Gugurang is the Supreme deity in Bikolano mythology
Most powerful of all the gods and the ruler of the heavens. He wields lightning and fire and light. Gugurang is sometimes called Mayong often depicted as a middle aged man, muscular and tall, He is described as having silver hair and wears white clothing, He is the god of goodness and he is fair to all, he who commands obedience to all. There is a saying "si Gugurang Masuripot" which means god is fair to all.
Gugurang Bicolano Supreme deity |
"Gugurang is the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot).
In Bicol mythology, Gugurang and his brother Asuang had a long-standing rivalry. Gugurang, the more powerful of the two, guarded the fire inside his mountain, Mount Mayon, while Asuang, whose mountain Mount Malinao lacked fire, asked Gugurang to share it. Gugurang refused, angering Asuang, who vowed to oppose him.
Eventually, Asuang managed to steal the fire, hiding it inside a coconut shell. However, as he moved, everything he passed burst into flames, setting the world ablaze. To stop the destruction, Gugurang sent the lightning god Linti and the thunder god Dalogdog to retrieve the fire. They succeeded in returning it to the volcano, and Gugurang called upon the heavens to send continuous rain, eventually putting out the fire.
In a final act of punishment, Gugurang sent a massive thunderbolt to destroy Asuang's home. Though Asuang was believed to be defeated and sealed, his influence lingered, continuing to cause mischief and trouble for the people
Gugurang |
Gugurang: Kataas-taasang Diyos sa Mitolohiyang Bikolano
Sino si Gugurang?
Si Gugurang ay itinuturing na kataas-taasang diyos sa mitolohiyang Bikolano, kilala sa kanyang kapangyarihan, karunungan, at katarungan. Siya ang pinakamakapangyarihan sa lahat ng mga diyos at tagapamahala ng kalangitan. Si Gugurang ang kumokontrol sa mga puwersa ng kidlat,apoy, at liwanag, at ang kanyang kapangyarihan ay sumasaklaw sa mga diyos at tao. Madalas siyang inilalarawan bilang isang matangkad, matipuno, at may edad na lalaki na may pilak na buhok, sumasalamin sa kabutihan at katarungan. Nagsusuot siya ng puting kasuotan, sumasagisag ng kanyang kadalisayan at pagiging patas, at kilala siya sa pagpapasunod sa lahat ng nasa ilalim ng kanyang pamamahala.
Isa sa mga kasabihang iniuugnay sa kanya, ang "Si Gugurang Masuripot," ay nagpapakita ng kanyang katarungan at pagiging makatarungan sa lahat, na nangangahulugang pantay ang tingin ng diyos sa lahat.
Gugurang |
Mayon Volcano
In Bicolano mythology stories about the Sky gods would come down from the heavens are prevalent For instance, Gugurang, a protective and supreme deity, is said to 'came down to land' on the edge of Mt. Mayon taking the form of either a middle aged man with white hair or robust young man with long silver hair(white or grey mauban) encountering the mischievous Yasaw, a creature of the night. Some stories even say that Gugurang lives in Mt. Mayon.
Mayon Volcano, one of the most iconic and active volcanoes in the Philippines, holds a central place in Bicolano cosmology. The volcano is believed to be a conduit to the Skyworld (Urogan) and the heavens Kamurayan. The Skyworld is considered a realm of the gods and divine beings, while Kamurayan is often associated with higher spiritual planes and celestial domains. The volcano’s frequent eruptions and majestic presence symbolize the dynamic interaction between the earth and the divine.
Folklore and Stories telling Gugurang descending on Mayon and taking human form are told. Sometimes hes an very old hermit, sometimes a robust young man with silver hair testing mortals, and giving blessings to those who pass his test and judgement.
Gugurang |
Bulkang Mayon at Gugurang Sa mga kwentong Bikolano, ang Bulkang Mayon ay may malalim na kahalagahan. Itinuturing itong sagradong daan patungo sa Langit (Urogan) at sa mga kaharian ng mga diyos na kilala bilang Kamurayan, kung saan naninirahan ang mga diyos. Pinaniniwalaang naninirahan si Gugurang sa loob ng Bulkang Mayon, kaya’t hindi lamang ito simbolo ng kapangyarihang maka-diyos, kundi ito rin ang puso ng espiritwalidad ng mga Bikolano. Ang mga pagsabog ng bulkan, na may kasamang mga lavang nag-aapoy at abo, ay itinuturing na mga pagpapakita ng kapangyarihan at presensya ni Gugurang. Sinasabing bumababa siya mula sa kalangitan at nag-aanyong tao sa mga dalisdis ng bulkan, minsan bilang isang matandang may pilak na buhok, o kaya naman bilang isang malakas at batang anyo na may dumadaloy na pilak na buhok.
Ang Bulkang Mayon ay konektado rin sa mga kwento ng pagsubok at biyaya ni Gugurang. Minsan siyang nag-aanyong isang matandang ermitanyo o isang matipuno at batang lalaki upang subukin ang mga mortal, at ginagantimpalaan ang mga pumapasa sa kanyang pagsusulit ng banal na biyaya.
Gugurang's fire
Gugurang's fire was both symbolic and literal it is believed to be the flame that keep Mount Mayon and the whole of Ibalong warm and sunny. It is also believed that the fire of Gugurang is the knowledge of the gods, and is power. According to legend Asuang once tried to steal Gugurang's fire and send lava to Ibalong. Gugurang punished Asuang placing him under Mt. Malinao.
Apoy ni Gugurang Isa sa mga pinakamakapangyarihang simbolo ni Gugurang ay ang kanyang apoy. Ang apoy na ito ay literal at simboliko, sumasagisag sa karunungan, kapangyarihan, at proteksiyong maka-diyos. Pinaniniwalaang ang apoy ni Gugurang ang nagbibigay ng init at liwanag na nagpapanatili sa kasaganahan ng Ibalong (ang sinaunang lupaing Bikolano). Ang apoy ay sumasagisag din sa karunungan ng mga diyos, isang regalong kapangyarihan at talino. Ayon sa alamat, minsang sinubukan ng diyos na si Asuang na nakawin ang apoy ni Gugurang upang magdala ng pagkawasak sa Ibalong, ngunit pinarusahan siya ni Gugurang at ibinaon siya sa ilalim ng Bundok Malinao.
Mga diwatang tagapaglingkod ni Gugurang Si Gugurang ay may mga alagad makapangyarihang diwata o diyos na tumutulong sa kanya upang mapanatili ang balanse ng kalikasan:
- Linti: Ang diyos ng kidlat, na may hawak na libu-libong sibat ng kidlat.
- Dologdog: Ang diyos ng kulog, na sumasakay sa ulap at nagbibigay ng umaalingawngaw na tunog ng kulog tuwing may bagyo.
Linti at Dalogdog |
Sa mitolohiyang Bikolano, si Gugurang, ang kataas-taasang diyos, ay inilagay si Bulan, ang binatang diyos ng buwan, sa kalangitan upang magbigay liwanag sa gabi at mapanatili ang kaayusan sa dilim. Ang pangunahing dahilan para dito ay upang mapanatag ang mga halimaw, hayop, at mga nilalang ng gabi, tulad ng mga aswang, na kinatatakutan dahil sa kanilang masasamang gawain at nanalasa at pag atake sa mga tao sa ilalim ng takip ng dilim.
Ang nagniningning na liwanag ni Bulan ay pinaniniwalaang mayroong nakakakalma na epekto sa mga nilalang ng gabi, na nagpapababa sa kanilang kakayahang magdulot ng kaguluhan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaliwanag sa gabi gamit ang banayad na liwanag ni Bulan, siniguro ni Gugurang na ang mga puwersa ng dilim at kaguluhan ay napanatiling malayo. Ang celestial na liwanag na ito ay nagsilbing proteksyon para sa mga mortal, na nag-aalok ng pakiramdam ng seguridad sa gabi, kung kailan ang mga masasamang nilalang ay pinaka-aktibo.
Sa mitolohiyang ito, ang pagiging maamo at dalisay ng liwanag ni Bulan ay sumasagisag sa kadalisayan at proteksyon, na nagpapakita ng kaibahan sa kasamaan at dilim na kinakatawan ng mga nilalang tulad ng mga aswang. Ang desisyon ni Gugurang na ilagay si Bulan sa langit ay nagpapakita ng kanyang papel bilang makatarungan at mapagprotekta na diyos, na nagpapanatili ng balanse sa pagitan ng liwanag at dilim, kabutihan at kasamaan, na sinisiguro na kahit sa pinakamadilim na oras, ang kaayusan ay nananatili.
Gugurang laban kay Asuang
Gugurang at Asuang |
Sa mitolohiyang Bicolano, si Gugurang, ang pangunahing diyos ng kabutihan at tagapagtanggol ng mga tao, ay pinarusahan si Asuang dahil sa pagtatangkang nakawin ang kanyang banal na apoy. Ang apoy na ito ay hindi lamang isang pisikal na apoy; ito ay sumasagisag sa kapangyarihan, kaalaman, at puwersa ng buhay na ginagamit ni Gugurang upang tiyakin ang init at kasaganaan ng lupain, partikular sa Ibalong (ang sinaunang pangalan para sa Bicol).
Si Asuang, isang diyos na madalas na nauugnay sa kaguluhan, kasamaan, at dilim, ay naging seloso sa kapangyarihan ni Gugurang. Naniniwala siya na kung makakakuha siya ng apoy mula kay Gugurang, maaari niyang ipalaganap ang pagkawasak at maghari sa Ibalong na may takot at dilim. Ang pagnanasa ni Asuang para sa apoy ay dulot ng kanyang kasakiman para sa kapangyarihan, at nakita niyang ang apoy ang susi sa pag-alis kay Gugurang at pag-abala sa balanse sa pagitan ng kabutihan at kasamaan.
Kinuha ni Asuang ang banal na apoy, mula sa mga tagapagbatay nito na si Linti. Nangmalaman ito ni Gugurang siya ay nagalit. Pinadala niya si Linti at Dalogdog upang sagupain si Asuang. Nang mabawi ng diwata ng kulog at kidlat mula kay Aswang ang banal na apoy ay kanila itong ibinalik sa Mayon.
Bilang parusa sa kanyang pagtataksil, pinalayas ni Gugurang si Asuang at inilagay siya sa ilalim ng Bundok Malinao, isang natutulog na bulkan malapit sa Bundok Mayon.
Gugurang at Aldaw
Ang araw-araw na paglalakbay ni Adlaw sa kalangitan ay sumisimbolo ng pag-asa, pagbabagong-buhay, at proteksyon. Ang bawat pagsikat ng araw ay tinitingnan bilang basbas ni Gugurang, tanda na ang mundo ay nananatiling nasa ilalim ng kanyang mapagmatyag na pag-aaruga. Kung wala ang araw, ang mundo ay malulubog sa kadiliman at kaguluhan, kaya't si Adlaw ay isang mahalagang pigura sa banal na kaayusan ni Gugurang. Ang araw ay hindi lamang pisikal na pangangailangan, kundi isang espirituwal na tanglaw sa paniniwalang Bicolano, sumasagisag sa buhay at banal na pabor. Dahil dito, takot ang mga aswang na umatake tuwing araw, sapagkat nangangamba silang patamaan ni Adlaw ng kanyang kapangyarihan.
Sa mitolohiyang Bicolano, pinapaboran ng pinakamataas na diyos na si Gugurang si Adlaw (o Adlao), ang sagisag ng araw, dahil sa mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng araw sa pagpapanatili ng buhay at kaayusan. Si Adlaw, ang diyos ng araw, ay kumakatawan sa liwanag, init, at enerhiya na kinakailangan upang magpatuloy ang buhay. Si Gugurang, bilang pinakamakapangyarihang diyos at tagapagtanggol ng mundo, ay nakikita si Adlaw bilang sagisag ng mga pwersang ito, na nagdadala ng balanse at kasaganaan sa lupa at sa mga tao.
Makikita ang kahalagahan ng araw sa mitolohiyang Bicol sa paraan ng pamamahala nito sa mga siklo ng araw at gabi, paglaki ng mga halaman, ani, at ang paghihiwalay ng dilim sa liwanag. Para sa mga Bicolano, napakahalaga ng araw para sa agrikultura, lalo na sa isang rehiyong lubos na umaasa sa pagsasaka.
Gugurang had two vassals under him, they were lesser gods and young Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog). They were the symbol of Gugurang's punishment. Gugurang would send the two to punish stronger beings (gods). They were seduced by Asuang to join him and was almost succesful.
Linti and Dologdog were the beings resposible why Mt Malinao is now half its size (people of Ibalong believed it was taller and bigger until the two lesser gods hit it with their powers)
The powerful Gugurang underhim commanded two groups of mythological being the Katambay and the Katambang. The Katambay are guardian spirit that protects men in time of need. Semidivine being that is said to aid men when they pray to the gods and to him for help. Depicted as a tall muscular man with long black hair wearing a ''pudong'' (crown or headband or diadem depending on the stories) and clad in gold. He acts like a ''guardian angel'' againts evil. The other is the Katangbang (Garuda-like beings) cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (Garuda/Katambang) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey,which Gugurang sumons to fight Asuang's legion of monsters.
Gugurang and Asuang
Whenever the people disobeyed his orders or wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon Volcano to rumble terribly. The people in time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways. Or if their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners.
Gugurang and Asuang |
Now, Asuang had no fire in his abode inside Mount Malinao (to the north of Albay). He wanted to be as powerful as Gugurang, at least. If the people aroused his wrath, he wanted to subdue them by a fire or rumbling in Mount Malinao (this was still whole then). He entreated Gugurang to give him some fire but Gugurang emphatically refused.
Angered He determined to oppose every move of Gugurang. He gathered around him evil counselors,his monsters and evil spirits whom he sent to the earth to turn the people to evil ways. After that, there was much immorality, lawlessness and crime. Gugurang in no time found out that it was Asuang who was causing all these things.
Gugurang and Asuang |
Asuang sent his monsters, his legions of ''Asuang'' ,He sent pestilence to the colonies and for a moment the people turned to the omnipotent for protection. Gugurang asked them for another atang or sacrifice and warned them to follow his commandments strictly or be exterminated by floods or eruption. Against Asuang himself Gugurang was powerless to do anything. It seemed that in the twinkle of an eye Asuang came to possess hidden powers hitherto denied him.
Myths and Folklore about Gugurang
Gugurang particularly guarded his fire lest his enemy make good his threat of stealing it. He assigned his trusted helpers (catambang/katambay) to guard the symbol of his power. He was afraid, besides, that if the fire were to go out of its confines the world would be consumed in a mighty conflagration.
Gugurang went to the colonies and summoned his winged guardians, cadre of half-man half-bird creatures (akin to a Garuda) that are strong and are capable of flight. That they would swoop and catch evi humans and monsters, but upon touching fresh waters they turn into attractive men with muscular bodies. Other stories tell that these emissaries of Gugurang are monster that have the body of a muscular man and a face of an eagle and hands with sharp talons, thses creature have arms that turn into wings when pursuing its prey. to Swoop down and tear the legions of Asuang. Asuang's monsters were many but Gugurang's birdmen were strong.
Asuang tansformed himself into a Yasaw. Nobody minds the Yasaw because everyone knew they were harmless creatures
Asuang was able to enter and locate the guarded object, and with many guiles and wiles, he bribed the guards with gold (bolauan). The temptation (sogot) was too sweet to be denied. Hence Asuang obtained possession of Gugurang's fire. Putting it inside a coconut shell he started with it.
Gugurang in his throne suddenly noticed that everything around him turned black, and that there were cries in the bowels of the volcano. But outside, the world was on fire.
Every colony that Asuang passed caught fire. And with this he flew into the air pursuing the thief. While terror reigned among the people who were powerless against the conflagration, Gugurang and Asuang raced for supremacy. Gugurang must get the fire back, or else he would be left without any power at all. All the air around grew hot but still they went madly on. Asuang was nearing his seat and if he could get there before Gugurang,
Asuang braced up for the last stride and just as he was about to descend Mount Malinao, Gugurang caught up with him, Gugurang snatched the fire from the Yasaw (Asuang in disguise)
Gugurang on reaching Mount Mayon returned the fire to its place, and everything was bright again inside. Now before doing anything else he set about stopping the conflagration. He bade the heavens (calangitan) to rain continuously. And there was rain. And the big fire was under control. The people at once offered atangs, because they were convinced it was Gugurang who had caused the fire because of their wickedness. Then Gugurang punished the guards by chaining them to the precipices. Then for his revenge on Asuang—he ordered Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike hard against Mount Malinao that was defying him. Asuang attempted to bribe Linti and Dalogdog. He almost succeded in tempting them with power and alliance but they feared Gugurang more. So they strike Mount Malinao with their power until it was half its size. Entombing Asuang inside.
In Bicolano mythology, the supreme god Gugurang favors Adlaw (or Adlao), the embodiment of the sun, because of the vital role the sun plays in sustaining life and order. Adlaw, the sun god, represents light, warmth, and the energy needed for life to thrive. Gugurang, as the supreme deity and protector of the world, sees Adlaw as the embodiment of these essential forces, which bring balance and prosperity to the land and its people. Like Adalw was pulled from the ether by Gugurang into existence
The sun’s importance in Bicol mythology can be seen in how it governs the cycles of day and night, growth and harvest, and the separation of darkness from light. For the Bicolanos, the sun is crucial for agriculture, especially in a region heavily dependent on farming.
Adlaw’s daily journey across the sky symbolizes hope, renewal, and protection. Each sunrise is seen as Gugurang’s blessing, a sign that the world remains under his watchful care. Without the sun, the world would descend into darkness and disorder, making Adlaw a favored figure in Gugurang’s divine order. This makes the sun not only a physical necessity but also a spiritual beacon in Bicolano belief, embodying both life and divine favor.
Gugurang and Bulan
Gugurang decided to put the moon in the sky He placed Bulan in the heavens and commanded the wind people to serve Bulan. The wind people loved their new lord. for Bulan was kind and playful, the wind people vowed in unison to forever serve him. Bulan was Gugurang's favorite for Bulan was sweet and playful. Like a sweet boy to his father. Gugurang would occasionally visit the heavens to see Bulan. Then it became less and less because Gugurang was busy managing the realm of men. Meanwhile in Ibalong
Asuang is feared and blamed for all the misfortunes of people, all the blame, and hate. After being defeated by his brother Gugurang, he seeks refuge in his abode along with his beast and other monsters. From his mountain he saw the god Bulan descending from the heavens to the waters, he remembered that Bulan was Gugurang favorite that the supreme deity personally placed him in the heavens. Bulan descending with an entourage of wind nymphs (tawong lipod) in the waters of Bicol, and Asuang and his minion of night beast came to the waters, He had plans of taking the boy moon to have revenge on Gugurang. Then he stood in awe at the luminosity and radiance of the moon. He sent his vicious magindara or mermaids to capture Bulan, instead of capturing the moon deity upon seeing his comeliness they became tame and played together like children. Asuang angered by what had happened personally went to the waters to where Bulan and the mermaids and wind nymphs played. He walked into the water as if it were solid ground followed by his flying beast. Bulan saw Asuang, Asuang expected the boy to be afraid and scream in terror, to Asuang surprise Bulan smiled and asked him to play and swim in the waters with him. Asuang moved by the kindness and warmth welcome of the lunar deity vowed that they will be friends. And that no harm shall come to him whenever he descends to the waters and lands of his domain, that also his beast and monsters shall treat the moon with veneration.
Gugurang |
Sirinaw
Sirinaw or Orathion or Uratihon a young demigod of the sun and fire, he fell inlove with a mortal and disobeyed Bulan, and Gugurang's warmings not to go down to Ibalong (since he was still an adolescent god he cannot control his emotions and power) When he saw the beautiful maiden his body emitted heat which burned most of the colonies in Ibalong, killing the maided he loves. Gugurang destroyed his golden boat (Orathihon's vehicle to earth) and forbid him to ever god down to the human realm.
Gugurang and the Yasaw
Yasaw are Asuang's favorite creatures they are short clawed beings who look like very darkskinned small children (they also act and think like childrem) they are playful and like to make pranks and like to frighten humans but they only scare, they do not harm to humans. One day Gugurang was in the realm of men and stumbled on a Yasaw, thinking it was Asuang (before Asuang turned into a Yasaw to get into moutn Malinao) Gugurang burned the harmless yasaw to dust. The ekek (birdlike minion of Asuang) saw what had happened reported it to Asuang. This added more fuel to the fire to Asuang's anger towards Gugurang.
Gugurang |
Gugurang in Visayan Mythology
The Visayan people acknowleged the existance of Gugurang, in their point of view Gugurang was proud and boastful lesser god who would sometimes bring his army of winged bird-men creatures and try to attack Mt. Kanlaon. The god Kanlaon would send his locust and fire, and Gugurang would always end up defeated and would return to ''Ibalong'' (the other side)
Gugurang inVisayan mythology |
The Divine Enforcers Linti and Dologdog
In Bicolano mythology, the lesser gods Linti and Dologdog emerge as formidable entities responsible for commanding lightning and thunder, respectively. These divine brothers serve Gugurang, the benevolent god residing in Mount Mayon, and play a pivotal role in the epic tale of Asuang's audacious attempt to steal fire, resulting in a cosmic clash that altered the landscape and balance of power.
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