Myth of Sarangay & Gawigawen
Sarangay is a half-man, half-bull mythical creature of Ibanag origin. It dwells in the wilderness and uses its scary reputation to protect his habitat from invaders.
Apart from its devilish countenance and prominent horns, Sarangay also have sacred jewels hanging in its ears. These gems purportedly possess superpowers and if anyone tries to steal them, the thief is guaranteed of a gory death. Just like the ordinary bull, Sarangay also emits smoke in its nose when angered.
This bull-headed creature, which joins other demon-like beings in the lower Philippine mythology, is also known as the local folklore’s equivalent of Greek’s Minotaur.
Gawigawen
Gawigawen is a fierce, six-headed giant that owns equally gigantic weapons of war. Its origins can be traced back to an original Tingguian story entitled“Gawigawen of Adasen” (1916).
The legend tells the story of Aponibolinayen who fell ill and craved for oranges owned by the giant Gawigawen. His husband, Aponitolau, overheard his wife’s request and decided to go on a long journey to find the oranges. After facing numerous obstacles and with the help of the chief of the spider, Aponitolau finally reached Gawigawen’s territory. Although he passed the giant’s challenge of eating a whole carabao, Aponitolau eventually died after picking two oranges from the tree made of knives.
Aponitolau’s son, Kanag, decided to fight back after learning about his father’s death. By turning himself into an ant, Kanag escaped the giant’s massive attacks and eventually killed the gargantuan villain.
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