In the beginning, there was the great god Gamhanan, supreme among the divinities of the area. He gives life to all mortals. He dwelt with the other gods of his land on Mount Daeogdog.
Gamhanan would send the rain and drought to those who defied his will, and those who failed to offer proper sacrifices at his cave dwelling would taste the bitterness of his punishment.
In the beginning, there was the Panigotlo, Gamhanan’s favored pet. It dashed across the river like a ray of pure light. So beautiful was this animal that none would dare harm it, not only for fear of Gamhanan’s wrath but also because it could foretell omens with its bleating.
The Panigotlo’s last bleating before the full moon heralded a good harvest and fortune. The villagers rejoiced and prepared their thanksgiving to the great god and his pet.
In the beginning, there was joy and light. The Panigotlo did not have anything to fear from the mortals surrounding Mount Daegdog for it was favored, and it would foretell favor or misfortune.
But in the end, the majestic beast was killed by a lowly hunter named Dagasanan. Its white fur was forever stained with blood. Never again would its bleats foretell of abundance and purpose. Never again would it warn of flood and despair.
In the beginning, there was the great god and his pet. In the end, the mortals paid their price.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by the Panigotlo description in ‘A Legend of Aklan’ in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002.
Panigotlo Illustration by Julius Advincula
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