Philippine mythology

This article is about Philippine mythology. Not to be confused with Indigenous Philippine folk religions.

Philippine mythology
Mythical beings
Mythical animals
Mythical heroes
Subjects
Folk religions
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Portrait of the first man, Malakas, and woman, Maganda, who came out from a bamboo pecked by the bird form of the deity of peace, Amihan, in Tagalog mythology
The Maranao people believe that Lake Lanao is a gap that resulted in the transfer of Mantapoli into the center of the world.

Philippine mythology is rooted in the many indigenous Philippine folk religions. Philippine mythology exhibits influence from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian traditions.

Philippine mythology includes concepts akin to those in other belief systems, such as the notions of heaven (kaluwalhatian, kalangitan, kamurawayan), hell (kasamaan, sulad), and the human soul (kaluluwa, kaulolan, makatu, ginoand kud,...).

The primary use of Philippine mythology is to explain the nature of the world, human existence, and life's mysteries. Myths include narratives of heroes, deities (anito, diwata), and mythological creatures. These myths were transmitted through oral tradition, handed down through generations guided by spiritual leaders or shamans, (babaylan, katalonan, mumbaki, baglan, machanitu, walian, mangubat, bahasa,...), and community elders.

The traditional belief systems and indigenous religions of the Philippines are termed Anito and Anitism.[1][2] Alternate designations include Anitismo, (Hispano-Filipino translation of the concept), and Anitería, a term with derogatory connotations frequently used by the Spanish clergy during the colonial era.[1]

Scholarly attention has been directed towards Anito. However, many of its stories and traditions have not yet been systematically documented.[1][3][4]

  1. ^ a b c Hislop, Stephen K. (1971). "Anitism: A Survey of Religious Beliefs Native to the Philippines" (PDF). Asian Studies. 9 (2): 144–156.
  2. ^ Sizoo, Edith, ed. (2010). Responsibility and Cultures of the World: Dialogue Around a Collective Challenge. Bruxelles: P.I.E. Peter Lang. ISBN 978-90-5201-670-2 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Clark, Jordan (April 22, 2018). "Download Karl Gaverza's Incredible Philippine Mythology Thesis". The Aswang Project.
  4. ^ Almocera, Reuel (1990). Christianity Encounters Filipino Spirited-World Beliefs: A Case Study (Doctoral thesis). South East Asia Graduate School of Theology.