mga bathala,diwata,anito...

a caste system for the pagan gods of the Philippines, it would likely reflect the complex and layered nature of Filipino mythology, where different beings hold various levels of power and influence. Here's how such a hierarchy might be structured:

SUPREME DEITY

Ang kaitaas taasan Ang diwata ng mga diwata, anito ng mga anito

1. Supreme Deity

Gugurang,Bathala, Laon

• Role: The highest and most powerful being, often regarded as the creator of the universe and the source of all life. This deity would be above all others in power and authority.
• Example: Bathala (Tagalog), Kan-Laon/Laon (Visayan), or Kabunian (Ilocano) could be considered the Supreme Deity, depending on the ethnic group.

HIGH GODS

Ang mga mataas na diwata

Mga diwata o anito ng kaitaasan

Mga bathala

Philippine Sun gods

Philippine Moon gods

2. High Gods

• Role: Powerful deities who rule over major aspects of the world and life, such as the sky, sea, underworld, war, fertility, or agriculture. They are often directly involved in the lives of humans and have their own areas of influence. Philippine lunar gods and solar gods would typically belong to the High Gods category. War deities

Philippine war gods

• Examples:
• Amanikable (Tagalog god of the sea)
• Idiyanale (Tagalog goddess of labor and good deeds)
• Lalahon ( Visayan goddess of harvest and volcanoes)
• Apolaki (Tagalog mythology) is a prime example, being both a god of the sun and war, making him a powerful and prominent figure in the pantheon.
• Mandarangan (Bagobo mythology) is another war deity, associated with violence, battle, and the forces of destruction.

MINOR GODS

Mga diyos o diwata ng mundong ibabaw

Mga anito o diwata ng ibabawnun

3. Minor Gods

• Role: Lesser deities who preside over more specific domains or aspects of life, such as particular natural phenomena, elements of nature, or human activities. They are important within their niches but do not wield the same level of power as the High Gods.
• Examples:
• Anitun Tabu (goddess of wind and rain in Tagalog mythology) 
• Linti (Bicolano elemental of lighting) 
• Dalogdog (Bicolano elemental of lighting and thunder) 

NATURE SPIRITS

Mga Diwata

Mga diwata ng kalikasan at kagubatan

4. Nature Spirits (Diwata,Anitos)

• Role: Spirits associated with natural elements such as trees, mountains, rivers, and forests. These spirits are often worshiped or revered locally, believed to inhabit specific natural locations and to protect or influence these areas.
• Examples: Acacia and  Balete tree spirits, Diwatas (nature spirits in forests and mountains), Kalangan (tree spirits)
• Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan

ANCESTRAL SPIRITS

Mga Anito

5. Ancestral Spirits (Anito, Umalagad)

• Role: Spirits of deceased ancestors who are venerated and called upon for guidance, protection, and blessings. They maintain a close relationship with the living, often influencing family and community affairs.

• Examples: Anitong Ninuno The Kaluluwa or spirits of the dead that are honored in rituals and ceremonies.

DEMI GODS

6. Demigods

• Role: Beings of mixed divine and mortal heritage, often heroes or significant figures in mythology who possess extraordinary abilities or have been favored by the gods. They serve as intermediaries between gods and humans and often perform great deeds.

• Examples: Figures like Lam-Ang (Ilocano hero) or Handiong (Bicolano hero).

NATURE FAIRIES AND LESSER SPIRITS

Lambana

Engkanto

7.Nature Fairies and Lesser Spirits 

• Role: Smaller, more localized spirits and fairies that might be mischievous, protective, or helpful. They are closely associated with particular elements of nature or small-scale phenomena.

• Examples:

• Lambana (fairies and assisting higher diwata)
• Engkantos (enchanted beings, often found in nature Tamawo,Dalaketnon ect..)

 Note. In contemporary Philippine specifically in spoken language. whenever you say bathala, people dont often mean Bathala(supreme tagalog deity), they mean god or gods in general. When you say diwata they would usually mean a beautiful dryad-fairy maiden, and when you say anito it people would usually think of ancestor spirits. When someone says lambana it they usually mean tinkerbel, when they say tawong lipod they mean invisible maligno. Not everyone is super nerdy and the uses of the old words are not as what they were in ancient times. Don't be a mythology Nazi. Don't be arrogant "i know better mentality". instead be kind. Remember things change and water flows. And the mythology of the Philippines is a living one and still alive today inside the Philippine. Please wag po tayo maging Mythology-Nazi. hindi po yan nakakaganda.

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.