Tikbalang
Philippine folklore describes this creature as having the head of a horse and the body of a human. It's said to dwell in the mountains and forests, misleading travelers.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Philippine folklore
- Region
- Philippines (place of origin)Mountainous Regions (unspecified) (habitat)
- Trait family
- The Justice Beasts
- Symbols
- Legs
Near this figure
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Legs bears image-domain Legs denote upright support and the individual journey of a life, answering the Sphinx's riddle by their number, and hobbled to signify conquest.
why
Its elongated limbs, particularly its legs, are said to be disproportionately long, allowing it to move swiftly through the dense forests and rugged mountains it calls home.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Hybrid of multiple animals
why
this mythical being possesses the muscular body of a human but is crowned with the head of a horse.
Behaviour
- Confuses travelers into losing their way
why
creating illusions that cause wanderers to lose their way, often leading them in circles or towards dangerous areas.
- Can be placated by specific ritual or trick
why
Legends speak of ways to outwit or placate the Tikbalang, such as wearing one's shirt inside out or offering it tobacco.
- Befriended becomes powerful ally
why
Some stories even suggest that a captured Tikbalang can be transformed into a valuable ally, granting its master incredible speed and power.
Offensive powers
- Superhuman strength
why
Some stories even suggest that a captured Tikbalang can be transformed into a valuable ally, granting its master incredible speed and power.
Utility powers
- Illusion crafting
why
It possesses an innate ability to manipulate the senses, creating illusions that cause wanderers to lose their way, often leading them in circles or towards dangerous areas.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Death carries
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Tikbalang."
- Shadow carries
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Tikbalang."
- Trickster carries both readings
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Tikbalang."
- Hero meets
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Tikbalang."