The difference between a Cyclops and a Bungisngis
Appearance:
Cyclops
Human like giants with one eye at the center of their forehead, sometimes portrayed as hairy,
Bungisngis
Human like giant. Has an upper lip that is so large it can cover its face. It has two tusks each on the side of its mouth. Has one eye on the middle of its forehead.
Etymology
Cyclops
From the Greek Kyklops, literally one-eyed or circle-eyed.
Bungisngis
From the Tagalog Ngisi, literally to show teeth.
Origin
Cyclops
There was once a race of cyclops. The original three cyclops were sons of the gods Ouranos and Gaea. They were smiths to the god, Zeus. In the Odessey they were seen as giants that were also shepherds.
Bungisngis
A singular giant that has its origins in Tagalog legend.
Temperament
Cyclops
Savage and cannibalistic. Aggressive and harmful. Stubborn to a fault. Dumb witted.
Bungisngis
Sometimes described at ‘Always laughing’. Low intelligence but is happy and playful.
Diet
Cyclops
Humans. Raw meat from sheep.
Bungisngis
Carabao. Humans.
Locations
Cyclops
Mount Etna
Bungisngis
The forests of Luzon.
Strength
Cyclops
Brute strength and the lightning bolt. Can be intoxicated. Its one eye is its weakness.
Bungisngis
Incredible strength. Able to seize a carabao by the horns ‘knee deep into the earth.’
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. 1990. Ramos.
Illustration by Gladys Domalaon used with permission from Rob Martin of Pine Box Entertainment and Secret Garden Games
