Philippines Gods and Goddesses of Tagalog Pantheon.

Summary

This video explores the rich and diverse pantheon of Tagalog deities from Filipino mythology, focusing on primordial, first, second, and third-generation gods and goddesses. It highlights their roles, powers, and relationships, such as Bathala, the supreme god, and their interactions with nature, weather, and human life. From gods of the sea and harvest to deities of love, fertility, and wisdom, the video provides a detailed overview of the mythical figures that shaped ancient Tagalog beliefs and culture. It also touches on their emblems and significance in daily life and rituals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bathala is the supreme god of the Tagalog pantheon, creator of humanity, and father of many important deities, including the moon goddess Mayari and the goddess of the sea Aman Sinaya.
• 🐍 Hulilan Kalalua, the serpent god, was initially in competition with Bathala for control over the world, but after a battle, Bathala defeated him and he was burned to ash, resulting in the creation of the coconut tree.
• 🦅 Galan Kalaluwa, the wandering spirit god with wings, died from illness, and from his ashes and those of Hulilan Kalalua, the first coconut tree and its protector, Manglakutad, emerged.
• 🕊️ Amihan is the god of space between heavens and seas and also the deity of peace, playing a crucial role in settling conflicts between Bathala and Aman Sinaya.
• 🌊 Aman Sinaya is the goddess of the seas, whose turbulent battles with Bathala over control of the waters led to the creation of the Philippine archipelago.
• 🌴 Manglakutad is the god of the coconut trees, tasked with protecting them as a gift from Bathala, and is linked with coconut wine tappers.
• ⚓ Hikai, successor of Aman Sinaya, is the god of seafarers, ensuring safe voyages by calming waters and confronting Amanicoplay, the god of the stormy seas.
• 🌀 Amanicoplay, once the god of hunters, became the god of turbulent waters, seeking revenge on humanity after being rejected by the first woman, Maganda.
• 🌾 Idianale is the goddess of labor, agriculture, and animal husbandry, aiding people in their work and ensuring successful harvests.
• 🌻 Mayari, the goddess of the moon and war, fought for equal rule with her brother Apalachi, and her emblem is the moon, symbolizing balance between day and night.
• 🌟 Tala is the goddess of the stars, guiding people with her light at night, and is associated with safety during travel, while also having a demonized reputation among Spanish colonizers.
• 🌅 Hanan is the goddess of the morning and the sister of Mayari and Tala. She represents the start of a new day and symbolizes hope and renewal.
• 🍃 Dumaculum, the guardian of mountains, protects the forests and wildlife, while his friend Louis and Sana governs grasslands and borders.
• 🌈 Big Hari, Bathala's flower-loving daughter, was cursed to remain on Earth for failing to attend a family council, symbolized by a rainbow as her emblem.
• 💪 Apalachi is the god of the sun and patron of warriors, known for his fairness and role in defending the sun against the serpent dragon Bacuno.

Q & A

Who is Bathala and what is his significance in the Tagalog pantheon?

Bathala, also referred to as Abba, is the supreme god of being and the creator of mankind in the Tagalog pantheon. He resides in the heavens of Caliwality and is considered the father of several key deities, including the Demi-goddesses Mayari, Tala, and Hanan, as well as other gods like Kidlat, King, and Big Hurry.

What role did Huli-lan Kalalua play in the creation myth?

Huli-lan Kalalua is the serpent god associated with the creation myths. He initially believed himself to be the only being in existence until encountering Bathala. This led to a conflict in which Huli-lan Kalalua was defeated by Bathala in a battle for dominion over the world, resulting in his death.

What is the origin of the coconut tree in Tagalog mythology?

The coconut tree is said to have emerged from the ashes of two spirit gods, Golan Kalaluwa and Huli-lan Kalalua. After Golan Kalaluwa died from illness, Bathala burned his body atop Huli-lan Kalalua's ashes, from which the first coconut tree grew. Its protector is the god Menku Kutada.

What is Amihan's role and what does it symbolize in the Tagalog pantheon?

Amihan is a genderless deity who is associated with peace and the space between the heavens and the seas. During the battle between Bathala and Aman Sinaya, Amihan created a path to help resolve the conflict. Amihan's emblem is often considered to be a Maya bird, symbolizing peace and mediation.

How did the battle between Bathala and Aman Sinaya lead to the creation of the Philippine archipelago?

The battle between Bathala and Aman Sinaya, the goddess of the seas, caused significant chaos. Bathala used mountains to quell her stormy outbursts, which ultimately led to the separation of the primordial skies and the creation of the Philippine archipelago.

What deity is known as the protector of coconut trees, and what are his symbols?

Menku Kutada is the god of coconut trees, and he is granted this role by Bathala. He is the guardian of coconut trees, particularly the ones originating from the essence of the spirit gods Golan Kalaluwa and Huli-lan Kalalua. His emblems include products derived from the coconut tree.

Who is Hanan, and what is her role among the other deities?

Hanan is the goddess of the morning and one of the three Demi-goddesses born of Bathala and a mortal woman. Along with her sisters Mayari and Tala, she plays an essential role in daily rituals, especially in prayers marking the beginning of a new day. Hanan’s emblem is the dawn, often symbolized by the rooster or the rising sun.

What is the significance of the goddess Lakapati in Tagalog mythology?

Lakapati is the most important fertility deity in the Tagalog pantheon. She governs fertility across all life forms, including humans, plants, and animals. Her hermaphroditic nature symbolizes balance, and she is crucial for ensuring the fertility of crops and animals.

How do the gods Bibit and Linga relate to illness and healing?

Bibit and Linga are twin deities related to illness and healing. Bibit, the god of illness, brings diseases to humans, while Linga, the god of medicine, cures those diseases. Despite their opposing roles, they are partners, with Bibit causing ailments and Linga providing the cure.

What are the main characteristics of Dumaculum, the guardian of the mountains?

Dumaculum is the god of mountains, known for his strength and agility. He protects the forests and wildlife, ensuring that people do not harm the land. He is also responsible for creating mountains to shield people from storms and is an ally of the god of grasslands, Louis nsana.