BUWAYA OR BUAYA are mythological creatures depicted as giant, intelligent, and formidable creature. These monstrous beings, resembling colossal crocodiles, and humanoid crocodile men in Philippine mythology predominatly in Bicol mythology. Most were slain by Handiong and Oryol,turning the Bicol River red with their blood. The survivors, along with Sarimao, were banished to Mount Kulasi.
.In the tales of Bikol mythology, the depictions of the Buwaya are diverse, featuring variations that include both giant crocodiles and entities that are a blend of half-men and half-crocodiles. One notable account comes from the epic Ibalong, describing the Buwaya as a tribe of crocodile men capable of transforming into massive crocodiles. In this epic, the hero Handyong, supported by the demigoddess Oryol, engaged in combat with these colossal crocodile beings, resulting in the Bicol River being stained red with their blood. The survivors, including Sarimao, faced banishment to Mount Kulasi.
Within the Bikol mythology, different stories suggest the existence of two factions of the Buwaya — one being the crocodile-men, and the other comprising giant intelligent crocodiles. Legend has it that these creatures, resembling fierce reptilian beings with crocodile-like features, inhabited the waters of Ibalong. Their ability to transform into tall, humanoid figures while on land added to their enigmatic nature. Despite the efforts of the heroes of Ibalong to eliminate many land beasts and monsters, the Buwaya, dwelling in the waters, persisted as a formidable force.
Bikolano stories paint a vivid picture of the Buwaya as an all-male monstrous race, with a unique procreation requirement involving human women. Known for their vicious temperament and shape-shifting abilities, these beings could appear as patches of land in the water or take on the formidable form of huge crocodiles. On land, they manifested as towering, muscular men with impenetrable scales and razor-sharp teeth.
The infestation of the Buwaya in the waters of Ibalong endured until the god Bulan descended and managed to tame a significant portion of them. The hero of Ibalong, with the indispensable assistance of Oryol, played a pivotal role in purging the land and seas of the Buwaya race. Their efforts resulted in the slaughter of many Buwaya, clearing the way for the establishment of a new colony in Ibalong. Faced with this menacing threat, the people of Ibalong turned to the lord Magindang, seeking divine protection through prayer.
Buwaya - The Giant Intelligent Crocodile Monsters:
Physical Characteristics: The Buwaya is described as a gigantic crocodile, lurking in the rivers and swamps of Ibalong. Its immense size, powerful tail, and razor-sharp teeth make it a fearsome entity. Unlike ordinary crocodiles, the Buwaya possesses an exceptional level of intelligence, allowing it to outsmart and strategize against those who venture into its territory.
Menace to Ibalong:
The Buwaya is often portrayed as a menace to the people of Ibalong, posing a significant threat to communities living near waterways. Its intelligence makes it a cunning adversary, capable of devising tactics to catch its prey and defend its territory. The presence of the Buwaya becomes a source of fear and danger in the mythical landscape.
Heroic Confrontations:
Heroes like Handyong and Bantong embark on heroic quests to confront and defeat the Buwaya. These encounters are epic battles that showcase the heroes' strength, bravery, and wit. Overcoming the intelligent giant crocodile is symbolic of triumph over adversity and the restoration of peace to Ibalong.
Humanoid Crocodile Men:
Origins and Characteristics:
In addition to the giant crocodile monsters, Bicolano mythology introduces humanoid crocodile men. These beings are often depicted as part-human, part-crocodile, possessing both humanoid and reptilian features. Their appearance is marked by scales, snouts, and tails, combining the characteristics of humans and crocodiles.
Cultural Significance:
The presence of humanoid crocodile men adds a unique layer to the mythology, representing a fusion of the natural and supernatural. These beings may symbolize the harmonious or tumultuous relationship between humans and the wild, embodying the interconnectedness of the mythical world with the everyday lives of the people.
Roles in Narratives:
The stories involving humanoid crocodile men may vary, with some tales portraying them as benevolent guardians or mythical beings with mystical knowledge. In other narratives, they are antagonistic figures abducting women, challenging heroes on their quests and embodying the untamed forces of nature.
Menace of the Giant Crocodiles:
Vicious Infestation:
Giant crocodiles, known as the Buwaya, infested the rivers, lakes, and seas of Ibalong, creating a menacing presence that struck fear into the hearts of the people. With their enormous size and vicious nature, they posed a significant threat to communities living near waterways.
Celestial Transformation:
The narrative takes a mystical turn when the Moon god Bulan descends to bathe in the waters of Ibalong. The radiant countenance of Bulan has a transformative effect on some of the giant crocodiles, taming their ferocity and changing their once-hostile behavior. This celestial intervention adds an element of wonder and divine influence to the narrative.
Heroic Confrontation and Magical Intervention:
Hero Handiong's Quest:
The hero Handiong emerges as the courageous figure tasked with confronting the giant crocodiles. With the intent to rid Ibalong of this menacing presence, Handiong embarks on a perilous quest to face the formidable creatures.
Demi-Goddess Oryol's Assistance:
The demi-goddess Oryol plays a crucial role in Handiong's quest. With her magical abilities, particularly her enchanting voice, Oryol becomes an instrumental force in the hero's efforts to overcome the giant crocodiles. Her voice lures and kills many of the creatures, contributing to the hero's victories.
Rivers Turned Red:
Bloody Battle: The heroic duo of Handiong and Oryol engages in fierce battles against the giant crocodiles and humanoid crocodile men. The confrontations are intense, resulting in a significant number of mythical creatures being slain in the process.
Symbolic Triumph: The battles are so intense that the rivers of Ibalong run red with the blood of the defeated creatures. This visual imagery symbolizes the triumph of the heroes over the supernatural forces that once infested the waters and posed a threat to the people of Ibalong.
Banishment to Mount Kulasi:
- Survivors' Fate: As the epic battles unfold, some of the giant crocodiles and humanoid crocodile men manage to survive. Along with Sarimao, a notable figure in Bicolano mythology, the survivors are banished and sealed within Mount Kulasi. This act serves as a means of safeguarding the land from their potential return.
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.
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.
