TikbalangThe Tikbalang is a unique mythical creature found in the Philippines that has a head of a horse and a torso of a man.
It is a tall creature with a hairy head and neck, long ears, large teeth, round hoofs similar to a horse while having a man's torso, arms and thighs. It resides in large trees especially Balete trees. Tikbalangs employs various forms of trickery to its victims. It tends to make people lose their way by making mirages that confuse people on their way home. It also disguises itself as a relative and then would revert to its actual form and frighten people away, and in some cases to the point of insanity. Tikbalangs also try to seduce people to live with them in their own dimension. Tikbalangs can also be tamed and become your loyal servant to run errands for you and even plow your land and plant crops should you have a field. In order to do this, you have to mount the Tikbalang and snatch three golden hairs that you will find at the top of his head. The Tikbalang would then attempt you to dislodge you by jumping in to the sky and over the fields, mountain and seas. Anyone must hold on and never fear. Eventually, the Tikbalang would grow tired and would bring you home. He would then plead to become your faithful servant. |
Also known as: Tuwung, Tayho, Binangunan
Origin: Tagalog, Negrense, Visayas Creature Type: Demon Habitat: Forest Etymology: N/A |