SHOKOY

  

Deep Sea king looks like a Siyokoy from Philippine oral mythology and folklore

The Siyokoy is a Bantay Tubig and a distinctive and often feared creature in Filipino mythology. Generally portrayed as an aquatic humanoid, the siyokoy is described as having green, scaly skin, webbed limbs, sharp teeth, and sometimes fins or gills. Often paired or coined as the male counterpart to the sirena, the Filipino mermaid. However, unlike the beautiful, alluring sirena, the siyokoy has a grotesque appearance and a hostile disposition. Legends tell of the siyokoy's animosity toward humans, frequently involving it luring people into the water to drown them.

Syokoy and Sirena in Filipino comics

Origins and Etymology

The term siyokoy likely originates from the Hokkien Chinese phrase "shui gui," which refers to water spirits or ghosts of people who drowned, and who subsequently seek to drown others as an act of spiritual possession. This potential etymological link between the Filipino siyokoy and Hokkien folklore reflects centuries of cultural interchange, as Chinese communities interacted with indigenous Philippine polities since at least the 10th century. The blending of local mythologies with foreign elements is evident in many Filipino myths, with the siyokoy potentially standing as an example of such integration. Over time, this figure was further shaped by exposure to Western colonial myths, notably the European sirens and mermaids, through Spanish influence.

Siyokoy depicted on Philippine TV

Characteristics of the Siyokoy

The siyokoy is markedly more animalistic than its female counterpart, the sirena, or even the kataw—another merman-like creature of Filipino folklore that is portrayed as slightly more humanoid. Unlike the sirena, who has the upper body of a human and the lower half of a fish, the siyokoy is often depicted as more monstrous, with a full set of humanoid limbs but with scales and webbed fingers and toes that hint at its aquatic origin. Its green or dark, slimy skin adds to its menacing look, while the sharp teeth and bulging eyes emphasize its role as a dangerous predator. This portrayal reflects the general cultural association of the siyokoy with the hidden threats and perils of the deep waters.

One notable distinction between the siyokoy and Western merfolk is its capacity to move on land as well as underwater (has legs) Legends suggest that it can emerge from the water, owing to its human-like legs, but it primarily lurks in deep waters, hunting and waiting for unsuspecting prey to venture too close to its domain.

Comparison with Other Mythological Water Beings in the Philippines

The siyokoy stands among various water-related spirits and creatures in Filipino mythology. For example, the Visayan people historically described the kataw, an aquatic creature akin to the sirena, as more human-like, without the fish-body typical of Western mermaid imagery. In colonial accounts by Spanish missionaries like Alcina and Mentrida, kataw were noted to have webbed limbs but otherwise human-like forms. These depictions imply a diversity in local aquatic beings before and during the colonial period, where not all water beings followed the fish-tailed trope introduced by Western mythologies.

Okoy - Sireno - Berberoka - Sirena

In the Tagalog and Bicolano regions, pre-colonial beliefs also referred to aquatic spirits, such as litao, a sea or river anito (spirit) who dwelled beneath the water. Some folklorists, such as Isabelo de los Reyes, suggest that the concept of the sirena was introduced by the Spanish, merging with the idea of local water spirits, But different regions already had names for merfolk even before Spanish influence. In the Ilocano regions, local tales recount beings similar to the sirena, but with distinct physical features and abilities. These beings were said to sometimes lure children by creating whirlpools or mysterious bubbles around rivers and coastal waters.

The Evolution of the Siyokoy in Filipino Mythology

Over time, the siyokoy's image has blended aspects of indigenous myths and colonial influences. While its appearance has retained a distinctive look with animalistic traits, its malicious nature aligns with themes found in both local and imported legends about water spirits. This blending of foreign and native ideas resulted in a uniquely Filipino figure with traits resonant with local fears of deep water and its mysteries. As it stands, the siyokoy symbolizes not only the dangers that lie beneath the ocean surface but also the complex cultural exchange that has shaped Filipino folklore.

The siyokoy, though terrifying, serves as a cultural symbol, illustrating both the indigenous belief in spiritual realms and the adaptability of myth in the Philippines, influenced by Chinese, Hindu-Buddhist, and Spanish elements across centuries.

SHOKOY IN PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY AS TOLD AND RETOLD BY FILIPINOS IN THE PHILIPPINES

In contemporary Philippines, the Siyokoy remains a well-known male mythological creature, commonly paired with the female sirena even though there is also a male counterpart known as the sireno. The siyokoy stands out in Filipino mythology as one of the most vividly remembered aquatic beings, and stories about it are recounted across various regions in the Philippines. While the sirena is often seen as an enchanting yet dangerous figure, the siyokoy embodies a more menacing presence. It is depicted as a predatory creature, lurking in the depths and posing a genuine threat to humans who wander too close to the water.

The Siyokoy in Modern Filipino Oral Tradition

Across the archipelago, stories of the siyokoy are passed down through oral tradition, making it a widely recognized figure in Philippine mythology. The creature’s terrifying image, with its scaled body, sharp teeth, and webbed hands and feet, continues to captivate and frighten both children and adults. Although modern influences have introduced new entertainment and folklore sources, the siyokoy’s image endures, sustained by local stories, books on Philippine mythology, and popular media adaptations.

Unlike other mythological creatures that may be restricted to specific regions, tales of the siyokoy are told throughout the Philippines. This broad presence in oral mythology contributes to its status as a well-known figure in Filipino folklore, making the siyokoy a common symbol of the mysterious and dangerous aspects of the water. In local festivals, school events, and media representations, the siyokoy and sirena are frequently featured, reflecting how their stories remain an integral part of the cultural imagination.

Siyokoy Relationship with the Sirena and Sireno in Modern Mythology

Siyokoy and Sirena

Batang Syokoy at Sirena

Interestingly, while the sireno is known in some accounts as the male counterpart to the sirena, it is the siyokoy who is typically paired with the sirena in Philippine storytelling. This pairing emphasizes the contrast between the alluring beauty of the sirena and the animalistic, fearsome nature of the siyokoy, creating a balance of attraction and danger. The siyokoy is often seen as a guardian of the underwater realm or even as a territorial creature who does not welcome intruders. This protective, aggressive nature differentiates it from the sireno, which is often portrayed as a less terrifying and more alluring figure.

In modern adaptations, the siyokoy frequently appears as the villain in stories and television shows that explore Filipino myths, where it is often depicted trying to capture or drown intruders. This portrayal reinforces the cautionary role of the siyokoy in Filipino culture, representing both the unknown and the perils lurking in the natural world.

Art By Allycortes101

Siyokoy and Sireno are different mythological beings

In Filipino mythology, the Sireno and Siyokoy are distinct male aquatic creatures with unique features and roles. The Sireno resembles a traditional merman, with a good looking human upper body and fish tail, and is seen as a mystical, sometimes enchanting figure similar to the sirena. In contrast, the Siyokoy has a monstrous, amphibious appearance with human-like legs, webbed limbs, and scaly skin. Unlike the sireno, which may be neutral or benevolent, the siyokoy is typically aggressive and territorial, often depicted as a creature that lurks in water to attack or drown intruders.

This difference reflects in modern Filipino culture, where the sireno symbolizes the ocean’s allure, while the siyokoy represents its dangers. The two figures together capture the duality of the sea in Philippine mythology: both a source of enchantment and a realm of hidden perils.

Sireno in Philippine mythology as portrayed on Philippine TV

Sireno as depicted on Philippine TV

The Siyokoy as a Symbol in Philippine Culture

In contemporary Philippine culture, the siyokoy represents both the continuity of indigenous beliefs and the adaptation of local mythology over time. Its enduring popularity attests to its role as a powerful symbol of the ocean’s mysteries and dangers, woven into the daily lives and imaginations of people across the Philippines. Through the siyokoy, modern Filipinos remain connected to ancestral myths, while also adapting these tales to new forms of storytelling that keep the siyokoy alive in the national imagination.

REMINDER

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different versions told by Filipinos, and retold by Filipinos in the Philippines