Monsters of Philippine Mythology

Monsters of Mindanao

• Kurita: A multi-limbed creature dwelling on land and sea, causing devastation at its favorite location, a rattan mountain.
• Tarabusaw: An ugly, man-like monster residing on Mt. Matutum, known for consuming people and ruining the land.
• Pah: An enormous bird so large it blocked sunlight, nesting on Mt. Bita; its eggs are house-sized.
• A second dreadful bird with seven heads and omnidirectional vision lived on Mt. Gurayn, wreaking havoc across its region.

King Indarapatra and Sulayman

• King Indarapatra heard of the destruction in Mindanao and felt compassion for its people.
• He tasked his brother, Sulayman, with saving the land from monsters, equipping him with a ring and sword for protection.
• A sapling was planted to signal Sulayman’s fate: it would wither upon his death.

Sulayman's Journey

• Sulayman used his ability to fly, traveling directly to the rattan mountain and witnessing widespread devastation.
• He encountered Kurita, recognized its threat, and successfully defeated it in battle.
• At Mt. Matutum, Sulayman faced Tarabusaw; after a fierce struggle, he managed to kill the monster as well.

The Tragic Confrontation

• Upon reaching Mt. Bita, Sulayman saw a massive shadow from the bird Pah and fought it.
• Although he initially injured the bird, falling debris resulted in Sulayman's death, causing grief to King Indarapatra.

Resurgence and Final Battle

• King Indarapatra witnessed the sapling wither, indicating Sulayman’s demise, inciting his desire for revenge.
• He traveled to Mindanao, discovering the remains of Kurita, Tarabusaw, and ultimately, Sulayman’s bones at Mt. Bita.
• Indarapatra revived Sulayman by pouring heavenly water on his bones, leading to a joyous reunion.

Restoration of Peace

• The brothers jointly defeated the seven-headed bird on Mt. Gurayn, restoring peace to the land.
• After the monsters were vanquished, Indarapatra sought survivors, eventually locating a hidden community.

Cultural Redemption

• An old woman shared that only a few had survived by hiding, thanks to Sulayman's bravery.
• Indarapatra’s heroic deeds prompted gratitude from the community, leading to his marriage to the headman's daughter, whom he had previously seen.