Tuwaang

Introduction

Tuwaang is the epic hero of the Manobo people located on the central part of Mindanao, about eighty kilometers by road and trail northwest of Davao city. He is believed to be a one man campaign against evil and to protect his people.

He does farming for his people and he is treated as a leader or a Bagani, a warrior who has taken many human lives. He is also a craftsman as seen in the first epic song where it is mentioned that “he is experienced in making leglets, engraving finger rings, and moulding chains”. In other words, he is a blacksmith, which played an important role in their society.

Physical Traits

He is often depicted as wearing his heart-shaped costume made by the goddess, and armed with a long blade and a dagger and a spear and shield. He is also shown as riding a bolt of lightning or his bird, Gungutang

Family

He is known to have married the Maiden of Mo:nawon in the story “Tuwaang attends a wedding”.

Powers and Abilities

According to the legend, he has supernatural abilities that are bestowed upon him because of the clothes made from heavenly materials that he wears. He can teleport using lightning or use his anthropomorphic bird.

He also had the use of the magic betel nut, the magic skin of gold, and the special clothes beaded by the goddesses. He is also known to have command over the wind and lightning.

Modern Day Influence

Several novels and literary work have stemmed from the legend of Tuwaang including “Malakas at Maganda”,“Bongkatolan –the woman warrior, “Epic of Tuwaang Saving the Maiden of the Buhong Sky”, “Tuwaang Saving the Maiden of Monawon from the Deathless Man”, “Epic of Lam-Ang”, “Tale of Banna” and “The Story of the Golden Rice from the Skyworld.”He