Maranao Ethno-Linguistic Lore

Cosmic Realms

Creation Mythos (Cosmogony)

According to Maranao folklore, the cosmos was intimately crafted by an incomprehensible, Great Being whose exact identity and timeline of creation remain a profound mystery. Rather than a singular physical domain, this profound creation story describes a highly structured, multidimensional universe balanced perfectly between the earth and the heavens. The physical world we recognize is only a fraction of existence. The earth itself is systematically divided into seven distinct layers, each hosting vastly different forms of life. Humanity resides only on the uppermost layer exposed to the open air. Directly beneath us, the second subterranean layer is inhabited by short, plump, and long-haired beings known as the Karibanga. Though typically invisible to the human eye, they possess profound magical powers. Deeper still, the third layer—most often accessed beneath deep inland lakes or the boundless sea—is the watery domain of enchanting nymphs. These nymphs are beings of great magic who occasionally intermingle with epic mortal heroes, such as Rajah Indarapatra. Mirroring the complexity of the earth below, the sky above is also structured into seven ascending layers. Each celestial threshold features monumental doors guarded day and night by mythical, gigantic birds known as the garoda. The absolute peak of this vertical universe, the seventh layer of the sky, is the seat of heaven. This sacred heaven is further divided into its own seven sections, populated uniformly by winged angels who require no earthly nourishment. Within this supreme seventh layer grows the divine Tree-of-Life. Every single leaf upon this magnificent, sprawling tree bears the name of a living person on earth. The cycle of human existence is bound to its branches; when a specific leaf finally dries and falls, the mortal whose name it carries perishes. Nearby, in a heavily guarded section of heaven, the souls of every person are preserved within tightly sealed jars. This sacred vault is fiercely protected by Walo, a terrifyingly vigilant monster possessing eight hairy heads and a thousand seeing eyes, forever watching over the essence of humanity.

Spiritual Pantheons & Deities (1)

• Bantugen (Mortal)

  An epic hero and prince of the kingdom of Bembaran; his adventures are celebrated in the Darangen.