Gugurang

Among the Visayans, a god of the lower world. He is also a god of the Bikolanos, who had a rite performed for him called Atang.

According to a Philippine story, retold by Damiana Eugenio,¹ Gugurang was a good and powerful god who dwelt inside the volcano Mayon. He was given full control over the people and whenever they disobeyed his wishes, he would warn them by letting the volcano pit rumble. If the people mended their ways they would be forgiven, but if not, Gugurang would cause the volcano to erupt to wipe out the sinners.

His brother Asuang, who was less powerful and had no fire inside his mountain, Mount Malinao, asked Guguran for the fire, but was denied. From then on Asuang vowed to oppose his brother. Eventually he managed to steal it, placing it inside a coconut shell, but everything he passed went up in flames, and soon the world was on fire. Before all was lost, Gugurang stole back the fire and returned it to its place inside the volcano. He then bade the heavens to rain continually and after a while the conflagration was under control. He then sent a huge thunderbolt to destroy Asuang's abode. For a while it was believed that Asuang perished too, but his influence continues play havoc on the populace.

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