Berberoka

Introduction

The Berberoka is a water spirit or ghost that lives in the wetlands, lakes, or swamps. It can lure its victims by drinking a lot of water. When humans try to catch it, it floods and drowns them, and it makes dinner out of them as well. There is not a clear description of what a Berberoka is, though it could be a ghost or a creature that looks like a shadow or a chameleon.

In tropical regions, where berberoks are commonly found, locals tend to give empty ponds wide berth, even though the fish are tempting. Hungry travelers may believe that the bounty offered by the berberoka is a blessing, but they might end up getting swept away by its deadly force.

Physical Traits

This creature is often described as an ogre-like creature that’s camouflaged with rock-like skin or greenery in its habitat. It usually hides in the dried out river until humans come looking for it. In some stories it is depicted as a female water creature with fish-like features. The berberoka’s back features a thick layer of vegetation that resembles a bundle of small trees and rocks. Its natural camouflage allows it to hide in plain sight. Usually, the creature forms rock formations around its belly while waiting for people to come by.

Other names

The Berberoka is also known as Apayao in some parts of Abra and Ilocos Norte islands of the Philippines.

Powers and Abilities

When the Berberoka moves to a pond or river, it sucks up all the water there. In some cases, it tries to lure its victims by transforming itself into a bigger creature in order to prevent the river from flowing. This would cause the land to dry up and the fish to be scattered on the river’s bed. After the unsuspecting victims try to catch the fish, it will release the water it has been holding. It will then pick them up and eat them as they struggle in the rising waves.

Modern Day Influence

Although the myth of the Berberoka is confined to a few islands in the vast collection of islands known as the Philippines, it has managed to find its place in MMORPG games like Archives of Nethys.