Mariang Makiling

Maryang Makiling is the goddess or diwata (engkantada) of Mount Makiling. She is said to live in a humble hut somewhere on the mountain, protecting its bounty which the people depend upon. Many legends revolve around her person, such as that she helps villagers by giving them ginger which, upon their return have, has been magically transformed into gold. Superstition has it that whenever a man disappears in the forests, it is said that Maryang Makiling has taken him to be her lover. Another superstition is that people may go to the forests to eat fruits but are not allowed to carry these home with them. Failure to do so might anger her, and she would punish the offender by making him lose his way and having him stung by insects and pricked by thorns.

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