Lord Asuang

Si diwata Asuang,

In Bicolano mythology, Asuang is the god of evil and chaos, ruling over monsters and night creatures in Ibalong. He gave his loyal followers dark powers through black stones or eggs, allowing them to transform into "aswang"—beings that feed on human flesh and blood. These powers came with a price: aswangs were cursed to avoid saltwater, the domain of the deadly mermaids, Magindara.

Asuang had two daughters: Oryol, half-serpent, and Magindara, half-eel. He lived on Mount Malinao but was punished by his brother, Gugurang, for stealing sacred fire, sealing Asuang beneath the mountain

diyos ng kasamaan at mga nilalang ng lagim at karimlan

ONOS

Bikolano god of Storms and deluge

Onos

 Onos was a deity venerated and feared by the settlers of Pre-colonial Bicol
He was the god of storms who commands the winds and also the god that brings deluge. He brought the storms and freed the great flood that changed Ibalong
Described as tall and muscular but is very ill-tempered, and childlike in manner. Despite his towering stature he is described as showing an emotional or intellectual development appropriate to someone younger. The Ibalong people believed that Onos watches from the clouds and would try to sink Visayan raiding ships that would try to go to Ibalong. 

Stories tell that out of impulse he destroyed the colonies and minor kingdoms of Bicol peninsula when he brought great winds and rain and flood to it. Myth tells that Onos from his realm gazed upon a child so fair and lovely until the age of maidenhood. Onos warned by Bulan (god of the moon) that a deity could never truly love a mortal for they are far too different and it would only bring pain and suffering to both. Ignoring the warnings of the lunar deity Onos continued to love the maiden named Takay. Until one day the Onos descended and proclaimed his love for her, but the fair Takay spurred the deity for her heart already belonged to another, it was Kanaway. Angered at this Onos flew in search of Kanaway with the purpose of destroying him, and when he found the lad Onos struck him with a lightning bolt,but Kanaway only turned to stone, he got angry and attacked mt. Asog with numerous lighting bolts thus making it sink and turn into now Lake Buhi. Still angry he send storms and flood waters. The lunar gods Haliya and Bulan sent their wind people to try and stop Onos but he was too powerful. When the celestial gods finally descended it was to late. Onos had already
destroyed the colonies and minor kingdoms of Ibalong, His floods caused the drowning of many including his beloved Takay. The following night the lunar god Bulan descended and saw the dead body of the fair Takay being cared for by the water plants, took pity on the youth and made her into a lovely flower that is now abundant in Bicol.

Onos

Onos and the monster Rabot

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. Rabot was the last of the monsters that resided in Ibalong. He is a strong bipedal creature half-human half-beast, His upper body is of a muscular man but his lower body is that of a water buffalo some say its of a horse(similar to a tikbalang but his face was human). Had golden sharp teeth and could turn people into stone.  Immeasurably strong and fast like the beast of the forest. His voice is loud and booming like a roar. He also had huge bat wings that seemed to cover the moon when he flies at night. The Rabot was saved and hidden by the god Bulan, and was left in the care of the mermaids. Rabot was living in peace until Onos cause the great flood killing Rabot's biological mother, sending the beast into rage.

Onos by Brian Valeza

Takay flower

Onos stands as a deity both venerated and feared by the settlers of Pre-colonial Bicol. As the god of storms who commands the winds and brings forth deluge, Onos played a pivotal role in shaping the beliefs and narratives of the Ibalong people. Described as a towering figure, both tall and muscular, Onos possessed a temperament that oscillated between ill-tempered and childlike, displaying emotional and intellectual traits appropriate for someone much younger.

Protecting Ibalong from Invaders:

The Ibalong people believed that Onos watched from the clouds, ready to thwart any Visayan raiding ships attempting to approach their shores. The deity's wrath was said to be unleashed upon these invaders through great winds, rains, and floods. It was Onos' duty to safeguard his realm, and stories tell of his impulsive actions that led to the destruction of colonies and minor kingdoms on the Bicol peninsula.

Onos

Onos' Forbidden Love and Unbridled Fury:

One of the most intriguing tales about Onos revolves around his forbidden love for a mortal maiden named Takay. Ignoring the warnings of the lunar deity Bulan, Onos descended from his realm to proclaim his love, only to be rejected by Takay in favor of another, Kanaway. Enraged, Onos sought to destroy Kanaway and, in the process, unleashed his fury upon Mt. Asog, transforming it into Lake Buhi. Despite efforts by the lunar gods Haliya and Bulan to intervene, Onos' wrath proved unstoppable, resulting in the demise of colonies and kingdoms, including the drowning of his beloved Takay.

THE LEGEND OF THE TAKAY FLOWERS

The legend of Takay tells the story of a beautiful maiden loved by the god Onos. Unbeknownst to Onos, Takay was in love with a young man named Kanaway. Despite Onos's attempts to keep them apart using rain, the couple's love grew stronger. In a fit of jealousy, Onos unleashed a storm that resulted in Kanaway turning into stone. The god's anger also caused a mountain to collapse, creating a lake. Takay, waiting for Kanaway, drowned in the flood. The Moon god Bulan, witnessing the tragedy, took pity and transformed Takay into exquisite water flowers. These flowers became a symbol of both sorrow and love for the beautiful maiden.

the Legend of the Takay Flowers unfolds like a fairytale spun from the whispers of celestial beings.

In the celestial realm, Onos, the Sky God of Storms, bestowed his divine gaze upon Takay, a mortal child blooming into an unparalleled maiden of extraordinary beauty. Onos, captivated by her loveliness, harbored deep affection for Takay. Unbeknownst to her, Takay, already enamored with another, remained oblivious to Onos's celestial admiration. Bulan, the benevolent god of the moon, cautioned Onos about the risky dance between a deity and a mortal, foretelling the inevitable pain and suffering such love would bring.Ignoring the cosmic warning, Onos descended from his celestial abode, the heavens quivering with anticipation. Bathed in the radiance of moonbeams, Takay stood before him, an earthly vision of enchanting loveliness. Intoxicated by love, Onos declared his affections, only to be met with the heart-wrenching revelation that Takay's heart belonged to another—Kanaway.Consumed by jealous fury, Onos pursued Kanaway, determined to erase the rival who held Takay's heart. Lightning arced through the skies as Onos hurled bolts of divine wrath, turning Kanaway into an eternal monument of stone. In vengeful frenzy, Onos unleashed his celestial might upon Mt. Asog, causing it to crumble and sink into the depths, birthing the tranquil expanse known as Lake Buhi.Undeterred by cosmic consequences,

Onos, wrapped in storm clouds and raging tempests, unleashed torrents of floodwaters upon the once-thriving colonies and minor kingdoms of Ibalong. Bulan, witnessing the devastation, dispatched his wind people in a desperate attempt to stem the celestial onslaught, but Onos's power proved insurmountable. As the celestial gods descended, their arrival marked too late to spare Ibalong from the cataclysmic fallout of divine fury. The colonies lay in ruins, the remnants of a once-bustling realm now silenced by the echoes of a celestial storm.

In the mournful night that followed, Bulan descended with a heavy heart, discovering the lifeless form of Takay tenderly cradled by water plants. Moved by compassion, Bulan, with tears shimmering like moonlight, transformed Takay into a delicate flower, the Tacay, now adorning the landscapes of Bicol in perpetual bloom. A symbol of undying love and a testament to the tragedy that unfolded, the water hyacinth stands as a floral legacy, weaving the tale of a celestial romance that defied the very fabric of divine order.

The Tragic Fate of Takay:

In a poignant turn of events, the lunar god Bulan discovered the lifeless body of Takay, her beauty preserved by water plants. Out of pity, Bulan transformed her into a lovely flower, now abundant in Bicol, serving as a reminder of the tragic love between a mortal and a deity.

Onos and the Monster Rabot:

The narrative extends to the monster Rabot, the last of the beasts in Ibalong. Handiog, in his quest to purge the land of monsters, fell in love with the demigoddess Oryol and together taught the people essential skills. However, Rabot, a fearsome creature saved and hidden by Bulan, was pushed into a vengeful rage by Onos' actions, leading to the great flood that claimed Rabot's biological mother.

The stories of Onos in Pre-colonial Bicol paint a vivid picture of a deity with immense power, volatile emotions, and tragic consequences. Whether protecting his people from invaders or succumbing to the pitfalls of forbidden love, Onos embodies the complexity and unpredictability of divine beings in the mythology of the Ibalong people. The tales of Onos, Takay, and Rabot serve as a captivating window into the rich cultural and spiritual landscape of Pre-colonial Bicol, revealing the intricate interplay between gods, mortals, and the forces of nature.

REMINDER

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.

OKOT

Okot god of the hunt, forest and birds

Okot is the god of forests and of birds, and of the hunt in Bicolano Mythology. He is associated with the hunting of animals astuteness, wisdom, and craftiness in the hunt. The skills and equipment involved, He is venerated because it is he who provides food. He is depicted as a tall muscular man with brown skin  He hunts with a bow and arrow and is covered with beautiful leaves.

Okot
Effigy

According to legend he whistles or makes a whistling sound  when he wants is presence to be known. He also owns a golden belt which contains seeds and herbs that can cure any ailment. 

When the Spaniards converted the people of Ibalong into Catholics, the giant god Okot was bastardized by the foreigners. The Spandiards pushing their puritanical ideology on the people of ibalong, telling people that their so-called deity is nothing more than a tiny dwarf.

The Spandiards reinterpreted  of polytheistic deities as evil. The Spandiards did not deny the existence of Bikolano gods or spiritual beings. On the contrary, they claim other gods are not worthy of worship and in actuality are demons who mislead followers from proper belief or practice. Christian missionaries often employed demonization tactics when converting pagans. But to add insult to injury in the case of the god Okot, the Spandiards wanted to belittle him. Telling stories that their tall and towering god was actually a small and puny forest spirit.Title: Okot: The Belittled Guardian of the Forests in Bicolano Mythology

In  Bicolano Mythology, Okot stands as a revered figure, the god of forests, birds, and the hunt. His role is deeply woven into the fabric of survival for the Bicolano people, embodying astuteness, wisdom, and craftiness in the pursuit of sustenance. However, the arrival of the Spaniards and their attempts at cultural and religious conversion marked a tragic distortion of Okot's image, reducing this towering deity to a belittled and misunderstood forest spirit.

Okot's Divine Attributes:

Okot is venerated for his association with the hunting of animals, emphasizing the skills, wisdom, and craftiness essential for success in the hunt. As the provider of food, Okot is depicted as a tall, muscular man with brown skin, adorned with beautiful leaves. His attire includes a bow and arrow, symbolizing his proficiency in the hunt and connection to the natural world. Legends speak of Okot making a whistling sound to announce his presence, a testament to his mystical connection with the forests.

A notable feature is Okot's possession of a golden belt containing seeds and herbs with potent healing properties. This aspect of his character adds a layer of complexity, portraying Okot not only as a provider of sustenance but also as a healer, reflecting the symbiotic relationship between nature and the Bicolano people.

The Impact of Spanish Colonization:

With the advent of Spanish colonization and the subsequent conversion of the people of Ibalong into Catholics, Okot's divine stature underwent a grievous transformation. The Spaniards, driven by their puritanical ideology, sought to impose their religious beliefs on the indigenous population. In this process, Okot, once a towering deity revered for his role in the natural order, was grossly mischaracterized.

Okot

Okot, Bikol Spirit of the Chase and the Forest

“A type of good spirit, duende, that spoke through whistling.” - Blumentritt’s Diccionario mitologico de Filipinas

“… in the forest where I came from there is also a god called Ocot, the god of chase… I know several people in the forest whom I know turned to stone for disobeying the rules of the god.”  - from “Nahaponan”, Philippine Folk Literature - The Myths Compiled and Edited by Damiana L. Eugenio, p. 181

The Belittling of Okot:

The Spaniards, in their reinterpretation of polytheistic deities as evil, did not deny the existence of Bicolano gods or spiritual beings. Instead, they propagated the idea that these deities were unworthy of worship, branding them as demons leading followers astray. This demonization tactic was frequently employed by Christian missionaries during the conversion of pagans. Okot, in particular, faced additional insult as the Spaniards aimed to belittle him further.

Stories circulated by the Spaniards depicted Okot, the god of forests, as a mere dwarf—a diminutive forest spirit. This deliberate attempt to diminish Okot's stature sought to undermine the cultural identity and beliefs of the indigenous population, eroding the reverence once held for this powerful guardian of the forests.

Okot
Diwata ng pangangaso

Okot's journey from a revered god of forests and the hunt to a belittled forest spirit underlines the impact of Spanish colonization on indigenous beliefs. Despite the attempts to distort his image, Okot remains a symbol of resilience in Bicolano Mythology, reminding us of the intricate connections between cultural identity, spirituality, and the enduring power of the natural world. As Okot's legacy endures, his tale serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities embedded in the clash of cultures during historical periods of colonization.

Despite the calculated efforts to diminish Okot's stature, the Bicolano people did not easily abandon their deep-rooted reverence for their guardian deity. Okot, though relegated to the status of a purportedly insignificant forest spirit by the Spaniards, continued to embody the essence of the forests, birds, and the hunt in the hearts and minds of the indigenous population.

Okot turned into a dwarf .. belittlement of the forest god

Okot

Throughout history, foreign invaders and colonizers who sought to control the Philippines often targeted the indigenous beliefs and practices of the Filipino people as a means of consolidating their power. This process of undermining local religions and their deities was a common tactic used to facilitate colonization and cultural assimilation. 

Okot, the Hunter God:

In Bicolano mythology, Okot is celebrated as the god of the hunt, possessing unparalleled skills and craftiness in tracking and capturing animals. He is often depicted as a tall, muscular man with brown skin, reflecting his connection to the natural world. Adorned with beautiful leaves, Okot symbolizes the harmony between humanity and the environment, emphasizing the importance of sustainable hunting practices.

Okot

The Skills and Equipment of Okot:

Okot's hunting prowess is exemplified through his use of a bow and arrow, showcasing his mastery over the art of hunting. The symbolism behind these tools extends beyond physical capabilities, representing the balance required in the relationship between man and nature. Okot's skills and equipment emphasize the importance of resourcefulness, wisdom, and the responsible utilization of natural resources.

Veneration of Okot:

Bicolanos venerate Okot not only for his role as the god of the hunt but also as the provider of sustenance. The god's ability to ensure the availability of food reinforces the connection between the spiritual and material realms. Communities offer reverence to Okot, recognizing the delicate balance between taking from nature and giving back.

Okot

Legendary Whistling and Golden Belt:

Legend has it that Okot announces his presence with a distinctive whistling sound, a signal to those who seek his favor or acknowledge his significance. Furthermore, Okot is said to possess a golden belt containing seeds and herbs with extraordinary healing properties. This belt reinforces the god's role as a provider, not only of sustenance but also of remedies for ailments.

Spanish Colonization and Distortion:

The arrival of the Spanish colonizers brought about a drastic shift in the Bicolano way of life, including their spiritual beliefs. The Spaniards sought to impose their religious ideologies on the indigenous people, undermining the significance of their deities. Okot, in particular, fell victim to a malicious distortion by the Spaniards who attempted to discredit him.

Transformation into a Tiny Dwarf:

The Spanish colonizers, driven by their puritanical ideology, disparaged Okot by claiming he was nothing more than a small and puny forest spirit, a stark departure from the tall and towering god revered by the Bicolanos. This distortion aimed to belittle Okot, portraying him as inconsequential in comparison to the foreign religious figures introduced by the Spaniards.

The story of Okot in Bicolano mythology serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and spiritual challenges faced by indigenous communities during colonization. The betrayal of Okot reflects the broader pattern of the Spanish colonizers demonizing polytheistic deities and imposing their own religious beliefs on the Bicolano people. Despite the attempts to distort Okot's image, the essence of this revered god continues to endure in the hearts and stories of those who cherish the rich cultural tapestry of Bicolano mythology. 

Okot, the god of forests, birds, and the hunt in Bicolano Mythology, endured a painful transformation during the period of Spanish colonization. The deliberate attempts to belittle this towering deity by portraying him as a dwarf did not succeed in eradicating the profound connection between Okot and the Bicolano people. Instead, Okot's resilience stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural identity and the unwavering commitment of a community to safeguard its traditions. As the Bicolano people continue to celebrate festivals like Daragang Magayon, they not only honor Okot but also reclaim their narrative and reinforce the significance of their cultural heritage.

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.