Engkanto

] They are also characterized as forest spirits or elves. Belief in their existence has likely existed for centuries and continues to this day. [*cite journal | year = 2003 | last = Borchgrevink | first = Axel | title = Ideas of Power in the Philippines | journal = Cultural Dynamics | volume = 15 | issue = 1 | pages = 41-69 | url = http://cdy.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/15/1/41 | accessdate = 2008-06-19]

Appearance

Engkanto have many similarities to humans in that they age, appear to have male and female sexes, can suffer from illness and indeed even die. They are an object of fascination for many Filipinos they normally appear to be beautiful having blue eyes, fair complexion and golden hair . They may however have unusual features such as high-bridged noses, fair skin, blond hair and lack of philtrum. They are also known to be taller than human beings. cite book |last=Ramos |first=Maximo D. |authorlink= |coauthors= |pages=55-56 |title=Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology |year=1971 |publisher=University of the Philippines Press |location=Philippines |oclc=804797 ISBN 971-06-0691-3 (Quezon City Press, 1990)] Other variants exhibit sexual dimorphism such as Bagobo spirits which are separated into the female "tahamaling" and the male "mahomanay". The female spirit is alleged to have red complexion while the male have a fair complexion. Their dwellings will normally appear as natural features, for example large rocks or trees, although to humans they have befriended they can appear as magnificent palaces. These creatures prefer large trees such as the "balete" in which they also place their belongings.

Capabilities

Engkanto are most commonly known for their malignant effects, those the Engkanto favour have become depressed, suffered from madness or even disappeared for days or months, possibly as a result of the human being possessed [cite journal | last = Tremlett | first = Paul-François | title = The Ethics of Suspicion in the Study of Religions | year = 2007 | journal = DISKUS | volume = 8 | url = http://www.basr.ac.uk/diskus/diskus8/Tremlett.htm | accessdat = 2008-06-20] . They are also said to be capable of causing fevers and skin diseases such as boils. These spirits also sometimes lead travelers astray in the forest or even kidnap them. However if they do favour someone they are generous and capable of bringing power and riches to that person. Shaman often try to commune with Engkanto on holy days to obtain better healing powers from them as well as learning how to better deal with evil spirits.

tudy

Francisco Demetrio made a study of 87 folk stories from Visayas and Mindanao relating to Engkanto. He contended the Engkanto were based on early European friars.

References