Biangonan : The Dreaded Ghost

Biangonan

Introduction

In the islands of the Philippines, the baingonan emerges as one of the most intriguing and enigmatic figures. This spectral entity, steeped in centuries-old beliefs, weaves a haunting narrative that resonates with the cultural fabric of the Philippines. With a history that spans generations, the baingonan continues to captivate the imagination of both locals and enthusiasts of the supernatural.

In the Filipino culture, it is believed that when a person dies, their souls may remain in this world. They are referred to as ‘ligaw na kaluluwa’ or lost souls. These lost souls are what Filipinos call ‘multo’. It is believed that these souls remain in this world because they have unfinished business, are crying for justice, or can’t find their way to heaven. These souls wander and live as if they were still alive.

Physical Traits

The Biangonan is depicted as a diminutive figure with ebony skin, tightly coiled dark hair, and feet that curiously point in the opposite direction. These elusive creatures are occasionally spotted scaling the tallest trees. They possess the uncanny ability to shape-shift into either a human or a pig, employing this disguise to infiltrate villages and abscond with either a swine or a human for their consumption.

Family

The Batak people are considered among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines and it is from here that the stories of the Baingonan originate.. The name “Batak” is thought to originate from the Cuyunon language, meaning “mountain people.” In their earlier days, the Batak led a semi-nomadic way of life, relying on hunting and gathering to sustain themselves. They foraged for a diverse range of food from the forests and rivers, including honey, tubers, fruits, leaves, various animals, birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, rattans, nuts, and seeds.

Originally residing in lowland areas, the Batak’s living circumstances changed with the arrival of pioneering settlers from Cuyo, Luzon, and the Visayas during the nineteenth century. As these lowland Filipino villages were established, the Batak were gradually compelled to relocate to more permanent settlements, a transition that posed sustainability challenges for their traditional way of life.

Other names

Its origins are deeply rooted in pre-colonial animistic beliefs, where spirits were considered an integral part of nature. The term “baingonan” itself is derived from the Visayan word “baing,” which means “to twist” or “to bend,” suggesting the ability to bend its feet backwards.

Powers and Abilities

Filipino folklore is rife with cautionary tales and superstitions surrounding the baingonan. Many believe that crossing paths with this spirit can lead to misfortune or even death. Consequently, locals often avoid certain areas associated with baingonan sightings, particularly after dark.

The Biangonan possesses the remarkable ability to shape-shift into either a human or a pig, adopting these forms as a means to surreptitiously infiltrate villages and abscond with either a human or a pig for its consumption. Villagers are alerted to the presence of a Biangonan when they detect a putrid odor permeating the air, signaling its proximity.

To ward off this malevolent entity, they kindle a substantial fire, believed to act as a deterrent. Once the Biangonan has taken a human victim from the village, it consumes every part of the unfortunate soul, leaving only the victim’s jawbone suspended in a tree as a grim and eerie testament to its presence.

Modern Day Influence

Even in modern times, tales of the Baingonan persist as integral components of urban legends and popular culture within the Philippines. Particularly during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, ghost stories hold a prominent place in the public’s imagination, with numerous television channels and radio stations featuring an array of such eerie narratives.

The Baingonan legend stands as a poignant reminder of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. It serves as a testament to the deep reverence Filipinos hold for the afterlife and their unwavering belief in the existence of spirits. Regardless of one’s personal belief in the supernatural, these stories continue to be a vital and enduring facet of Filipino culture and tradition, bridging the past and present.