- Pugot
Infobox Philippine mythology
title = Pugot
description =Decapitated demon
gender = Male/female
region =Ilocos
equivalent =Tulud Nimputul The Pugot ("decapitated one") is a mythicalfiend that is found in theIlocos region.cite book |last=Paraiso |first=Salvador |authorlink= |coauthors=Jose Juan Paraiso |title=The Balete Book: A collection of demons, monsters and dwarfs from the Philippine lower mythology |year=2003 |publisher=Giraffe Books |location=Philippines |isbn=971-8832-79-3 ] It can assume various shapes such as hogs, dogs or even as humans. However, it usually appears as a black, gigantic headless being. The creature usually resides in dark places or deserted houses. However, they especially like living in trees such as the "duhat" ("Eugenia cumini "), "santol" ("Sandoricum koetjape "), andtamarind . cite book |last=Ramos |first=Maximo D. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology |year=1971 |publisher=University of the Philippines Press |location=Philippines |isbn= ]Aside from its
shapeshifting abilities, the "pugot" can also move at great speeds, feeding on snakes and insects that it finds among the trees. It feeds by thrusting food through its neck stump.Although terrifying, the "pugot" is relatively harmless. However, the creature is fond of women's underwear and steals them while they are being dried on a clothesline.
The "pugot" is also found in the
Ifugao myth "Tulud Nimputul: The Self-Beheaded" where he appears to the human hero. He was fed by the hero with chopped chicken meat that was mixed with blood.References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
