Tagalog Pantheon

The Tagalog Pantheon refers to the collection of deities and supernatural beings revered by the Tagalog people in the Philippines. It includes a wide range of gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of the natural world, human life, and the cosmos. 

Ilocano Mythology

When we think of Ilokano Mythology, we are often referred to Biag ni Lam-ang ( “The Life of Lam-ang”), the epic poem of the Ilocano people from the Ilocos region of the Philippines. It is notable for being the first Philippine folk epic to be recorded in written form, and was one of only two folk epics documented during the Philippines’ Spanish Colonial period, along with the Bicolano epic of Handiong.

Buni

Buni, sometimes referred to as Bunian, is a deity found within Ilokano mythology, a subset of Philippine mythology. The Ilokano people, who primarily reside in the northern regions of the Luzon island in the Philippines, revere Buni as a deity associated with the creation of the world.

While specific details about Buni's attributes, characteristics, and associated legends are scarce in the document, in many indigenous Filipino cultures, deities associated with creation are often ascribed significant roles within their respective pantheons. They are typically portrayed as powerful entities, possessing the ability to shape the world and all life within it.

Despite the limited information available on Buni, the very association of this deity with the creation of the world underscores the importance of Buni within Ilokano mythology. The belief in such a deity reflects the Ilokano people's understanding of the origins of the universe and their place within it.

In the broader context of Philippine mythology, the presence of a creation deity like Buni is not unique. Across the various ethnic groups and regions of the Philippines, there are diverse interpretations and versions of creation myths, with different deities playing central roles. This diversity is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Filipino people.

Parsua

In the rich tapestry of Ilokano mythology, Parsua holds a special place as a revered deity. The Ilokano people, who predominantly inhabit the northern regions of Luzon within the archipelagic country of the Philippines, have a deep respect and veneration for Parsua. 

As with many deities and figures in mythology, the specific details about Parsua's attributes and the legends associated with them can vary. These differences can be attributed to a multitude of factors including regional variations, storytelling traditions, and the passage of time. However, in the grand scheme of the Ilokano pantheon of deities, Parsua remains a constant. 

Despite the variations in the depictions and stories, Parsua is universally accepted as a significant part of the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Ilokano people. These beliefs, carried from generation to generation, are woven into the very fabric of their communal life, shaping their understanding of the world and their place in it.

Apo Langit

Apo Langit is a deity in Ilokano mythology, often recognized as the Sky God or the Supreme God. He is associated with the heavens and is considered one of the primary deities in the Ilokano pantheon.

As the Sky God, Apo Langit is believed to have dominion over the celestial bodies and the weather. The Ilokano people often attribute phenomena like rain, thunder, and lightning to his actions. He is also seen as a provider, with the rain he brings nurturing the land and helping crops to grow.

Apo Langit is often presented as a benevolent and caring deity who watches over the Ilokano people from his place in the sky. Prayers and offerings are made to him to seek his blessings and protection.

Despite the passage of time and the influence of foreign religions, the reverence for Apo Langit persists in the cultural memory of the Ilokano people, a testament to their enduring spiritual heritage.

Apo Angin

Apo Angin is a deity in Ilokano mythology, which is part of the traditional belief system of the Ilokano people in the Philippines. In Ilokano culture, Apo Angin is known as the god of the wind. The name "Apo Angin" itself translates to "Lord Wind" or "God of the Wind," reflecting his domain over the air and the winds.

As the god of the wind, Apo Angin is often associated with weather phenomena, particularly those related to wind, such as storms and gentle breezes. His influence is seen as both beneficial and potentially destructive, much like the wind itself can bring both refreshing coolness and devastating typhoons. In some stories and traditions, he is invoked for good weather and protection against harmful storms.

The reverence for Apo Angin and other deities in Ilokano mythology highlights the deep connection of the Ilokano people with nature and their environment, embodying the respect and awe for natural forces that play a crucial role in their daily lives and agricultural practices.

Apo Init

In Ilokano mythology, "Apo Init" is a significant deity who is revered as the Sun God. The name "Apo Init" translates to "Lord Sun" or "Lord Heat," highlighting the deity's association with the sun and its vital role in the natural world. 

Apo Init is often invoked for blessings related to sunlight, warmth, and agricultural growth, reflecting the sun's importance in the daily lives and agricultural practices of the Ilokano people. This deity's prominence in Ilokano belief systems underscores the cultural importance of the sun in sustaining life and ensuring the prosperity of crops and communities.

Apo Tudo

Apo Tudo is considered the rain god and is believed to have control over the weather, particularly rainfall, which is crucial for agriculture in the predominantly farming communities of the Ilokano people. As a rain deity, Apo Tudo's role would involve ensuring the timely arrival of rain to nourish crops and sustain the livelihoods of the people.

Worship and rituals dedicated to Apo Tudo would typically focus on invoking his blessings for favorable weather conditions, particularly in times of drought or when good harvests were needed. This reflects the agricultural reliance and the importance of rain in the lives of the Ilokano people.

Bicolano Pantheon

The Bicolano pantheon consists of deities and spirits worshipped by the Bicolano people in the Bicol region of the Philippines. This pantheon reflects their animistic and polytheistic beliefs, with gods and goddesses overseeing various aspects of nature, life, and the universe.

Gugurang

The supreme deity and god of good. He is the chief god who rules over all other deities and spirits. Gugurang is considered the guardian of the sacred fire and is responsible for maintaining balance and order in the world.

Asuang

The god of evil and chaos, often considered the antagonist to Gugurang. Asuang is associated with malevolence and is believed to bring misfortune and disaster.

Haliya

The goddess of the moon, known for her beauty and mysterious nature. Haliya is also worshipped as a protector against Asuang and is often depicted as wearing a mask to hide her beauty.

Bulawan

The god of gold and wealth. Bulawan is associated with prosperity and abundance, often invoked by those seeking material wealth and success.

Okot

The god of the forest. Okot is revered as the protector of wildlife and nature, embodying the spirit of the forest and its creatures.

Bakunawa

A dragon or serpent deity associated with eclipses. According to mythology, Bakunawa attempts to swallow the moon, causing lunar eclipses. Rituals and offerings are made to appease Bakunawa and prevent it from consuming the moon.

Batala

Batala was a special being inferior in power to Gugurang whose mission was to provide peace to a village under its special care. Thus it was believed that the village that enjoyed peace and was successful in its wars was due to the influence of a Batala which Gugurang has assigned to it as its custodian.

Languiton

Languiton was the primal Bicolano god representing the sky.  sovereign of all the flying creatures in the skies. He associated with the clear blue skies that represent purity of soul, truth, and stability

Tubigan

The god of water and the celestial ocean ruled over all the swimming beasts. The deity is associated with material abundance.

Dagat

Dagat the divine embodiment of the seas and ocean and daughter of  Tubigan (In some stories she is the daughter of Langution). Some stories she was the daughter of Laguiton who took Paros the winds to be her husband and equal, they ruled over the skies and the seas. Love is one thing stronger than the gods for it killed her and Paros, other belief that they have found contentment and had simply slept, the sky and the sea. When she died/slept from the waters the god Magindang was born.

Paros

Paros the divine embodiment of the winds, was ever-changing, arrogant and polygamous until he was bested by Dagat, he fell in love with her and changed his old ways, they ruled over all the skies and seas. He and Dagat had four powerful children (Daga, Adlao, Bulan and Bituoon). 

Daga

Daga is enormous as he is strong, and his body is made of rocks. Arrogant that he had inherited most of his father's powers of the wind in addition to his strength. Daga persuaded his brothers to attack Languiton to steal his power but failed. He was struck down and his body became the earth

Adlao

Son of Dagat and Paros; joined Daga’s rebellion and died; his body became the sun; in another myth, he was alive, and during a battle, he cut one of Bulan’s arms and hit Bulan’s eyes, where the arm was flattened and became the earth, while Bulan’s tears became the rivers and seas.

Bulan

Son of Dagat and Paros; joined Daga’s rebellion and died; his body became the moon;in another myth, he was alive and from his cut arm, the earth was established, and from his tears, the rivers and seas were established.

Bituoon

Daughter of Dagat and Paros; accidentally killed by Languit during a rage against his grandsons’ rebellion; her shattered body became the stars.

Cagurangan

Former supreme to Gugurang and Asuang, until Gugurang proved to be far more powerful and superior. Cagurangan had control over the winds and all the flying beast.

Magindang

The god of fishing who leads fishermen in getting a good fish catch through sounds and signs.

Kanlaon

Kanlaon is an Evil god of destruction that rules over the other side of the sea(Visayas) believed to send loci and create wildfires in Ibalong. He is the enemy of Gugurang.

Onos

Onos is a god of storms, deluge, and flood waters. He is muscular and tall with white tattoos all over his body. He sends storms to villages and farmlands when  people forget  their "atang(offerings or prayers)”.

Anito 

Ancestral spirits venerated in communities and households, little wooden idols depict them. Believed to guide their living descendants and bring graces and good fortune.

Oryol 

A demi-goddess in Bicolano myths, she is mentioned in the Ibalong Epic. A wily serpent who appeared as a beautiful maiden with a seductive voice; admired the hero Handyong’s bravery and gallantry, leading her to aid the hero in clearing the region of beasts until peace came into the land.