Engkanto: Difference between revisions
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==Study== |
==Study== |
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Francisco Demetrio made a study of eighty seven folk stories from [[Visayas]] and [[Mindanao]] relating to Engkanto. He contended the Engkanto were based on early European [[friars]].<ref name=Aguilar/><ref name=Demetrio/> |
Francisco Demetrio made a study of eighty seven folk stories from [[Visayas]] and [[Mindanao]] relating to Engkanto. He contended the Engkanto were based on early European [[friars]].<ref name=Aguilar/><ref name=Demetrio/> |
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==References== |
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{{Philippine mythology}} |
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[[Category:Mythology]] |
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Revision as of 11:45, 20 June 2008
In Philippine mythology, Engkanto are spirits that can appear in human form. They are often associated with the spirits of ancestors[1][2][3]. They are also characterized as forest spirits or elves.[4] Belief in their existence has likely existed for centuries [3] and continues to this day [5].
Appearance
Engkanto have many similarities to humans in that they age, appear to have male and female sexes, can suffer from illness and indeed even die. They are an object of fascination for many Philippinos as they normally appear to be beautiful having blue eyes, fair complexion and golden hair [3]. They may however have unusual features such as high-bridged noses, fair skin, blond hair and lack of philtrum. They are also known to be taller than human beings. [4] Other variants exhibit sexual dimorphism such as Bagobo spirits which are separated into the female tahamaling and the male mahomanay. The female spirit is alleged to have red complexion while the male have a fair complexion.[4] Their dwellings will normally appear as natural features, for example large rocks or trees, although to humans they have befriended they can appear as magnificant palaces[3]. These creatures prefer large trees such as the balete in which they also place their belongings.[4]
Capabalities
Engkanto are most commonly known for their malignant effects, those the Engkanto favour have become depressed, suffered from madness or even disappeared for days or months, possibly as a result of the human being possessed[3][6]. They are also said to be capable of causing fevers and skin diseases such as boils. However if they do favour someone they are generous and capable of bringing power and riches to that person. Shaman often try to commune with Engkanto on holy days to obtain better healing powers from them as well as learning how to better deal with evil spirits[3].
Study
Francisco Demetrio made a study of eighty seven folk stories from Visayas and Mindanao relating to Engkanto. He contended the Engkanto were based on early European friars.[1][3]
- ^ a b Aguilar, Filomeno V. (1998). Clash of Spirits. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0824820827.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Gailyn Van Rheenen, Gailyn Van Rheenan (2006). Contextualization And Syncretism: Navigating Cultural Currents. William Carey Library. ISBN 0878083871.
- ^ a b c d e f g *Demetrio, Francisco (1969). "The Engkanto Belief: An Essay in Interpretation". Asian Folklore Studies. 28 (1): 77–90. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|laydate=,|laysource=,|laysummary=,|month=,|quotes=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c d Ramos, Maximo D. (1971). Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Philippines: University of the Philippines Press. pp. 55–56.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ *Borchgrevink, Axel (2003). "Ideas of Power in the Phillippines". Cultural Dynamics. 15 (1): 41–69. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
- ^ Tremlett, Paul-François (2007). "The Ethics of Suspicion in the Study of Religons". DISKUS. 8.
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