Aswang and Alan Mythology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a distinguishing feature of the alan's physical structure?

It possesses sharp claws.

Its hands and feet point backwards. (correct)

It has a wingspan of 3 feet.

It has a long, slender tail.

What type of items does the alan keep in its lair?

Musical instruments

Treasure maps

Living animals

Jars containing items from its victims (correct)

What process enables a normal human to become an aswang?

Being bitten by an aswang

Consuming a specific type of fruit

Entering a dark cave at night

Ingesting a black chick (correct)

What is the primary preference of the alan when it comes to prey?

Human flesh over livestock Signup and view all the answers

What type of appearance do the alan's 'children' eventually take on?

They grow wings and unusual traits of the alan. Signup and view all the answers

How is the alan suspected to travel considerable distances?

Utilizing its powerful wings for long-distance flight Signup and view all the answers

What does the alan do when faced with an all-female group according to one report?

Leaves after tasting them. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a possible shape that an aswang might take during the night?

A small domestic cat Signup and view all the answers

What is one precaution suggested to prevent the balbal from stealing a corpse?

Refrain from sweeping the floors. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does the chicken serve in the ritual before a burial?

To distract the balbal from the corpse. Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic does the dalakitnon tribe exhibit compared to other enkanto?

They explore the skies. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a dalakitnon ship is docked at a tree?

The tree being filled with fireflies. Signup and view all the answers

How can one supposedly see the dalakitnon and their ship?

By rubbing the eyes of a dog and looking between their legs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about female depth perception compared to males?

Females have a wider visual field but poorer depth perception. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable skill of the most adept busaw warriors?

They make skillful use of their horn. Signup and view all the answers

What material is used to construct the flying ships of the dalakitnon?

Wood from the dalakit tree. Signup and view all the answers

What significant ritual takes place at noon on November 4 during the holiday?

Markupo hunt Signup and view all the answers

What does the burning of the markupo in effigy symbolize?

The death of the markupo and a rite of passage for the youth Signup and view all the answers

When does the holiday culminate, and what specific activity occurs?

On the 8th of November with offerings to the dead Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the fasting period during the holiday?

It is the only time they abstain from human flesh Signup and view all the answers

What are 'wild' busaw known for?

Digging up corpses for meals Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason for the confusion between busaw and busol?

Similar dietary habits Signup and view all the answers

What creature does the description of the ebwa most resemble?

A hairless gorilla Signup and view all the answers

How do the busaw children participate in the markupo hunt?

By chasing the youth and throwing pebbles at him Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to expel the black chick from an individual?

Making the individual extremely dizzy Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective method to kill an aswang after it has been wounded?

Cutting it in half down its spine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common repellant against the aswang?

Salt Signup and view all the answers

How can one become an aswang?

By being breathed upon by an aswang Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the batibat is disturbed while it sits on a sleeper?

The sleeper appears to struggle in their sleep Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the black chick after expulsion?

Throw it into a fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of using wood from a cut tree that housed a batibat?

The batibat will seek revenge on anyone in that room Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term nuno sa punso?

It denotes the old man or grandfather of the termite mound. Signup and view all the answers

What is advised to do with the halves of an aswang after cutting it?

Place them on opposite banks of a river Signup and view all the answers

What is a common precaution to take when passing by an earthen mound?

Ask for permission verbally. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it wise to avoid sweeping floors at noon or sunset?

Duwende may take cover and become angry if disturbed. Signup and view all the answers

What can be an effect of insulting a duwende?

You may experience chills and fever. Signup and view all the answers

How do duwende typically interact with human households?

They eavesdrop on family conversations. Signup and view all the answers

What attribute attracts duwende to humans?

Beautiful voices or names. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen to a young girl chosen by a duwende?

She might be taken underground. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended if a duwende takes possession of a person?

Consult an albularyo. Signup and view all the answers

What type of ghouls do ebwa belong to?

Cadaver eaters Signup and view all the answers

What scent attracts ebwa to the deceased?

Ripe jackfruit Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of ebwa makes them difficult to deter during wakes?

Their sharp nails Signup and view all the answers

What happens to individuals who harm a buwaya according to ancient laws?

They are executed without trial Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length and weight of the buwaya resembling Deinosuchus?

33 feet and 5 to 10 tons Signup and view all the answers

What are the wooden boxes seen on the backs of buwaya believed to resemble?

A coffin Signup and view all the answers

What material is the box carried by the buwaya made from?

Mangkono and clay Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to ebwa's sensitivity to light and sound?

Their hunting environment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alan's Physical Structure and Habits

The Alan is characterized by having a long tongue, which it uses to suck out the blood of its prey.
The Alan keeps human bones in its lair.

Aswang Transformation and Prey Preference

A normal human can become an Aswang through a transformation process.
The Alan primarily prefers to prey on babies and young children.
The Alan's offspring eventually develop a human-like appearance.

Alan's Movement and Behavior

The Alan is believed to travel long distances by flying.
In one report, the Alan was said to leave when confronted by an all-female group.

Aswang Appearance and Prevention

An Aswang cannot transform into a dog during the night.
To prevent the Balbal (a type of Aswang) from stealing a corpse, people would place a knife or a pair of scissors on the chest of the deceased.

Burial Ritual and the Chicken

During the burial ritual, a chicken is used as part of the process, potentially to appease spirits or ward off evil.

Dalakitnon Tribe and Ship

The Dalakitnon tribe is a unique group of enkanto that are known to be very wealthy.
The Dalakitnon's boat being docked at a tree indicates their presence.
To see the Dalakitnon and their ship, one reportedly must eat a special kind of herb.

Female Depth Perception

Female depth perception is not necessarily better than male depth perception.

Busaw Warriors' Skills and the Dalakitnon Ship

The most skilled Busaw warriors are known for their ability to aim with extraordinary accuracy.
The flying ships of the Dalakitnon are made from wood.

Markupo Holiday and Ritual

On November 4th at noon, a significant ritual takes place for the Markupo holiday.
The burning of the Markupo in effigy symbolizes the act of hunting and killing this creature.
The holiday culminates on November 8th with the final hunt and capture of the Markupo.
During the fasting period, the participants are not allowed to drink water.

Busaw and Busol

'Wild' Busaw are known for eating the hearts of their victims.
The confusion between Busaw and Busol could stem from similarities in their appearance and behavior.

Ebwa Description and Attraction

The Ebwa is described as resembling a winged creature.
Ebwa are drawn to the smell of decaying flesh.

Ebwa's Sensitivity and Buwaya

Ebwa are highly sensitive to both light and sound, making them difficult to deter.
According to ancient laws, individuals who harm a Buwaya (believed to be related to the Ebwa) would be severely punished.
The Buwaya resembling Deinosuchus is estimated to be up to 30ft long and weigh 10-15 tons.
The wooden boxes seen on the backs of Buwaya are believed to resemble coffins.
The box carried by the Buwaya is made from wood.

Buwaya Sensitivity and Busaw Children in the Hunt

Light and sound contribute significantly to the Ebwa's sensitivity.
Busaw children participate in the Markupo hunt by carrying the Markupo's coffin.

Expelling the Black Chick and Killing an Aswang

To expel the black chick from an individual, one can use a variety of methods, including prayer, holy water, and the use of specific herbs.
An effective way to kill an Aswang after it's wounded is to cut it in half, ensuring that both parts cannot join together.

Aswang Repellant and Transformation

A common repellant against Aswang is garlic.
One can become an Aswang through a transformation process.

Batibat and Black Chick

If the Batibat is disturbed while it sits on a sleeper, it will fly off and seek a new host.
After expelling the black chick from an individual, one must dispose of the black chick appropriately to prevent it from returning.

Batibat's Wood and Nuno Sa Punso

Using wood from a cut tree that housed a Batibat could result in misfortune or even death.
The term "nuno sa punso" refers to a type of spirit or deity that resides in earthen mounds.

Aswang and Duwende Precautions

The halves of a cut Aswang should be buried separately and far apart.
When passing by an earthen mound, it's wise to greet the "nuno sa punso" with a polite gesture or offering.
It's best to avoid sweeping floors at noon or sunset, as this is believed to disturb the spirits.

Duwende Behavior and Interactions

Insulting a duwende could result in bad luck or misfortune.
Duwende typically interact with human households by playing pranks or stealing small objects.
Duwende are attracted to humans who are kind and generous.
If a young girl is chosen by a duwende, she might be taken away to the duwende's realm.
If a duwende takes possession of a person, it's recommended to seek the help of a shaman or spiritual healer.

Ebwa and Buwaya

Ebwa belong to the category of ghouls.
The smell of death attracts Ebwa to the deceased.
Ebwa are difficult to deter during wakes due to their strong sense of smell.

Buwaya Description and Importance

The ancient laws regarding the Buwaya highlight the importance of respecting this creature and avoiding conflict.
The Buwaya resembles Deinosuchus, a prehistoric crocodile species.
The wooden boxes seen on the backs of Buwaya are believed to resemble coffins.
The box carried by the Buwaya is made from wood.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the fascinating lore of the alan and aswang in Philippine mythology. This quiz covers their physical features, behaviors, transformations, and preferences in prey. Delve into the mysteries of these mythical creatures and learn more about their stories.