Philippine mythology

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.

Religion and mythology are different but connected. Both involve important ideas about the supernatural or sacred for a community. Religion is broader, including beliefs, rituals, and moral rules, while mythology focuses on stories about gods and spirits. If a myth is separated from its religious context, it may lose its sacred meaning and become just a legend or folktale.[1][2][3]

  1. ^ Despotis, Athanasios (February 25, 2022), "Religious and Philosophical Conversion in Paul and John", Religious and Philosophical Conversion in the Ancient Mediterranean Traditions, BRILL, pp. 315–341, ISBN 978-90-04-50177-5, retrieved January 18, 2025
  2. ^ Hodder, Alan D (June 2003). "Thoreau's Religious Vision". Ultimate Reality and Meaning. 26 (2): 88–108. doi:10.3138/uram.26.2.88. ISSN 0709-549X.
  3. ^ Williams, Alan (March 1, 2017), "Introduction", Holy Wealth: Accounting for This World and The Next in Religious Belief and Practice, Harrassowitz, O, pp. XI–XIV, retrieved January 18, 2025

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