YASAW

YASAW photo by Byahero

Yasaw

The Yasaw in Bicol mythology are short dark humanoid creatures, resembling small, dark-skinned children both in appearance and behavior, these mischievous beings play a unique role in the mythic tales of the pre-colonial Ibalong region, now recognized as modern-day Bicol. The Yasaw, characterized by their playful demeanor and penchant for pranks.

Yasaw

Yasaw

Yasaw

Yasaw in Bicol mythology, the Yasaw are mischievous creatures resembling dark-skinned small children, known for their playful pranks that aim to create fear and amusement. Despite their mischief, they do not harm humans. it hides under the shadows of trees during moonlit nights, delighting in scaring people. If seen simultaneously with a cry resembling that of an infant, it is believed that someone is destined to die soon, as an Aswang is on the prowl. Moreover, the Laki, or Laqui, is a type of Asuang that was once a Yasaw that tasted human blood. Initially playful pranksters, they transform into flesh-eating monsters after indulging in human blood. As punishment for laziness in scaring people, the Yasaw morphs into the Laki, featuring hooves and goat-like skin with an ugly human face. Appearing at night, the Laki surprises night travelers with its shrill, piercing sound, although it is incapable of causing harm.

LAQUI - is a type of Asuang that are once Yasaw who have tasted human blood. The once playful pranksters will become flesh eating monsters once they taste human blood.

The Yasaw, regarded as Asuang's favored creatures, are short, clawed beings that not only physically resemble very dark-skinned small children but also emulate their childlike actions and thoughts. Despite their inclination to play pranks and frighten humans, it is crucial to note that they refrain from causing harm and limit their interactions to mere scares.

A captivating tale in Bicol mythology involves the powerful deity Gugurang. On a day when Gugurang descended from the heavens, assuming a human guise to walk the earth, the Yasaw, unaware of his divine identity, sought to play a prank on him in the evening. Startled by the creature, Gugurang, mistakenly identifying it as one of the Aswang (blood-drinking, flesh-eating monsters), responded with divine lightning, reducing the Yasaw to dust.

The Ekek, black birds endowed with speech, witnessed the event and conveyed the unfolding story to the deity Asuang. Asuang, the deity of evil, favored the Yasaw as his cherished creatures. However, Gugurang's actions incurred the wrath of Asuang, adding layers of complexity and emotion to the divine dynamics within Bicol mythology.

The Yasaw and their Playful Pranks:

The Yasaw, short-clawed beings with the appearance and mindset of small children, inhabit the mythical realm of Ibalong. As the favored creatures of Asuang, the deity of darkness and trickery, Yasaw indulge in playful antics and pranks, often delighting in frightening humans. Despite their mischievous nature, it is essential to note that the Yasaw never inflict harm upon humans; instead, their actions are aimed at creating fear and amusement.

Encounter with Gugurang:

One fateful day, Gugurang, a powerful deity associated with mountains and the elements, found himself in the realm of men. Unbeknownst to him, he stumbled upon a Yasaw, mistaking it for Asuang before the deity transformed into the mischievous creature to enter Mount Malinao. In a moment of misunderstanding, Gugurang, fueled by the assumption that he was dealing with the malevolent Asuang, burned the harmless Yasaw to dust.

The Tale of Gugurang and the Yasaw:

One of the most beloved stories surrounding the Yasaw revolves around the powerful deity Gugurang. On a day when Gugurang descended from the heavens, assuming the guise of a man to walk the earth, the Yasaw sought to play a prank on the deity during the evening, oblivious to his divine identity. Startled by the creature, Gugurang, mistaking it for one of the Aswang (blood-drinking, flesh-eating monsters), responded with divine lightning, reducing the Yasaw to dust.

The Ekek's Report:

The ekek, a bird-like minion of Asuang, witnessed the unfortunate incident involving Gugurang and the Yasaw. Swiftly reporting the events to Asuang, the ekek added fuel to the deity's already simmering anger towards Gugurang. The misinterpretation of the Yasaw's identity escalated tensions between the two powerful entities, setting the stage for a divine conflict within the mythological realm.

Divine Retribution and Anger Unleashed:

The unintentional destruction of the Yasaw fueled Asuang's fury towards Gugurang. This incident became a catalyst for further animosity, adding layers of complexity to the already intricate relationships among the Ibalong deities. Asuang, known for cunning and manipulation, sought retribution for the perceived harm inflicted upon his favored creatures. The tale highlights the fragility of divine relations and the consequences of misunderstandings within the mythical narrative.

Yasaw

The Yasaw, with their playful demeanor and penchant for pranks, serves as a fascinating element within the rich mythology of Ibalong. The unfortunate encounter between Gugurang and the Yasaw, resulting in the creature's demise, adds depth to the intricate relationships among the deities. This myth reflects the nuances of divine interactions, the consequences of hasty judgments, and the potential for conflict within the mystical realm. The Yasaw's story serves as a reminder that even in the mythical realm, misunderstandings can lead to profound consequences and shape the dynamics of the gods and creatures that inhabit the fantastical world of Ibalong.

Yasaw

Yasaw

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.