Arapan, Nagined and Makbarubak: The Dichotomy of Bicolano Demons and Visayan Gods

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

The ever confusing interwoven tales of Philippine mythology is as rich and abundant and confusing as its archipelago,but also captivating. The cultural diversity among regions manifests in the varied pantheon of deities and supernatural beings. Arapan(Arapayan), Nagined, and Makbarubak stand as unique figures in this mythological landscape, embodying a fascinating dichotomy between Bicolano demons and Visayan gods.

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

Arapan(also called Arapayan), Nagined(Naguined) and Makbarubak(Magkaburak) 

To the people of Bicol, these entities arrived as foreign war gods, demons carried from the sea by mysterious tattooed figures. Arapan(Arapayan in Visayan), Nagined, and Makbarubak, often described as brothers with skin bronzed by the sun and sea, possessed bodies adorned with intricate tattoos. Perfect in manhood, strength, and maturity, their voices resonated as one when they spoke. However, the truth about their nature eventually surfaced - a revelation that they were a three-headed monster, sowers of chaos and harm. In Bicolano belief, they were invoked when one sought to inflict pain and destruction, with a perception that the malevolent god Asuang had embraced them as allies.

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

Contrastingly, in Visayan mythology, Naguined emerges as a god of war and poison. Known to have two warrior brothers, Arapayan and Magkaburak, their blackened skin adorned with countless tattoos and teeth, either blackened or likened to the golden teeth of sharks. Naguined, despite his warlike nature, is a figure who, in Visayan lore, chose to appear as a man and, intriguingly, as a beautiful maiden covered in tattoos. In this guise, he imparted knowledge of poisons and herbs to Visayan warriors, contributing to the martial and healing aspects of their culture.

A noteworthy narrative recounts Naguined and his brothers visiting the chambers of a Dayang, a noble woman. In a moment of passion and knowledge-sharing, the Dayang conceived a child, Nagmalitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata. This event was seen as a divine interaction, leading the Dayang and her husband Datu to offer praises to the gods.

The dichotomy between the Bicolano and Visayan perspectives on Arapan, Nagined, and Makbarubak exemplifies the nuanced nature of Philippine mythology. These entities traverse cultural boundaries, embodying both malevolence and benevolence, war and wisdom. Their stories echo the diversity and complexity inherent in the beliefs that shape the Filipino cultural and mythological landscape.

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.