Philippines Folklore: The Tikbalang
Every country has their own folklore that were past down from generation to generation. Despite the passing of time many of this folklores survive till this day and some thanks to mainstream media are gaining popularity. In the Philippines, we too, have our own particular folklore that have survived till this day. One of this folklore is about the "Tikbalang".
What is a Tikbalang?
A tikbalang or werehorse is a half man - half horse creature - similar to a centaur. But unlike the centaur that have the lower body of a horse and a human upper body and head, the tikbalang have the body of a man and the hooves and head of a horse, with disproportionately long limbs.
The tikbalang is also known in a variety of names like tigbalan, tikbalan and tigbalon, depending on the region. According to folklores, tikbalangs are usually found in the mountains and forests of the Philippines.
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In some region the tikbalang is an "engkanto" or a type of fairy. Yes, you read that right - it's a fairy (I think I heard Tinkerbell protesting in the background?). Ignoring Tinkerbell's protest, the tikbalang is also known as the benevolent horse. The reason for this is because it is believed to be the benevolent guardian of the elemental kingdom. It is usually found standing below large trees and will punish anyone who has ill intent towards the kingdom.
The tikbalang is also known to play tricks on unsuspecting travelers. According to the lore if you found yourself lost in the woods or mountain then you are most likely a victim of a tikbalang. The ways to counter this is to wear your shirt inside out or to loudly ask for a permission to past.
"may kinakasal na tikbalang."(Filipino, "a tikbalang is getting married".) is a common saying when rains despite a clear sky. This was potentially connected with a similar Spanish proverb that claimed a witch was getting married when there was rain on a sunny day. - wikipedia.org
Origin
The legend of the tikbalang dates back as far as 4000 years ago and has a Hindu origin long before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines.
According to historians, the early Filipinos most likely gets the inspiration for the tikbalang from Hayagriva an avatar of Vishnu. This culture is passed through trading with the ancient Chinese by the indigenous people.
Popular culture
The tikbalang is extremely popular in the Philippines and is usually seen in Filipino produced films, documentaries and books.
Example of this is The Mythology Class, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Filipino comic creator Arnold Arre. Another book is Tikbalang Kung Kabilugan ng Buwan by Victoria Añonuevo, illustrated by Kora Dandan-Albano and released by Adarna House.
It is a staple of local TV series and fantasy and horror films.
Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia is an example, this animated film is written by Artemio Abad, Jr. and Eric Cabahug and directed by Robert Quilao.
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Reference for the article
wikipedia.org
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