Mythology vs. History: Understanding the Difference
Mythology refers to a collection of traditional stories, often involving gods, supernatural beings, and heroes, which explain the worldview, customs, and beliefs of a culture. It offers a way to understand how people in the past made sense of the natural world, human behavior, and the divine. Myths are not bound by facts or historical accuracy but instead convey deeper truths about human existence and values.
History, on the other hand, is the study of past events based on evidence, such as written records, artifacts, and oral accounts. History is grounded in facts, aiming to provide an accurate account of what really happened. It seeks to interpret and analyze past occurrences, understanding causes, effects, and significance based on documented evidence.
Both mythology and history shape how people understand their culture, but they serve different purposes. While mythology provides a symbolic and cultural explanation of life, history focuses on factual, documented realities.
What is Philippine Mythology?
Philippine mythology is the body of myths, legends, and traditional stories that explain the beliefs, practices, and worldviews of the Filipino people. It is an intricate mix of animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the influences of pre-colonial belief systems. These stories tell of Diwata (nature deities), Anito (ancestral spirits), Engkanto (nature spirits), Aswang (shape-shifting creatures), and countless other supernatural beings that were worshiped, feared, and respected by the early inhabitants of the Philippines.
Unlike the mythologies of the West (like Greek or Norse mythology), which are often viewed as relics of the past, Philippine mythology is very much alive today. These myths are still told and retold by Filipinos across the archipelago, with each region having its own version of stories that have been passed down for centuries.
The stories change over time, evolving with each retelling. For example, some spirits or creatures may have gained new characteristics based on current cultural and social contexts, while others may have been blended with Christian beliefs introduced during colonization. This dynamic nature makes Philippine mythology an ever-evolving tapestry of beliefs, influenced by the past but continuously adapting to the present.
Philippine Mythology vs. Folk Religion
It is important not to confuse Philippine mythology with folk religion. While mythology consists of the stories and characters that explain the world, folk religion is about actual practices and rituals.
- Philippine mythology is about the stories of gods, goddesses, spirits, and creatures—mythical narratives that explain life and the supernatural.
- Folk religion, in contrast, refers to the actual belief systems and rituals practiced by Filipino communities, especially in rural areas, where people might invoke spirits, offer sacrifices, or perform traditional healing practices.
Folk religion may draw from mythology, but it is also influenced by Christianity, colonialism, and various other belief systems. While Philippine mythology helps explain the origin and power of supernatural beings, folk religion involves how Filipinos interact with and worship these beings in their daily lives.
An Entheocide of Precolonial Beliefs
Philippine mythology reflects a rich pre-colonial belief system that existed before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. At that time, the Philippines had a diverse spiritual landscape, heavily influenced by animism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. These religions were evident in the worship of Bathala (a supreme god in Tagalog mythology), the reverence for Diwata, and various religious symbols resembling Hindu and Buddhist iconography.
However, colonization led to the entheocide (the destruction of indigenous beliefs) of many of these precolonial systems. The Spanish missionaries introduced Catholicism, often demonizing or erasing native gods and spirits, branding them as evil or superstitious. Although the introduction of Christianity caused a decline in the formal worship of many of these ancient deities, the stories and myths remained ingrained in Filipino culture. In fact, many Filipinos fused Catholic saints with native spirits, giving rise to syncretic beliefs that blended both systems.
Despite attempts to suppress it, Philippine mythology remains alive today. It continues to be retold in stories, performances, rituals, and celebrations, especially in rural areas where indigenous traditions are preserved. The myths of the Diwata, Aswang, and Engkanto live on, surviving the changes brought by colonialism and modernization.
The Uniqueness of Philippine Mythology
Philippine mythology is unique in its non-Western roots. While Western mythologies like those of the Greeks and Romans often revolve around a pantheon of gods residing in specific realms, Philippine mythology is deeply connected to nature and the land. The Diwata, Anito, and other spirits are often seen as guardians of the natural world—forests, rivers, mountains—reflecting the strong animist beliefs of early Filipinos.
Moreover, Philippine mythology’s strength lies in its regional diversity. Each island or region has its own version of myths, making the Philippine mythological tradition rich and varied. The tales told in the Visayas may differ from those in Luzon or Mindanao, but they are all part of the larger narrative that connects Filipinos to their land and history.
Confusing Philippine Mythology with Western Concepts
Unfortunately, Western and foreign perspectives often mix up or misunderstand Philippine mythology. Westerners tend to compare it to their own mythologies, particularly Greek myths, due to the global familiarity with those stories. This comparison can be problematic because Philippine mythology is fundamentally different in structure, origin, and cultural context.
Greek mythology is often focused on gods that govern human affairs from distant, grand locations, while Philippine mythology is centered around gods, spirits directly tied to nature, protecting local communities, forests, rivers, and natural resources. These deities are not remote figures but are integrated into daily life, influencing the environment and personal well-being.
Foreigners—especially those familiar with Western mythologies—sometimes impose their ideas, thinking of Philippine mythology as a simplified version of Greek myths. This is problematic because the Philippines had No contact with Greece in pre-colonial or colonial times. Therefore, trying to force Greek concepts onto Filipino myths is both inaccurate and dismissive of the rich, indigenous tradition that evolved naturally in the Philippines.
Imposing Western or Greek frameworks on Philippine mythology erases the cultural uniqueness and context of these stories. The Philippines had its own belief systems, deeply rooted in local landscapes and ancestral veneration, long before colonization or any Western influence.
Mythology Lives On: A Living Tradition
Unlike in the West, where myths are often viewed as relics of the past, Philippine mythology is still a living tradition. These stories are constantly evolving, being retold in everyday conversations, passed down through generations, and even featured in modern media, such as films, TV shows, and literature. In many Filipino communities, there is still a belief in Engkanto, Diwata, and other mythological creatures, especially in rural areas where folklore remains deeply embedded in daily life.
Philippine mythology is not static. As it is passed down orally, it is subject to variations, regional differences, and personal interpretations. This fluidity allows it to adapt and stay relevant, reflecting the evolving culture and identity of the Filipino people. It is more than just ancient stories; it is a reflection of the Filipino soul, surviving colonization and modern influences to remain an integral part of the nation's identity.
Philippine mythology is a unique, living tradition that offers insights into the beliefs and worldview of pre-colonial Filipinos. It continues to evolve and adapt, passing from one generation to the next. While influenced by colonial forces, it remains distinctly Filipino, reflecting the land, people, and history of the archipelago. It is essential to recognize its value and not confuse it with folk religion, as mythology carries the stories and symbols that define a people’s culture and identity.
Bicol and Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.
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