Philippine folklore is rich and diverse, varying significantly across its numerous islands and ethnic groups. Here are 20 examples, categorized for clarity, showcasing the breadth of Philippine mythology:
A giant, dark-skinned creature often depicted smoking a pipe, inhabiting large trees.
Kapre - Myth and Folklore Wiki - Fandom
A horse-like creature with a human head, known for leading travelers astray.
Tikbalang mystery solved? Possible explanation as to why it is depicted as ...
A female creature who can detach her upper body from her lower half, often depicted flying and feeding on human blood.
Manananggal | Myth and Folklore Wiki - Fandom
A shapeshifting creature, often depicted as a witch or vampire, feeding on human flesh and blood.
Aswang - Cryptid Wiki - Fandom
A small, mischievous creature inhabiting anthills, often tricking or playing pranks on humans.
Nuno sa Punso | Myth and Folklore Wiki - Fandom
A mermaid-like creature, often beautiful but dangerous, luring sailors to their deaths.
Sirena | Myth and Folklore Wiki - Fandom
Small, mischievous creatures inhabiting bodies of water, sometimes benevolent, sometimes malevolent.
Duwende Lore in the Philippines
Supernatural beings inhabiting various realms, sometimes benevolent, sometimes malevolent.
Engkanto: Philippine Mythology and Folklore - Mangkukulam
The supreme god in some Filipino pantheons, creator of the universe and humans.
Bathala Philippines
A fiery apparition, often associated with storms and bad omens.
SANTELMO: Rekindling Philippine Mythology
A tale about a beautiful mountain goddess who protects Mount Makiling and its inhabitants.
The Legend of Maria Makiling
A creation myth explaining the origin of the first man and woman.
The Tale of Malakas and Maganda | History
A tale about a giant who is said to cause earthquakes.
The Legend of Bernardo Carpio
A story about a blacksmith who creates powerful weapons and fights evil.
Ang Panday - The Blacksmith (1980)
A large bird with a human-like face, said to inhabit caves and forests.
Wakwak - Myth and Folklore Wiki - Fandom
A small, dog-like creature with backward-facing feet, said to suck the blood of its victims.
Sigbin | Myth and Folklore Wiki - Fandom
A creature often depicted as a giant snake, said to inhabit forests and streams.
An Analysis of Collected Urban Legends from Cagayan de Oro City
A water spirit inhabiting rivers and lakes, often causing accidents or misfortunes.
Busaw: The Busaw was a ghoul and corpse thief
While not strictly a creature, this folk dance depicts a battle between two groups over coconuts. This represents a rich aspect of Philippine cultural heritage.
