Paros in Bicolano Mythology

 

Paros: 

god of the winds

lord of the skies

In Bicolano mythology, Paros the divine embodiment of the winds, a force both ever-changing and powerful. Initially characterized by arrogance and polygamy, Paros undergoes a transformative journey through love and responsibility, ultimately becoming a revered deity ruling over the skies and seas alongside Dagat. This essay delves into the myth of Paros, exploring his complex nature, his role in the cosmic order, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Parenting the Four Powerful Children

The love between Paros and Dagat bears fruit in the form of four powerful children: Daga, Adlao, Bulan, and Bituoon. Each child embodies distinct qualities associated with the forces of nature, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the elements. This divine family becomes instrumental in maintaining the balance between the skies and seas, influencing the destinies of the Bicolano people.

Legacy and Cosmic Order

Tawong Lipod

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

Mythology

Upon Paros's slumber, his energy gives birth to the Taong Lipod, or the wind people,  a type of female spirit of the clouds and waters,  are a member of a class of celestial beings in Bicolano culture,who later plays the role of a unseen or invisible  "nymph" or "fairy" ''elves'' ''evil spirits'' ''evil engkanto''. As wind elemantals they are  Described to be slender,beautiful, youthful and elegant, and are said to be able to take flight and control winds. representing the enduring influence of the winds in Bicolano culture. Furthermore, Paros contributes to the emergence of the trinity of the most powerful gods in Bicol: Gugurang, and Asuang. This trinity, along with lesser gods like Onos and Batala, shapes the cosmic order and reinforces the intricate web of deities governing the Bicolano mythological landscape.

Tawong Lipod

NOTE "Tawong Lipod" is an old term in Philippine mythology referring to invisible wind creatures. At first, they were thought to be friendly female spirits linked to clouds and water in Bicolano culture. But over time, they transformed into malicious beings known as Engkanto. Originally described as slender and beautiful, able to control winds, they are now depicted as dark and harmful invisible creatures. In today's Philippines, Tawong Lipod is often shown in a negative light in horror stories, causing sickness and trouble for people instead of being seen as kind spirits. In old Ibalong some of the heroes such as Baltog was descended from the Tawong lipod thus having divine origin.

Dagat - Bikolano goddess of the primodial sea

Goddess of the sea and waters

Dagat is the goddess of sea and waters

In the ancient realm where the void gave way to the sea and skies, a divine tale unfolded, weaving together the forces of nature, love, and the birth of a god. At the heart of this celestial drama stood Dagat, the divine embodiment of the seas and oceans. As the daughter of Laguit, the goddess of water, and the wife of Paros, the wind, Dagat held a unique position in the pantheon of gods, shaping the very fabric of the cosmos.

The Divine Union of Dagat and Paros:

Dagat and Paros, ruled over the skies and the seas in perfect harmony. Their union symbolized the delicate dance between the elements, a cosmic ballet that brought balance to the universe. Love, the strongest force even among the gods, bound them together. Some believe their love was so profound that it surpassed the immortality of deities, leading to their tragic demise. Others hold a different belief, suggesting that after fulfilling their divine duties, Dagat and Paros found contentment and chose to rest eternally in the embrace of the sky and sea.

The Children of Dagat and Paros:

From the union of Dagat and Paros, four divine children were born—three boys named Daga, Aldao, and Bulan, and one girl named Bitoon. Each child represented a unique aspect of the natural world. Daga embodied strength, Aldao radiated joy, Bulan displayed humility, and Bitoon shone with pure silver beauty. Their existence intertwined with the destinies of the earth, the moon, and the sky, reflecting the interconnectedness of the divine realm.

The Birth of Magindang:

Following the mysterious slumder of Dagat and Paros, a new deity emerged from the waters—Magindang. spawed from the sea and wind, Magindang carried the legacy  inheriting the responsibilities of maintaining the delicate equilibrium between the sky and the seas. Magindang became a symbol of continuity,and richness of the sea prayed to for a bountiful catch he is also invoked for protection in the sea and from enemies. embodying the cyclical nature of life and the perpetual interplay of elements.

Long ago, when the world was a canvas of void, the emergence of the seas and skies introduced a dynamic landscape populated by beasts and monsters. Languit, the great god, ruled the skies, while Tubigan reigned over the vast expanse of water. The union of Dagat and Paros brought forth a divine family that played vital roles in shaping the world and its wonders.

The story of Dagat, the divine embodiment of the seas, and her union with Paros, the wind, is a testament to the profound forces that govern the natural world. Their love and the legacy of their divine children, along with the emergence of Magindang, paint a cosmic tapestry that reflects the delicate balance between the sea and sky. In exploring this myth, we uncover a timeless narrative of love, loss, and the eternal interplay of elements that shape the world around us. Dagat remains an enduring symbol, a goddess whose influence ripples through the ages, connecting the realms of gods and mortals in a harmonious dance of existence.

Dagat Bicolano goddess of the sea

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.

Tubigan god of water and the sea

 

TUBIGAN

Tubigan: the god of the water and of water and the celestial ocean, ruled over all the swimming beast. He was the king of the oceans. ocean is also the source of life and immortality. It was from the ocean that gods and demons extracted the life. The ocean is the source of material abundance.

Tubigan, god of the sea (and of water generally)in Bicolano Mythology. The divine embodiment of the celestial ocean (night sky) and the seas of the earth . Believed to be Sleeping in the depths of the ocean near the crack to the underworld guarded by the lesser water deities and mermaids called Naga

Si Tubigan ang sinaunang diyos ng walang hangang dagat espiritual at ng dagat ng mundo. Naniniwala ang mga Bikolano na ang kalawakan ay ang dagat ng kaitaasan. Pinagmulan ng buhay, Si Tubigan ang naghahari sa dagat ng kalawakan at kaintaasan. Samantalang si Languiton ang naghahari sa kalangitan at bughaw na himpapawirin. Ang lahat ng mga halimaw na lumalangoy ay si tubigan ang panginoon.

TUBIGAN

In the ancient realm of nothingness, a divine sea, and boundless skies emerged, giving birth to the celestial ocean and the vast seas of the Earth. Among the gods who ruled over these realms, Tubigan stood as the sovereign deity of water, encompassing both the heavenly and earthly waters. Delve into the mythological tale of Tubigan, his family, and the creation of humanity, highlighting the intricate interplay between gods, the elements, and the genesis of life.

The kingdom of the sky fell under the rule of Languit, a powerful deity, while Tubigan claimed sovereignty over the waters. Languit's daughter, Dagat, the sea, married Paros, the wind, who was Tubigan's son. From their union, four divine children emerged – Daga, Aldao, Bulan, and Bitoon. Each child possessed unique attributes, reflecting the diverse nature of their elements. Daga embodied strength with a body of rock, Aldao exuded joyfulness with a golden form, Bulan, made of copper, displayed submissiveness, and Bitoon, adorned in pure silver, radiated beauty.

In some stories he is the father of Dagat (due to lack of written records some stories are cotradicting) Most orally passed down story agree that he is the father of Paros

TUBIGAN

In Bicolano Mythology, Tubigan is revered as the god of water, overseeing both earthly seas and the celestial ocean. As the ruler of all aquatic creatures, he holds the prestigious title of the king of the oceans. The ocean, seen as the origin of life and immortality, serves as a vital source from which gods and demons drew life. Additionally, it is considered a wellspring of material abundance. Tubigan, the god of the sea, is believed to embody the celestial oceans(night sky). Descending from the celestial realm, he gracefully plunges into the earthly oceans, symbolizing the connection between divine and earthly domains. According to the myth, Tubigan is thought to be in a peaceful slumber within the ocean's depths, close to the entrance to the underworld. This sacred location is protected by lesser water deities and mystical beings, including mermaids known as Naga.

Ambition of Daga

Upon Paros' demise, Daga, the eldest son, inherited control over the winds. Driven by arrogance and ambition, Daga sought to expand his dominion. He persuaded his brothers Bulan and Aldao to attack the kingdom of Languit in the sky. Initially hesitant, the brothers succumbed to Daga's anger and joined the ill-fated plot.

Rise againts the Heavens

The siblings embarked on a perilous journey, assaulting the gates of the sky. Daga, resorting to unleashing destructive winds, breached the gates, only to face the wrath of the enraged Languit. Lightning bolts struck them down – Bulan's copper form melted, Aldao's golden body dissolved, and Daga's body fell into the sea, becoming the earth.

Bitoon

Discovering the absence of her brothers, Bitoon went in search of them. Confronting the wrathful Languit, she, too, was struck by lightning, shattering her body into pieces. The tragedy unfolded as Languit accused Tubigan of aiding their grandsons in the ill-fated attack.

Creation

Descended from the sky, Languit and Tubigan lamented the loss of their grandchildren. Unable to revive them, they bestowed each body with a light. Tubigan planted a seed, giving rise to a bamboo tree. From its branch emerged a man and a woman, becoming the first parents of the human race.

The Creation of Humanity:

The first human couple bore three children, among them Maisog, who invented a fish trap. Mistaking a colossal whale for a god, Maisog ordered worship, defying divine commands. In response, Languit struck Maisog with lightning, stunning him. The scattered people became the ancestors of humanity, populating the Earth.

The myth of Tubigan, the god of the sea, presents a rich divine drama, tragedy, and the genesis of humanity. Through familial conflicts, divine retribution, and the creation of the first humans, this legend weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of elemental gods and their influence on the world. Tubigan, a symbol of the vast and mysterious oceans, remains a testament to the enduring power of myth in shaping cultural narratives and explaining the origins of the natural world.

Languiton

Languiton – Ang bathala ng Kalangitan

Si Languiton, na kilala rin bilang Langiton o Langit, ay ang sinaunang diyos ng kalangitan sa mitolohiyang Bikolano. Siya ang namumuno sa lahat ng nilalang na lumilipad, kabilang ang mga ibon at mga halimaw na may pakpak. Inilalarawan siya bilang makapangyarihang diyos na naninirahan sa mataas na kalangitan. Ang malinaw at bughaw na langit ay sumisimbolo sa kalinisan ng puso, katotohanan, kabutihan, at katatagan.

Labanan ni Languiton at ng Tatlong bathala

Ayon sa kuwento, nagkaroon ng labanan sa pagitan ni Languiton at ng tatlong bathala o diyos na sina Daga, Aldao, at Bulan. Sina Daga, Aldao, at Bulan ay nagtangkang sakupin ang kaharian ni Languiton. Ngunit nagalit siya sa kanilang ginawa at pinarusahan sila gamit ang kidlat. Natalo ang tatlong diyos. Natunaw ang gintong katawan ni Aldao at tansong katawan ni Bulan, habang nahulog sa dagat ang katawan ni Daga at naging lupa. Si Bitoon, na kapatid nila, ay hinanap sila ngunit tinamaan din ng kidlat at nadurog sa maraming piraso.

Languiton The primal Bicolano god representing the sky. Believed to reside in the upper heavens were flying beasts and winged monsters roam free. He is Sovereign of all the flying creatures in the skies. He associated with the clear blue skies that represent purity of soul, truth, and stability Langit or Languiton is the personification of the sky and one of the Bikolano primordial deities. 

Si Languiton ang kataastaasang diwata o diyos ng kalangitan. Kumakatawan sa malawak na walang ulap bughaw na langit, na nagsisimbulo sa kabutihang budhi, kalisnisan ng puso, katotohanan at katatagan. Siya rin ang panginoon ng lahat ng nilalang na lumilipad at maypakpak na nilalang at halimaw dito sa lupa at maging sa espirtual na kalangitan. Si Lanquiton Kinakatukan ng mga halimaw. 

Kinalaban siya ng tatlong mataas na diwata na sina Daga,Adlao at Bulan. Sakanilang sagupaan natalo ang tatlong mataas na diyos. At si Languiton ay nanatiling pinaka makapangyarihan.

The primodial god of the sky

Langiton

Languiton

In Philippine mythology, the Bikolano people have woven tales of deities that personify the elements, shaping the cosmos and influencing the destiny of humanity. One such deity is Languiton, the primal god representing the sky. In this essay, we explore the Bikolano myth surrounding Languiton, his family, and the profound impact their actions had on the creation of the world and the diversity of its inhabitants. The myth of Languiton and his family offers a profound narrative of creation, betrayal, and consequence in the Bikolano tradition. It not only explains the origins of natural elements but also accounts for the diverse hues of humanity, attributing them to the whims of the gods. This tale exemplifies the cultural richness embedded in Philippine mythology, offering a glimpse into the intricate beliefs that have shaped the identity of the Bikolano people.

Mula sa kawalan

According to Bikolano mythology, in the beginning, there existed nothing but the void. Suddenly, the great sea emerged alongside the endless skies, bringing with them beasts and monsters that roamed the vast expanse of water and air. The kingdom of the sky fell under the dominion of Languiton, the god of the skies, while the god Tubigan ruled over the waters.

the gods

Languiton's daughter, Dagat, the personification of the sea, married Paros, the wind, who was Tubigan's son. The union produced four children: Daga, Aldao, Bulan, and Bitoon. Each child embodied distinct elements - Daga had a body of rock, Aldao was made of gold, Bulan was crafted from copper, and Bitoon radiated pure silver beauty.

Tragedy Strikes:

After the demise of their father, Paros, Daga, the eldest son, sought to expand his power. He convinced his younger brothers, Bulan and Aldao, to join him in an attack on the kingdom of Languiton. Despite initial reluctance, the brothers succumbed to Daga's persuasion.

The Assault on the Kingdom of Languiton:

In a reckless bid for power, Daga and his brothers attacked the gates of the sky. Failing to breach the gates, Daga unleashed the winds, destroying the barrier. Languiton, furious at this betrayal, pursued the intruders, hurling bolts of lightning that struck them down. Bulan's copper body melted, Aldao's golden form disintegrated, and Daga's body fell into the sea, forming the earth.

The Tragic Fate of Bitoon:

Upon discovering the absence of her brothers, Bitoon ventured out to find them. However, she too met Languiton's wrath, succumbing to a bolt of lightning that shattered her into many pieces.

Reconciliation and the Birth of Humanity:

Languiton descended from the sky, accusing Tubigan of aiding the attack. Tubigan, unaware of the plot due to his slumber, managed to pacify Languiton, and the two mourned the loss of their grandchildren. Unable to resurrect them, Languiton and Tubigan bestowed a light upon each lifeless body.

Tubigan planted a seed that grew into a bamboo tree, from which emerged the first human couple. This couple had three children, with one, Maisog, inventing a fish trap. Maisog's defiance of the gods led to Languiton striking him with lightning, scattering the people across the earth as punishment and thus populating the world.

Ang mga unang tawo

Maisog's descendants, blackened by the lightning, became the black-skinned people. His son, carried to the north, became the progenitor of white-skinned people. Those in the south, scorched by the sun, bore a brown complexion, while others in the east, forced to feed on clay, had descendants with a yellow hue.

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.

Bikolano demons

 

The Bicolano perspective on the some Visayan  gods as demons offers a profound insight into the ways in which historical interactions and cultural clashes can shape perceptions. In the complex tapestry of Pre-colonial Philippine Mythology, the relationship between different regions played a pivotal role in influencing mythologies and belief systems. The contrasting views held by the Bicolanos of Ibalong regarding the Visayan gods serve as a testament to the intricacies of regional dynamics and the impact of lived experiences on mythological interpretations.

The geographical separation between Ibalong and the Kabisay-an islands, inhabited by the Visayans, was not merely a physical divide but also marked the boundaries of distinct cultural identities. The Visayans, known for their seafaring prowess and fierce warriors adorned with tattoos, engaged in seaborne raids that created a tumultuous relationship with the Bicolanos. These raids, characterized by attacks on peaceful colonies along coastal areas, left a lasting imprint on the psyche of the Ibalong community.

Kanlaon in Bicolano Mythology:

In the mythos of the Bicolano people, Kanlao(Kanlaon is a god from Visayas)n is an ominous figure associated with volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and earthquakes. Nestled within the fiery depths of Kanlaon Volcano, this malevolent deity commands the destructive forces of locusts and fire. The very elements that sustain life can, in the hands of Kanlaon, become instruments of chaos and devastation. As the harbinger of calamity, Kanlaon stands in stark contrast to the benevolent supreme deity Gugurang.Gugurang in retaliation would send his lightning and thunder enforcers along with a cardre of bird-men creatures and other flying beast to attack Mt. Kanlaon

The enmity between Kanlaon and Gugurang adds layers to the narrative, portraying a cosmic struggle between opposing forces. Gugurang, the supreme deity in Bicolano mythology, assumes the role of a protector and creator. The clashes between Gugurang and Kanlaon symbolize the perpetual battle between creation and destruction, order and chaos.

The tattoos, once symbols of strength and identity for the Visayan warriors, took on a different meaning for the Bicolanos. Instead of being seen as expressions of individuality, they became ominous markers of impending danger. The physical and spiritual invasions perpetrated by the Visayan raiders fueled the perception that the gods invoked during these violent encounters were malevolent beings associated with chaos and destruction. The gods, in the eyes of the Bicolanos, transformed into demons responsible for bringing harm to their peaceful colonies.

Tattooing as a Protective Measure:

Tattoos, known as buri among the Bicolano people, took on a new significance as a form of protection against the foreign gods of the Visayans. The act of tattooing was not merely a cultural practice but a means of fortifying oneself against the perceived ferocity of the Visayan Mangagayaw or raiders. This adaptation of tattooing as a defensive measure illustrates how cultural practices can evolve in response to external threats and conflicts.

Cultural differences and territorial disputes further exacerbated the strained relationship between Ibalong and the Visayans. The gods, once revered in their own cultural contexts, became symbols of adversity and malevolence when viewed through the lens of conflict. The intertwining of historical narratives and cultural clashes shaped the Bicolano perception of the Visayan gods, highlighting the intricate ways in which regional dynamics influenced mythological interpretations.

This narrative underscores the importance of considering historical context and lived experiences when exploring the rich tapestry of Philippine mythology. It serves as a reminder that mythologies are not static entities but dynamic narratives shaped by the ebb and flow of historical events and cultural interactions. The Bicolano perspective on the Visayan gods as demons offers a glimpse into the complexities of pre-colonial Philippine society, where regional dynamics played a crucial role in shaping the diverse mythologies that continue to define the cultural landscape of the archipelago.

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.