Manlalayog, sometimes spelled as ‘manlalayug’, are women who are covered with hair from head to toe. Their hair grows longer and more wire-like at night. She
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Category: Creatures & Spirits
This section contains legends, myths, and studies on the folkloric beings of the Philippine archipelago. These beings have been popularly classified as the “creatures of Philippine lower mythology.” In many cases, some of these beings are still living beliefs. Please use the site search function to look up specific folkloric beings and attributes.
Check out our “Compendium Of Creatures & Mythical Beings From Philippine Folklore & Mythology”
The Imprisoned Naga, An Explanation of the Milky Way
In Samal myth the milky way is seen as a gigantic trapped dragon (referred as a Naga). The legend goes that it was put in
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Biraddali, Angels from Above | Philippine Myth & Folklore
‘Biraddali’ is usually translated from Tausug or other Samal languages as ‘angel’ or ‘skymaiden’ They are female winged beings with the glowing beauty of the
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Tigbanua, the Terrible Ogre | Bagobo Beliefs & Folklore
Bagobo myths describe the Tigbanua as having one eye, with tall, lean bodies and long necks that they can twist to see what’s behind them.
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Legend of the AGTA | The Eastern Visayan Tree-Dweller
One of the many joys I have in running The Aswang Project blog is reading the messages and emails I receives from curious minds. These
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MINOKAWA | Mindanao’s Eater of the Sun & Moon
Minokawa is a giant, dragon-like bird in Philippine legends, particularly the Bagobo ethnic groups of Mindanao. Early people believed this creature is so big that it can swallow
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MANTIW: Thirty foot forest spirits in Iloilo, Panay
The Mantiw are thirty foot spirits in Iloilo, Panay often spotted whistling while roaming the wide open fields, or leaning against coconut and buri palm trees.
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The Thalon, A Subanon Myth
The Thalon is an obscure creature in Philippine Folklore. From its origins in Zamboanga Del Sur, its myth has not spread to the other parts
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SANTELMO: Rekindling Philippine Mythology
Last week on The Aswang Project’s Facebook page, I launched a contest to give away two copies of the Maximo Ramos book “The Creatures of Philippine
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PUGOT: Evolution of the Headless Filipino Ghoul
Among the Ilocanos and Pampangos, the Pugot was a nocturnal spirit, usually in the form of a gigantic negro figure, terrifying, but not particularly harmful.
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