Exploring the Ancient Deities of the Philippines: Second Generation Gods and Goddesses

Join us in this captivating episode of the LilWeird Podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of pre-colonial Philippine mythology. Discover the second generation of deities and demigods, including Dumangan, Anagolay, Mayari, Tala, and Hanan. Learn about their unique roles, intriguing myths, and how these stories shape our cultural heritage. Perfect for mythology enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the myths and legends of Philippine culture. I hope you enjoyed learning about these fascinating deities as much as I did. If you did, please consider subscribing to the LilWeird Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode.
I would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Who is your favorite deity among the ones we discussed? Join the conversation on our social media channels—Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook—and share your insights.
If you enjoyed this episode, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts would be a great way to support the show and help others discover it. Your feedback means a lot to me.
Also, if you have any myths or legends you'd like us to explore in future episodes, drop me a message on Spreaker or reach out on social media. Your suggestions are always welcome and help shape the content of the podcast.
Thanks again for listening. Keep exploring the weird and wonderful world around you, and I look forward to sharing more amazing stories with you in the next episode. Until then, stay curious and keep celebrating our rich cultural heritage.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:02):
Have you ever heard of a goddess dedicated to lost things?
Among the thea Gallogs imagine a divine figure whose realm
extends far beyond mere physical possessions. Touching upon loss, opportunities
and fading memories. She represents the universal human experience of
loss and deep seated desire for restoration. Her influence is

(00:23):
so profound that it reached the stars literally, an ast
radios being in her honor, a testament to her global significance.
Curious to discover who this goddess is and the stories
that surround her is, stay tuned as we dive into
this fascinating tail. Welcome back to the Little Word Podcast.

(00:43):
I'm your host, Jane. It's been a few weeks since
our last episode and I really miss podcasting. Life has
been a bit hectic and whether he hasn't been creat
I hope everyone is safe and dry, especially Makababayans out there.
Let's pick up where.

Speaker 2 (00:59):
We left off.

Speaker 1 (01:00):
In our last episode, we delved into the first generation
of gods and goddesses in the Philippine mythology.

Speaker 2 (01:07):
Focusing on the Tagalogs.

Speaker 1 (01:09):
Today, we continue our exploration with a second generation, Beaties.
We'll talk about Bathala's assistant gods and goddesses, as well
as the demigods who are the daughters of Bathala and
a mortal woman. Last time we delve into the world
of Batala, the supreme deity of the Tagalog people. We
also explored his assistant gods and goddesses, each with their

(01:31):
own unique rules. These first generation Taties include Ammanikable also
known as Amansinaya in some accounts, the god of the
sea who rose over the vast and unpredictable ocean, Mapulon,
the god of seasons, Na Kapati, the generus and transgendered
goddess of fertility and agriculture, and Aidinayarre, the diligent goddess

(01:54):
of labor and good deeds. Now let's get to know
the second generation Beaties. Previously we met Adaniale, the goddess
of labor and good deeds. Diniale is married to Domagan,
the sky god of harvest. In Zimbalis culture, Domangan, also
known as Domagan, is revered for his ability to make
rice yield better grains. According to f Landa Jiocano, the

(02:18):
early people of Zimbalis believed that Dumagan had three powerful brothers,
the Mangan, embodying the powers bestowed Bannim, governing the heavens
and the bountiful yields of crops with his unflatomable wisdom,
His safeguards not only the Vaskuis, but also bestow's favor
upon the rice fields. Farmers attribute their successful harvest to

(02:41):
Domaghan's divine intervention, reeping the rewards of his agricultural gurdip. Together,
Danieli and the Maghan have two children, Dumakulm and Anton
tab Aniton Tabu, a goddess of wind and rain, post
role in Philipin folklore, is both paramount and fascinate. Anton
Tabasisto is a captivating blend of enigma and reverence, symbolizing

(03:04):
the intricate balance that both sustains and occasionally tests life
on the tropical archipelago.

Speaker 2 (03:10):
Of the Philippines.

Speaker 1 (03:11):
In ancient Togado culture, Aneton Tabo is often credited with
the occurrence of unborn a gentle rain. Marrying in the
rain was considered auspicious before the colonial era, signifying a
Newton Tabu's contentment. Known by various names, including a Newton
Tabo or an Eton Tabo, she is deeply rooted in
the indigenous behief system of the Philippines. The name Aneton

(03:34):
taboo itself carries profound symbolism. An Eton refers to a
gentle ring, a sutin breeze that offers the spie from
the tastes heat, while taboo signifies rain, the life sustaining
water that nurtures the earth and upholds the vibrant greenery
of the islands. Thus, anuton taboo personifies the harmonius interplay

(03:56):
of these two essential elements, representing the delegate balance. Intrinsic
to nature itself, an Eton tambo wields authority over the
elements of wind and rain. Known for her capricious and
sometimes arrogant nature, it is believed that her emotions are
reflected in the weather patterns. When a gentle rain greases

(04:17):
the land, it is seen as a sign of her content. Conversely,
as storms are interpreted as manifestation of her displeasure. In
the agrarian society of the Philippines, her livelihoods depend on
the forces of nature. Farmers hold an Eton taboo in
high regard, seeking her blessings for abundant harvests. Her rains

(04:37):
replenish the soil, nurturing crops, while her gentle means aid
in the dispersal of pollen seeds, posturing the growth of plantlight.
Anton Taboo is not just a deity of weather, but
also a hilo. Communities call upon her to alleviate droughts, illnesses,
and other afflictions, beseaching her for robust health. She embodies

(04:59):
the suiting breeze that provide relief from the tropical food
and the light drisults that refreshes the lad Yet, like
nature itself, she can be both nurturing and unpredictable, occasionally
unleashing storms and typhoons that test the resilience of the
Filippina people. In Zimbalis, an eton tabu, known as antan
Tao was ons.

Speaker 2 (05:19):
Considered superior to many other detas.

Speaker 1 (05:22):
However, her hotness led the chicken malayari with demotor to
a lesser Despite this, people in Zimbalist still honor her
by offering pin p or mamnyara during the harvest season.
One distinctive tradition associated with a nutan tabu is the
ritual known as palt ipata. During storms, participants gather to

(05:44):
implore the goddess to halt the rainfall, temporarily protecting their
homes and times. This rittal demonstrates the unwavering faith and
resilience on an Eton Tabo's divine intervention during changing weather conditions.
An Eton Taboo, with her complex and multifaceted nature, continues
to be a significant figure in Philippine mythology, embodying the

(06:06):
dualities of nature and the intricate balance between nurturing and adversity. Now,
let's meet to Macullem, the brother of Aniton dam to
Macolem is the god of mountains and hunting. A crucial
figure in Philippine mythology. He serves as the guardian of
the majestic mountain ranges. Revered for Histement's power and protective nature,

(06:28):
The Maccolem's responsibility extends beyond mere physical guardianship. He also
safeguards the spirit that inhabit these natural environments as the
embodiment of the strength and grandeur of the mountains. The
Macoulem is a powerful deity invoked by indigenous communities during
rituals and ceremonies. These ceremonies often tie the decisions of

(06:50):
planting and harvesting, emphasize the deep connection between the land
and its people. The indigenous communities home to Maculem in
high regard, seeking his plessans and guidance to ensure the
stability and prosperity of their natural surroundings. His influence is
vital to maintaining the delicate balance within these environments, ensuring

(07:11):
that the mountains continue to thrive. Domagollam's personal life also
intertwines to the divine realm. Later marries Anagolai, another principal deity,
for their solidifying his importance within the pantheon of gods
and goddesses. Now let's get to know more about Anagolai,
the goddess of lost things. Anagolai occupies a unique position

(07:34):
in the Philippine mythology, embodying the universal human experience of
laws and the inny longing for restoration. She is the
only child of Mapolon and La Kapati, whom we met
in our last episode. Anagolai's influence extends beyond mere physical possessions.
She also encompasses abstra concepts such as loss, opportunities and

(07:54):
fading memories. Her significance is so profound that she has
been honored international with an asteroid name after her. This
remarkable tribute was initiated by Mohammad Alan, Philippine, a student
and passionate advocate for Philippine mythology and cultural heritage. His
proposal was selected among thousands of names submitted by eighty

(08:16):
five countries to the Space Generation Advisory Council. Alan highlighted
how Anacolai, as the Goddess of lost Things, represents the
inherent human longing for restoration. The council recognized the importance
of honoring anacolais essence, leading to the selection of her
name for the celestial body. Nancolais personal life is intertwined

(08:37):
with the divine realm. Upon reaching the right age, she
married to mcquillem, the god of mountains and hunting. Together
they had two children, Apoulaki, the ancient god of the
Sun and dian Masalenta, the goddess of lovers. While we
won't dive deep into these third generation it is just
yet rest assured we will explore their stories in our

(08:58):
next episode. Rule as a Goaddess of lost things, coupled
with her celestial tribute, highlights her enduring importance and the
timeless themes of loss and restration within the Philippine mythology. Now,
let's talk about the demigads, the three daughters of Batala
and a mortal woman. Demigads born of both divine and
mortal parents, our uniqueayings that embody the qualities.

Speaker 2 (09:22):
Of both realms.

Speaker 1 (09:23):
As half GUIDs, they often retain physical traits from their
divine damage, such as distinctive hair or eye color, and
personality traits like cunning or bravery. Historically, demigans were the
superheroes of their time, mythical legends that offered lessons and
warnings about the consequences of immoral.

Speaker 2 (09:42):
Actions or the rewards of valor.

Speaker 1 (09:45):
Unfortunately, little is known about the specific myth tailing Batali's
relationship with a mortal woman who bore his three daughters.
Apart from what was documented in f Landa. Johanna's Notes
on the Philippine Divinities, there is a information available. According
to Johano, the.

Speaker 3 (10:04):
Most beautiful divinity in the court of Bethala was Mayari,
the goddess of the moon. Mayari had two charming sisters, Hannan,
goddess of the morning, and Tala, goddess of the stars.
They were said to be the daughters of Bethala by
a mortal wife who died after giving birth to these
three beautiful goddesses.

Speaker 1 (10:22):
These three sisters, Mayari, Hannah, and Tala each hold a
significant place in Philippine mythology, embodying the connection between the
earthly and the divine. Their stories, though sparse in detail,
continue to capture the imagination and reverence of those who
seek to understand the rich tapestry of their heritage. First,

(10:44):
let's dive into the captivating tale of Mayari. In the
Gaden mythology, Mayari, also known as Bulan, is the stunning
and enchanting Lunardi. She is the daughter of Batala, the
king of the gods, and a mortal woman, embodying a
perfect plend of divide and human traits. Mayari is revered
as the goddess of combat, war, revolution, hand weaponry, beauty, strength,

(11:09):
the moon, and the night. Known as the most beautiful
deity in Bathala's court, she captivates all with her grace,
power and formidable presence. In some myths, Mayari is depicted
as the mother of Tala, adding a layer of complexity
to their celestial relationships. As the goddess of the Moon,
Mayaris influents extends over the night sky, and she is

(11:32):
often associated with the searing and mysterious aspects of the
lunar cycle. A fascinating tale from pompang On mythology tells
of a time when Batala died without leaving a will,
leading to a conflict between Apollaki and Mayari over who
would rule the earth. Apolaki desired to rule alone, while
Mariari insisted on sharing power equally. Their disagreement escalated into

(11:56):
a fierce and battle with bumboo clubs, resulting in Mayari
losing an eye. Apollaki agreed to share the rule of
the earth with his sister, but at different times. Due
to the loss of her eye, Mayari's light is steamer
than her brother's, symbolizing the moon's softer glow compared to
the sun's brilliance. However, it is important to note that

(12:17):
in some myths, Apolachi is not considered the brother of Mayari. Instead,
Apolachi is described as the son of Annogallai and Dumakudam,
making him the sibling of Anito Tabo. This variation highlights
the rich and diverse nature of Philippine mythology, for stories
and relationships can differ across regions and traditions. Mayari is

(12:38):
narrative also intertwined with various cultural practices. For instance, she
is honored during the full month through ritols and offerings,
symbolizing the cycle of renewal and reflection. In some regions,
Mayari is seen as protector of women, embodying feminine stant
and resilience. Her presence is in vogue and times of

(13:00):
struggle and war, as well as in moments of beauty
and tranquility. Moreover, Mayari's influence can be seen in the
natural world. The faces of the moon from the new
moon to the full moon are often attributed to her
emotions and actions, reflecting her dynamic nature. Farmers and fishermen
look to Mayari for guidance as the lunar cycles play

(13:22):
a crucial role in their livelihoods, affecting tides, planting seasons,
and harvesting times. Mayari's history is one of strength, resilience,
and the quests for equality. She is not just the
goddess of the moon, but the symbol of the interconnectedness
of all things, representing the balance between light and darkness,
power and compassion, and war and peace. Next, let's explore

(13:46):
the enchanting story of Tala, the goddess of the morning
and evening.

Speaker 2 (13:50):
Star, and the Gallan mythology.

Speaker 1 (13:52):
Tada's origins vary depending on the region, reflecting the rich
diversity of Philippine folklore. In one prominent story, the sun
god Rao and the mungaddess Bue each had large families
of stars. However, one believer stars could not survive the
heat of Ara. They both agreed to destroy their stars,

(14:12):
while Ara devoured his one hit hers in the clouds,
where they would occasionally emerge. Upon seeing this, Araw was
filled with rage and is eternally in pursuit of one
trying to destroy her. Eclipses are explained by Aoo getting
close enough to bite her. At dawn, One hides the
stars and brings them forth only when her eldest daughter, Tala,

(14:36):
the evening and morning star, signals the sun is too
far away to pursue him. This story also gives us
the gallagherds for bright star or Tala, Sun or Arao
and moon are one. Interestingly, this myth has close parallels
to stories among non Filipino cultures such as Bihara, Sema, Savara,

(14:58):
and Buya tribes show gazing the universal nature of celestial myaths.
In another myth, Tala is one of the three daughters
of Patala and a mortal woman. Her sisters include Mayari,
the goddess of the Moon and Hannah, and the Goddess
of the Morning. As the goddess of the morning and
evening star, Dala holds a special place in the celestial hierarchy,

(15:18):
symbolizing guidance and protection. Talla's role extends beyond mere symbolism.
In one myth, she is credited with supporting the creation
of the traditional Tagada constellations. She used light spheres or
orbs to ferrymen to safety at night. These orbs, known
as saint Elmos, were seen as protective and guiding lights. However,

(15:41):
with the arrival of the Spaniards, the santelmos were demonized
and came to be regarded as deadly beings that could
lead men astray or cause harm. This transformation in perception
reflects the impact of colonialism on indigenous beliefs and the
adaptation of myaths over time. Story is a testament to

(16:01):
her and during legacy as a beacon of light and
hope in the night sky. She is often invoked in
prayers and ritols for guidance, protection, and safe travels. Her
presence in the sky is a reminder of the delicate
balance between day and night and the continuous cycle of
renewal and protection. Tala's influence is seen not only in mythology,

(16:23):
but also in cultural practices and traditions. She is celebrated
during festivals and celestial events with offerings and retols aim
at invoking her blessings. Her story inspires a sense of
wonder and respect for the natural world, highlighting the interconnectedness
of the cosmos and human life. In Sammari, Tala, the

(16:45):
goddess of the morning and evening star, shines brightly in
the tapestry of the Gallog mythology. Her tales of bravery, protection,
and celestial harmony continue to captivate and inspire, reflecting the
enduring power of myths to connect us to the stars.
In Beia, finally, let's explore the story of Hannan, the

(17:06):
goddess of the Morning and the bringer of new beginnings.
Hannan is one of the three daughters of Batala by
a mortal woman, making her the sister of Mayari, the
goddess of the moon. In Tala, the goddess of the stars.
Hannah holds a unique and significant role in the Gallum
mythology as adity associated with the dawn and new beginnings.

(17:28):
Her presences in both during the first prayer of the
day offered to Batala Apallaki and Hannah herself, symbolizing the
start of a new day. She is particularly revered during
the entrance of new age, her face in a person's
life making important transitions with her divine presence. People offer

(17:48):
Hannah bountiful harvests and prayers during key life events and
seasonal changes. These include the birth of a child entering adulthood, death,
the start of the planting season, the beginning of the
harvest season, and the commencement of a new annual cycle.
These prayers and offerings are conducted exclusively at the break

(18:09):
of dawn, reflecting her domain over the morning light. In
the Galog animism, Hannan is symbolized by the rooster and
the dawning sun, both emblems.

Speaker 2 (18:18):
Of the new day and renewal.

Speaker 1 (18:20):
The crowing of the rooster a don is seen as
a herald of Hannan's arrival, signaling the start of daily
activities and the promise of new opportunities. The first light
of the morning sun is considered her blessing, illuminating the
world and dispelling the darkness of night. Hannah sunfle events
extends beyond individual lives to the agricultural cycles that sustain communities.

(18:44):
Farmers pray to Hannan for their bountiful harvest and favorable
weather conditions. Her blessings are sought to ensure the prosperity
and continuity of their crops, reflecting the deep connection between
the people and their environment. Hannah's roll in retuals and
ceremonies there scores her importance in maintaining the balance and
order of the cosmos. Her presence is a reminder of

(19:06):
the cyclical nature of life, where each new ending is
a new beginning and each tone brings the promise of
a fresh start. The reverence for Hannan highlights the belief
in the interconnectedness of all things and the continuous flow
of life and time. In summary, Hannan, the Goddess of
the Morning, embodies the essence of new beginnings and transitions.

(19:28):
Her story is a testament to the enduring power of
renewal and the.

Speaker 2 (19:33):
Hope that each new day brings.

Speaker 1 (19:35):
As a symbol of tone and the start of new
phaces in life. Hannah's influence permeates both the physical and
spiritual realms, guiding the faithful through the.

Speaker 2 (19:44):
Cycles of existence.

Speaker 1 (19:50):
Learning about the rich and diverse beliefs of precolonial Filipinos,
with their pantheon of gods and goddesses ruling over various
aspects of daily life as ignited deep curiosity in me.
To truly understand my culture and roots feels ironic, doesn't it?
Here I am not fully knowledgeable about my own culture's
legends and ancient beliefs. It is strange how discascinating stories

(20:14):
were never passed down to us our thought in schools,
even in the form of meaths and legends. They don't
need to be a system of belief or a religion
as they were for pre colonial Philipinius. But knowing these
stories could enrich our cultural heritage. They are as colorful
and intricate as the tales of Greek and Roman gods

(20:34):
and goddesses. And these are our own stories once we
should be proud of and eager to share with others,
our children, students.

Speaker 2 (20:42):
And the world.

Speaker 1 (20:43):
As I reached the twelve episode of this podcast, I
realized just how much I don't know about my own
culture and roots. I embark on this series focusing on
the Philippines not fully crasp pain what I would uncover. Initially,
I thought I'd enjoyed delving into parks, normal phenomena, expiracy theories, scriptives,

(21:04):
and unther weird occurrences in the Philippines. But I was
pleasantly surprised to discover the depth and richness of our past.
The weirdest thing I've learned so far is why am
I ignorant of these amazing facts and stories about our
culture and heritage?

Speaker 2 (21:21):
Why were the stories taught in school?

Speaker 1 (21:24):
Why is this knowledge so limited in talk Away when
it is so beautiful and rich. Honestly, I've struggled to
find content due to limited resources available. The topics I
discuss in these podcasts are often new information to me
as well. I only had a vague idea but lack
the details. This has pushed me to share these stories

(21:46):
with my family and friends outside of the podcast, and
my surprise, they were also unaware of these tales but
found them incredibly interesting. I hope to stumble upon more
resources so I can continue my exploration and share what
I learned with you. My dear listeners, So that's my
honor mistake for now. Now that we have delve into
the dties of the Philippines, particularly in Tangolic.

Speaker 2 (22:09):
Culture, which one is your favorite?

Speaker 1 (22:11):
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of precolonial
philipping mythology, focusing on the second generation of Tits and
the Demidads. Each of these tities holds a unique place
in our cultural heritage, embodying bodies and stories that have
shaped our history. Reflecting on these myths has sparked deeper

(22:32):
interest in understanding our roots and the rich tapestry of
our cultural heritage. It's a journey that has made me
realize how much more there is to discover a shair.
Before we wrap up, I'd love to hear from you.
Who is your favorite tity among the landswathest cast today?
Is there a particular myth legend addressed me? Sweetly share

(22:53):
our thoughts enjoying the conversation on our social media channels.
If you have enjoyed this episode, please can see and
they're subscribing to the Little Weird podcast and lineary View
and your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps me continue
exploring and sharing these incredible stories. Don't forget to follow
me on Instagram, pictre and Facebook for updates and octional content.

(23:15):
And if you have any topics or meths you'd like
me to explore, you'll gree to reach out. I'd love
to hear your suggestions. Thank you for joining me on
this journey through Philippine mythology. Until next time, keep exploring
the weird and wonderful world around, stay curious, and keep
celebrating our rich cultural heritage. Thanks for listening to the

(23:36):
Lete Word podcast, y