Diwata
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In Philippine mythology, a diwata or encantada is a mythological figure similar to fairies or nymphs. They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete and are the guardian sprits of nature, bringing blessing or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. One such famous Diwata is Maria Makiling, guardian of the Mount Makiling in Laguna province.
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[edit] Types
A male diwata is called Engkanto (sometimes spelled as Encanto or Encantado) that resides primarily in the sea. It is customary for Filipino fishermen to offer meat and other delicacies to the engkanto by throwing them into the sea, after a day's bountiful catch.
[edit] Examples
In other parts of the Philippines, Diwata is analogous to the Greek gods and goddesses. Some of the famous Diwata are:
- Bathala (also known as Kabunian, Malayari, and Lumawig) the Ruler of Heaven,
- Amanikable, the Ruler of the Seas,
- Dian Masalanta the goddess of love,
- Apolake (or Adlaw), god of the sun,
- Mayari (or Bulan in other areas), the goddess of the moon,
- Tala, goddess of the stars, and
- Anitan, the Guardian of lightning.
[edit] Popular Culture
[edit] Comics
In the comics character created by Gener Pedrina for the Sanduguan Universe, Diwata is a half-human and half-encantada whose real name is Maria Klarissa Valiente.
[edit] Television
[edit] Okay ka, Fairy Ko
In the television sitcom Okay ka, Fairy Ko created by MZET productions, diwatas live in a mythical world named Enkantasya where Ina Magenta is the Queen of the Diwatas. Ina Magenta's daughter, Fey, is married to Enteng Kabisote, a human.
[edit] Encantadia
In the GMA Network's fantasy television series Encantadia and Mulawin, Diwatas are a race of supernatural being living in Encantadia, a dimension beyond the human world. Some diwatas have pointed ears like elves, one of them is Cassiopeia and some resemble fairies, like Muyak, but many of them are human-like. All diwatas and encantados reside in the Kingdom of Lireo.
A diwata or an encantado that has a royal blood is called Sang'gre (probably coined from Dan Brown's The Davinci Code), which can be distinguished by their markings on their back, the nga character from the Baybayin script. The Queen of the Diwatas in Lireo carries the title of Ynang Reyna. Lirean society is matriarchal and only a Sang'gre in the matriarch line may ascend the throne.
