TIKBALANG
The Tikbalang - part human & part horse
Tikbalang and its body figure
Source
TIKBALANG is a creature of Philippine folklore which is said to be a tall humanoid creature that dwells/lurk in the mountains and forests in the Philippines. It is often described as a reverse of a centaur. The tikbalang has a body of a human and a head of a horse. It has limbs that tend to disproportionate to its body. Imagine a creature with a long legs, tall, bony/skinny, knees higher than it head when it squats down and an animal-like feet usually similar to horse hooves.
Where did Tikbalang evolved and its superstitions?
Some of the Philippine traditions believed that tikbalangs - came from an aborted human fetus that was held in limbo and sent back to Earth. Tikbalangcan change their shape into that of humans and can also become invisible. Because of this, the news and characteristic about tikbalang had become a widespread in the Philippines. It is said that tikbalang will scare travelers or anyone who is alone and found to be weak. It will lead you astray and play tricks such that you are keep returning to an arbitrary path no matter how far you go, how fast you walk, or how far and fast you run just to be out of the place.
What do tikbalangs do and its characteristics?
Source
Aside from werewolves, tikbalang is also a shape-shifting, bizarre, mischievous supernatural spirit which haunts people in a mysterious places.
Shape-shifting is to change its physical form into that of a person, acquainted by the traveler which may come across in the wild. It is a form of deceiving the traveler by appearing with that familiar form, pretending and will tend to led the travelers through the dark woods or a place which is far from seeking for help.
As the moment it will reveal its true monstrous form, the victim may experience the smell of tobacco and a changing body form. In this case, the more the traveler (you) will resist, the more you are abused but once you stopped resisting, you’ll found yourself alone in the forest in the night completely disoriented.
What to do when you are played by a tikbalang?
According to our ancestors, when this situation is encountered, all you have to do is to show the tikbalang how strong you are, that you are not afraid of it so that they will stop playing around with you. But that solution, don’t work out well in so many times.
The best thing to do is to remove your shirt and wear it inside out. No matter who you are with, no matter how shameful this act could bring, this advice should be followed if you want to get out in that dark and very quiet place.
However, there is another countermeasure, it is to ask out loud a permission to pass by, or not to produce too much noise which could disturb the tikbalang.
So, which one works for you? I somehow believe this stories based on the experiences of my parents while they were still dating and in a relationship. If ever this would happen, I suggest you follow their advices, nothing will be taken away from you anyways, just a little shame if your shy but if you’re not, well there’s no problem.
Can I tame the tikbalang?
Taming the Tikbalang
Are you braved enough to tame a tikbalang? Well, here is how you can tame the tikbalang. This would be quite a challenge for you. The tikbalang must first be subdued through leaping and tying it with a specially-prepared strong cord.
You must then hang on to the tikbalang while the tikbalang flies through the air, fighting and struggling madly to free itself from the unwelcome cord and rider (you), until it is exhausted and acknowledges its defeat. Act like you’re just doing a horseback riding or a rodeo so that you won’t get afraid.
Tikbalang as a servant?
If ever you will be successful with this taming thing, you can now get its spines which can be used as your anting-anting (talisman) in order to keep him as your servant. Or look into its mane and pluck the 3 golden hairs you see before it eats you, it will serve until your last breath.
There are already documentations about tikbalang around the Internet, here is the one I recommend the most.
To see is to believe.
But there are people who believe even it is not seen.
Believe it or not, its up to you !