RABOT

Rabot is a monster in Bicolano mythology, mentioned in Ibalong. Considered the last of the ancient monsters of Ibalong, Stories about him are told all throughout Bicol.

Ang huling Halimaw ng Ibalong.

When the hero Handiog came and purged Ibalong from all its beasts and monsters, In the end he fell in love with one, the demigoddess Oryol.  He and Oryol thought the people the cultivation of rice, how to make sailboats, pottery and even writing. Under their rule Ibalong became bountiful.
They handed down the colonies to Bantong. Who would kill the last powerful monster in Ibalong Rabot and after that humans were able to survive on their own with products and skills given to them by their warrior ancestors.

Rabut
Art by Naz

Rabot

Rabot was the last of the ancient great monsters that resided in Ibalong. Some stories depict Rabot as a strong bipedal creature, while others describe him as a four-legged beast that is half-human and half-animal. His upper body resembles that of a muscular man, while his lower body is that of a huge goat, though some versions describe it as resembling a water buffalo. Rabot possesses sharp golden teeth and has the ability to turn people into stone. He is immeasurably strong and fast, akin to the beasts of the forest. His voice is loud and booming, resembling a mighty roar. Additionally, he has enormous bat-like wings that seem to cover the moon when he flies at night. Rabot was nearly undefeatable, but Baltog discovered his secret: Rabot sleeps during the day. In some versions, it is the demigoddess Oryol who reveals this secret to Baltog, guiding him in his quest to defeat Rabot.

(note. Rabot is often called kalahating Halimaw, could mean Kalahating Sarimaw meaning half tiger)

Tandayang sa Opon and Rabot

Rabot in Oral mythology and folklore

 Legend tells that he was a son of a beautiful young commoner who collected limpets. The girl would collect limpets by the beach. One day as she was doing about her daily chore she saw a warship. From fear, she froze on the spot and could not run. Three men came from the warship rode a small boat towards her. The three men were monstrous with tattoos covering their face and their exposed bodies but as they came nearer the sun revealed that they were handsome men, radiant in manhood and clad in gold.  She was captivated by their golden glow and muscular allure. They took turns with her on the beach under the morning sun. When the sun had set she woke up with piles of gold by her side. She is happy but notices her belly is big, not a day has passed but she was impregnated by the three handsome men and is about to give birth. The full moon revealed her baby had a monstrous appearance and was big for a newborn. She screamed and wanted to crush the baby's head with a stone but then the moons silvery light distracted her and she heard a soft voice. It was the moon god who told her to have pity on the newborn, She prostrated her self to the god of the moon and said that she would kill herself after killing her newborn baby.  

Rabot

The gods of the moon descended with an entourage of  wind sylphs (taong lipod) 
 Haliya wanted to smite the mother and child on the spot, Bulan who had a tender heart stoped his twin and cried tears that turned into pearls, Bulan then told the mortal he would hide her transgressions. The lunar deity sensed strong power from the baby. If Gugurang or the other gods saw her baby they would smite him. and  took her newborn baby and placed it in a cave near the beach where the mermaids reside. The child will remain in the cave and will be cared for by the mermaids but the mother must visit her child to teach it kindness and human ways. Bulan touched the head of the monstrous child and kissed it, he said that the child will grow ever strong but to balance the strength the child would grow up always feeling sleepy so that it could do no harm to others with its future strength. So the girl often visited her son in the cave near the beach, bringing a basket of fruits. 

Her son grew big and taller than any man he had ever seen, Big and hulking but with the mind of a child. She named her son Rabot.  Years had she would go to the beach to the cave and bring her son a basket of fruits and the mermaids would give him fish, her son grew bigger and taller body thick with muscle and more monstrous. One day she did not come, outside the cave strong winds and rain fell. The god of the storms Onos had passed by and had swept the colony and have drowned most of its people, including Rabot's mother. Rabot came out of the cave to see the ruins of the colonies and villages of Ibalong due to the deluge caused by the storm god.  He saw his mother among the dead. The god Asuang saw what a magnificent beast he was. The evil deity realized how strong the Rabot was when it picked up trees and other debris from the flood like they weight nothing. Asuang saw potential but he also realized the Rabot is like child. Asuang used Rabot's childlike mind to his benefit.  

 Asuang tricked Rabot that it was the villagers who had killed his mother. Angered by this Rabot went on a rampage and turning people into stone. After that he would sleep. He awoke and remembered what the god Asuang had said that the villagers were to blame, and again he went turning people to stone. A thousand men could not defeat him.

Rabot was strong, aside from turning people to stone it roar was so loud that it could fling the men and even deflect arrows and stones when it screams.  It was the cunning hero Bantong (Oryol told him the secret how to defeat the Rabot, wait for it to fall asleep) who waited until Rabot fell asleep and with one stab killed the beast.  When Bantong killed the fierce half-man and beast, Rabot. Curiously, Handyong was saddened by Rabot's death.

it signals the passing of an era, when men proved to be more vicious than any monsters with free will and the skill of the hunt, magic and ceremonial incantations, that men simply snuff out life.

Rabot in Bicol mythology

Si Rabot ay isang halimaw sa mitolohiyang Bikolano, na binanggit sa epikong Ibalong. Siya ang itinuturing na huling sinaunang halimaw ng Ibalong, at ang mga kwento tungkol sa kanya ay ipinapasa sa iba't ibang panig ng Bikol.

Rabot Ang Huling Sinaunang Halimaw ng Ibalong

Nang dumating ang bayaning si Handiog at nilinis ang Ibalong mula sa lahat ng mga halimaw at mababangis na nilalang, sa huli, umibig siya sa isang demi-diyosa na si Oryol. Magkasama nilang tinuruan ang mga tao kung paano magtanim ng palay, gumawa ng mga bangka, palayok, at maging ang pagsusulat. Sa ilalim ng kanilang pamumuno, naging masagana ang Ibalong.

Ipinasa nila ang mga kolonya kay Bantong, na siyang pumatay sa huling makapangyarihang halimaw ng Ibalong, si Rabot. Matapos nito, nabuhay nang mag-isa ang mga tao gamit ang mga produkto at kasanayang itinuro sa kanila ng kanilang mga mandirigmang ninuno.

Si Rabot

Si Rabot ay ang huling halimaw na naninirahan sa Ibalong. Siya ay isang malakas na nilalang na kalahating-tao at kalahating-hayop-halimaw. Ang kanyang pang-itaas na katawan ay parang sa isang makisig na lalaki, ngunit ang pang-ibaba ay katulad ng sa kalabaw o sa kabayo (kahalintulad ng tikbalang, ngunit may mukhang tao). Mayroon siyang gintong matatalas na ngipin at kaya niyang gawing bato ang mga tao. Napakabilis at napakalakas niya tulad ng mababangis na hayop sa kagubatan. Ang kanyang boses ay malakas at parang umaatungal. Mayroon din siyang malalaking pakpak ng paniki na tila natatakpan ang buwan kapag lumilipad sa gabi. Halos hindi siya matalo, ngunit natuklasan ni Baltog ang kanyang lihim—na si Rabot ay natutulog tuwing araw (sa ilang kwento, si Oryol ang nagsabi kay Baltog kung paano patayin si Rabot).

Ang Alamat ni Rabot at ang Kwento ni Tandayang sa Opon

Ayon sa alamat, si Rabot ay anak ng isang magandang dalaga na nangunguha ng mga kabibi. Isang araw, habang nangunguha siya ng kabibi sa tabing-dagat, nakita niya ang isang barkong pandigma. Sa takot, hindi siya makagalaw. Lumapit sa kanya ang tatlong lalaking may mga tattoo at mukhang mababagsik. Ngunit habang papalapit sila, nakita niyang sila'y mga makisig na lalaki na naglalakbay sa ilalim ng araw, nababalutan ng ginto. Naakit siya sa kanilang kagandahan, at kinuha nila siya sa tabing-dagat. Nang sumapit ang gabi, nagising siyang may mga tambak ng ginto sa tabi niya, ngunit napansin niyang malaki na ang kanyang tiyan at handa nang magsilang.

Ipinanganak niya ang isang halimaw na si Rabot, ngunit pinigilan ng diyos ng buwan ang kanyang balak na patayin ang bata. Sa halip, sinabi ng diyos na ang kanyang anak ay magiging malakas ngunit palaging inaantok, upang hindi ito makasakit ng iba. Pinalaki si Rabot ng mga sirena sa isang kweba malapit sa dagat, at madalas siyang dalawin ng kanyang ina upang turuan siya ng kabutihan at pagiging tao.

Habang lumalaki si Rabot, naging higante siya, malaki at matipuno. Isang araw, hindi na bumalik ang kanyang ina, dahil nasawi ito sa isang matinding bagyo na dulot ni Onos, ang diyos ng unos. Galit na galit si Rabot sa pagkamatay ng kanyang ina, at dahil sa panlilinlang ni Asuang, ang diyos ng kasamaan, naniwala siyang ang mga tao ng Ibalong ang pumatay sa kanyang ina. Sa galit, nagwawala siya at ginawang bato ang mga tao.

Napakalakas ni Rabot. Bukod sa kakayahang gawing bato ang mga tao, ang kanyang malakas na sigaw ay kayang magpatalsik ng mga mandirigma at makapagpatumba ng mga palaso at bato. Sa wakas, si Bantong ang nakatuklas ng kanyang lihim—na natutulog si Rabot tuwing araw. Nang matulog si Rabot, sinamantala ni Bantong ang pagkakataon at pinatay ang halimaw sa isang pag-atake.

Bagaman nagtagumpay si Bantong sa pagpatay kay Rabot, malungkot si Handyong sa pagkamatay ng huling halimaw, dahil ipinapakita nito ang pagtatapos ng isang panahon—ang panahon ng mga halimaw, na pinalitan ng mas mabagsik na mga tao na may malayang kalooban at kasanayan sa pagpatay.

Rabot's Appearance and Abilities:

Depending on the versions Rabot, a colossal bipedal creature, some versions on four hooves with a muscular human upper body and the lower body of a huge goat , possesses an aura of fearsome strength. His visage is both captivating and terrifying, with golden sharp teeth and the power to turn people into stone and a strong booming voice and roar. The monstrous hybrid also boasts wings that can eclipse the moon when he takes flight, showcasing a blend of monstrous features that define his mythic existence.

RABOT

Origin and Tragic Tale:

Legend tells that Rabot was born to a commoner, a young woman who encountered three handsome men radiating in golden allure. What seemed to be a divine encounter turned into a tragic twist as the woman discovered her pregnancy and the monstrous appearance of her newborn child, Rabot. The godsof the moon intervened, sparing the child's life and placing him in a cave near the beach, cared for by mermaids.

Rabot's Tragedy Unfolds:

Rabot, growing larger and stronger than any man, lived a life of solitude in the cave, visited only by his mother, who taught him kindness and human ways. However, tragedy struck when a storm god, Onos, unleashed a deluge upon Ibalong, drowning Rabot's mother and devastating the colonies. Misled by the cunning god Asuang, Rabot believed the villagers were responsible and unleashed his wrath, turning people into stone with a mere glance.

The Heroic Intervention:

Despite Rabot's immense strength and the havoc he wreaked, the hero Bantong, embodying cunning and bravery, waited for the opportune moment. When Rabot fell asleep, Bantong seized the chance and delivered a fatal blow, ending the monstrous reign and signaling the passing of an era.

The last monster of Ibalong

Rabot's tale in the mythos of Ibalong is a poignant narrative that explores themes of tragedy, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of life. While rooted in the fantastical, the story of Rabot mirrors the complexities of human existence, where divine intervention, tragic twists of fate, and the actions of heroes and monsters shape the destiny of a mythical land. As with many myths, Rabot's significance lies not in its literal truth but in the profound lessons and cultural reflections it imparts, serving as a timeless piece of Bicolano folklore.

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

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.

Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.

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.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. 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.

Arapan, Nagined and Makbarubak

NAGINED ARAPAYAN AT MAGKABURAK

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

Arapan, Nagined and Makbarubak

Demons of Bicol mythology

To the people of Bicol they are foreign gods, they are demons brought from the sea by the tattooed ones. Arapan(also called Arapayan), Nagined and Makbarubak(Magkaburak) were brothers with skin golden from sun and the sea, their bodies and faces were covered with elaborate tattoos. They were perfect in manhood, in strength and maturity, and when they speak they speak as if they were one. The people of Bicol discovered their true form which was a three headed monster that causes harm and chaos.They are demons invoked when one wants to do harm.The Bicolano belived that the evil god Asuang embraced them as his ally, they they are invoked when one wants to cause chaos and destruction. 

Art by Sili King of Bicol

Visayan warriors
Karakoa or warship

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

Bicolano demons but Visayan gods

Nagined for the Visayans is the goddess of war and poisons but for the Bicolano she is a male war god. The Visayans view her as benevolent female goddess of war, while the Bicolanos view Nagined as a male evil god of war and poison

 NAGINED, MAGKABURAK, and ARAPAYAN 

 NAGINED, MAGKABURAK, and ARAPAYAN 

Naguined is the god of war and poison of the Visayans he is known to have two brothers who are also warriors,Arapayan(Arapan) and Magkaburak their skin blackened by countless tattoos and their teeth are said to be blackened, some say they have golden teeth like those of sharks. Naguined is prominently known to be a man but he choose to appear to men in the guise of a beautiful, some orally passed down stories tells of how Naguined chose to appear as a lovely maiden covered in tattoos to the Visayan warriors and thought them how to use poisons and herbs. There is also a story where Naguined and his brothers Arapayan and Magkaburak appear before the chambers of a Dayang (Noble woman) where they lay with her in lust and in knowledge, the Dayang conceived a child (Nagmalitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata), she and her husband Datu praised the gods.

Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan - Bikolano Demons

RABOT THE STRONGEST AND FINAL MOSTER OF IBALONG

Rabot, the ultimate monster of Ibalong, marked the culmination of monstrous entities dwelling in the region. This formidable creature embodied a hybrid nature, being half-human and half-beast. His imposing figure featured a muscular upper body reminiscent of a man, while his lower body resembled that of a water buffalo, and some compared it to a horse, akin to a tikbalang, albeit with a human face. Rabot possessed golden sharp teeth and a malevolent ability to turn unsuspecting victims into stone. His strength and swiftness rivaled the most ferocious beasts of the forest, and his resonant voice echoed like a thunderous roar. Additionally, massive bat wings adorned his frame, casting a shadow that seemed to engulf the moon when he soared through the night sky.

The legend surrounding Rabot traced back to a young commoner who inadvertently became the mother of this monstrous being. Engaged in her routine of collecting limpets by the beach, she encountered three initially monstrous men on a warship. As they approached, the sun unveiled their true, handsome forms radiating with manly allure and adorned in gold. The young woman succumbed to their enchanting presence, leading to an encounter on the beach under the morning sun. The aftermath left her with piles of gold but also with a swelling belly, revealing an unexpected pregnancy. The subsequent birth under the full moon unveiled a monstrously large newborn, prompting the horrified mother to contemplate infanticide. The intervention of the moon god persuaded her to show mercy, leading to the child being placed in a cave near the beach under the care of mermaids.

Named Rabot, the child grew into an immense, hulking figure with the mind of a child, regularly receiving visits from his mother who brought baskets of fruits. Tragedy struck when Rabot's mother perished during a deluge caused by the storm god Onos, leaving Rabot to discover the ruins of Ibalong, including his mother among the dead. Exploiting the situation, the god Asuang deceived Rabot into believing that villagers were responsible for his mother's death, triggering a rampage where he turned people into stone.

Despite the efforts of a thousand men, Rabot proved invincible. It was the ingenious hero Bantong who, patiently waiting for Rabot to fall asleep, delivered a fatal blow with a single stab. Curiously, Handyong, the revered hero, felt a sense of sorrow at Rabot's demise. This event marked the end of an era, symbolizing a shift wherein humans, with their free will, hunting skills, and mastery of magic and ceremonial incantations, surpassed monsters in their capacity for destruction.

Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan - Bikolano Demons

In Philippine folklore, the Bicol region stands as a repository of mythical tales and supernatural entities. Among these, the enigmatic triumvirate of Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan emerges as demons of profound significance, their origins intertwined with the sea and the mysterious tattooed figures that brought them ashore. These entities, initially perceived as foreign gods, gradually revealed their true nature, casting a shadow of chaos and malevolence across the Bicolano belief system.

 NAGINED, MAGKABURAK, and ARAPAYAN 

Cultural Differences and Territorial Disputes:

Cultural disparities and territorial disputes further intensified the strained relationship between Ibalong and the Visayans. The gods, once revered in their respective cultural contexts, became symbols of adversity and malevolence when viewed through the lens of historical conflict. The gods of the Visayans, invoked during raids, became associated with chaos and destruction in the eyes of the Bicolanos.

Nagined, Arapayan, Magkaburak

The Arrival of Foreign Gods:

Legend has it that Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan arrived in Bicol as foreign gods, carried by the sea and delivered by mysterious tattooed figures. Their bronze skin, sculpted by the sun and sea, and intricate tattoos adorned bodies that exuded manhood, strength, and maturity. The unison of their voices, resonating as one when they spoke, added an otherworldly aura to their presence. Initially embraced as divine entities, their eventual revelation as a three-headed monster shattered the illusions of the Bicolano people.

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

Visayan gods

Naguined, Arapayan and Magkaburak

Contrastingly, in Visayan mythology, Naguined emerges as a god of war and poison. Known to have two warrior brothers, Arapayan and Magkaburak, their blackened skin adorned with countless tattoos and teeth, either blackened or likened to the golden teeth of sharks. Naguined, despite his warlike nature, is a figure who, in Visayan lore, chose to appear as a man and, intriguingly, as a beautiful maiden covered in tattoos. In this guise, he imparted knowledge of poisons and herbs to Visayan warriors, contributing to the martial and healing aspects of their culture.

Sowers of Chaos and Harm

Contrary to the benevolent image initially projected, Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan emerged as malevolent demons, sowers of chaos and harm. In the complex cosmology of Bicolano folklore, these entities were believed to be allies of the notorious god Asuang. Invoked by those seeking to inflict pain and destruction, the triumvirate embodied the darker forces that lurked in the shadows of the mystical realm.

The Alchemical Artistry

One of the distinctive powers attributed to Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan lies in their ability to create potent poisons in the form of oil. This alchemical artistry served as a formidable tool in their arsenal, capable of causing afflictions and ailments that defied conventional understanding. The poisons they crafted became metaphors for the unseen and intangible forces that could bring both physical and spiritual devastation.

The Immortal Heart and Golden Horseshoe Crab

Adding another layer to their mystique, the trinity of demons possessed an immortal heart. In a peculiar manifestation, one of these immortal hearts would leave its corporeal form, transforming into a golden bulawan na arapayan (bulawana na arapan)horseshoe crab. This creature, seemingly innocuous, produced a miraculous oil(langis ng arapayan) with unparalleled healing properties. The oil was believed to cure wounds, illnesses, and diseases, offering a paradoxical duality to the demons as both harbingers of harm and healers of afflictions.

Tattooing as a Protective Measure:

Tattoos, known as buri among the Bicolano people, took on a new significance as a form of protection against the foreign war gods of the Visayans. The act of tattooing was not merely a cultural practice but a means of fortifying oneself against the perceived ferocity of the Visayan Mangagayaw or raiders. This adaptation of tattooing as a defensive measure illustrates how cultural practices can evolve in response to external threats and conflicts

Naguinden, Magkaburak, and Arapayan stand as fascinating figures in the intricate mythos of Bicolano folklore. Emerging from the sea as foreign gods, their deceptive guise concealed a malevolence that disrupted the spiritual equilibrium of the region. Their alliance with the notorious god Asuang and their mastery of alchemical arts added layers to their narrative, positioning them as formidable entities that transcended the conventional boundaries of good and evil. In the complex cosmogony of Bicolano belief, these demons continue to evoke a sense of awe and intrigue, their tales serving as cautionary reminders of the mysterious forces that shape the spiritual landscape of the Philippines.

The Dynamic Nature of Mythologies:

This narrative underscores the dynamic nature of mythologies, emphasizing that they are not static entities but dynamic narratives shaped by historical events and cultural interactions. The Bicolano perspective on the Visayan gods as demons provides a glimpse into the complexities of pre-colonial Philippine society, where regional dynamics played a pivotal role in shaping diverse mythologies that continue to define the cultural landscape of the archipelago.

The Bicolano perspective on the Visayan war gods as demons offers a poignant illustration of how historical conflicts and cultural clashes can reshape mythological interpretations. As we delve into the rich tapestry of Philippine mythology, it becomes evident that understanding these narratives requires a nuanced exploration of regional dynamics and lived experiences. This perspective adds depth to our appreciation of the intricate ways in which mythologies are woven into the fabric of cultural identity and historical consciousness in the Philippines.

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.