Meet the mythical creatures in Bicolano folklore
Filipinos love the mystery of mythical creatures that we heard in Philippine folklore. We got varieties of aswang and numerous superstitions. Because it reflects the cultural identity of the Filipinos as it already existed in pre-colonial times. From this, we see how our ancestors live and communicate with spirits.
Thus, in every part of the country, we could hear folklore which entails how rich it is. Like in Bicol, they have folklore that features fascinating mythical creatures that are famous in their province. See the list below to meet them individually!
1. Bakunawa
Your beauty might not be forever, like how it happened to Bakunawa. In Bicolano myth, Bakunawa is both beautiful and powerful. Due to this, she became greedy and arrogant and wanted to covet the moons. However, she was punished, turning her into a dragon-like serpent of the sea. Bakunawa remains a sea creature who guards the entrance to the underworld. and said to be responsible for the eclipse.
2. Rabot
Be careful who you play with, it may be Yasaw. A minion of aswang who acts like children for they are playful. They pull a scare or prank on humans that is enough to scare them, but not to harm them. Yasaw appeared to be dark-skinned with short claws.
3. Magindara
Don’t enjoy your swimming too much in the sea as Magindara may truly exist. A beautiful, yet vicious sea creatures that are half-women and half-fish. Their appearance resembles a mermaid, but, Magindara eats human flesh. They can lure you just to make feast on you. In addition, they have enchanting voices but can put you to death. However, Magindara does not eat children for it poisons them.
4. Oryol
If you are a Valentina apologist, then you may be with Oryol too. A half-snake that has an inhuman beauty, power in seduction, and intelligence. Some say Oryol is cruel and cunning, while others depict her as a deity who has a good heart. Otherwise, she may use her enchanting voice to lure you, even applicable to animals, in order to kill you if necessary.
5. Tambaluslos
Make sure not to get lost on your track. Tambaloslos is a dark, ugly creature with a huge lip and a penis that awaits its victim in the forest. This creature might confuse you on your travels in order to trap you. Meanwhile, the only way to escape is to wear your clothes inside out. This action always amuses Tambaluslos that it will laugh hard with its evil sound and its lips of it will go wider than it is that can cover its face. From that, you will get the chance to run away.
These mythical creatures are just some of the many stories that Bicol folklore can offer. What more if we explore other parts of the Philippines? Surely, we’ll get more untold stories that deserve to be heard by the generation. Let us all preserve and further enrich Philippine folklore, as maintaining it also means preserving our Filipino identity.
