Philippine Mythology • THE ASWANG PROJECT

Mythology and beliefs from the various cultures of the Philippines. Please use the menu or search function to search for a specific ethnolinguistic group or deity.

BICOL Origin Myth: The Creation of the World

July 30, 2016 Jordan Clark Bikolano Mythology

“Beliefs as to the origin of the earth, and of the men, animals, plants, and various topographical features found in it, seem to survive with greater persistence

A possessed man with cloudy eyes opens his mouth wide in a horrific look as a black bird begins to emerge from it.

Aswang Lore: Transferring the Black Chick

July 22, 2016 Jordan Clark Bikolano Mythology, Creatures & Spirits, Opinion

“In your research, what did you find out about the supposed black chick that people swallow to become an aswang? Erik Matti used it in

ALAN, the deformed humanoid/avian Creature of the Philippines

July 16, 2016 Jordan Clark Creatures & Spirits, Itneg/Tingguian Beliefs

When it comes to the Creatures of Philippine Mythology, there is no shortage of bizarre and grotesque beings. The Alan is one of these – a mysterious

A Bakunawa sword hilt compared to the image of the Javanese demon Kala Rahu. Both share common attributes and seem to be based off similar influences and design - large fangs, swirling design, head shape etc.

Ancient Cultural Weaponry: Finding the Visayan Bakunawa Kampilan

July 15, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Visayan Mythologies & Beliefs

Among Filipino swords, the most distinguishing characteristic of the Kampilan is its huge size. At about 36 to 40 inches (90 to 100 cm) long, it is

A giant crab crawls up the side of a rocky ocean front. A human is seen off to the side, dwarfed by the massive giant.

TAMBANOKANO: The Giant Crab, Mandaya Folklore

June 9, 2016 Jordan Clark Creatures & Spirits, Mandaya Beliefs

You’ve heard the tales of Bakunawa, the giant serpent who attempts to swallow the moon. But have you heard of the gargantuan crab named Tambanokano (also

Bakunawa, a serpent -like dragon emerging and stretching from the earth with the moon held in its mouth.

BAKUNAWA: The Moon Eating Dragon of Philippine Mythology

May 27, 2016 Jordan Clark Bikolano Mythology, Central Visayas Mythologies & Beliefs, Creatures & Spirits, Opinion, Visayan Mythologies & Beliefs, Western Visayas Mythologies & Beliefs

CREATURES OF PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY: Episode Three What always fascinates me most about the Creatures of Philippine Mythology, is where the origins came from and how

A Philippine negrito couple depicted in the Boxer Codex, circa 1590

ANIMISM | Understanding Philippine Mythology (Part 1 of 3)

March 13, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology, Precolonial Society

A few weeks ago I published a compendium of over 370 creatures in Philippine Mythology. A week later, I published a chart that outlines the gods

HINDU & BUDDHIST INFLUENCE | Understanding Philippine Mythology (Part 2 of 3)

March 13, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology, Precolonial Society

(CLICK FOR Part One: ANIMISM | Understanding Philippine Mythology) An often ignored part of Philippine history is the wonderful trade system they were an integral part of throughout

FOREIGN INFLUENCE | Understanding Philippine Mythology (Part 3 of 3)

March 13, 2016 Jordan Clark Opinion, Philippine Mythology, Precolonial Society

(CLICK FOR Part Two: Indianized Kingdoms | Understanding Philippine Mythology) MUSLIM STATES: Meaning to acquire or conform to some of the characteristics, culture, or usage of Islamic

T’boli Myths & Deities

March 5, 2016 Jordan Clark Mindanao Mythologies & Beliefs, Philippine Mythology, T'boli Beliefs

The T’boli (Tagabili to lowlanders) are an animist ethnic group inhabiting highland areas in southwestern Mindanao, centering on Lake Sebu (TauSebu is another of the