswangs they embody the deep-seated fears of the unknown and the supernatural that continue to influence the cultural landscape of the Philippines.

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.