Genetics is a strange thing, even stranger when applied to the study of beings more than just natural.
Take the tale of the Tiyanak for example, a well known monster from the islands.
In some stories it is the child of the devil and an aswang.
The Tiyanak, taken from that definition would inherit different traits.
For a mental exercise, what would it gain from its parents.
Listed down, the aswang:
Splitting into two
Flight, with or without wings.
A long red tongue to eat viscera.
Claws.
Fangs.
Causing illness and pain through magical means.
Making curses, sometimes called Kulam.
Shapeshifting into dogs, cats, black pigs and birds.
The Devil:
Control of flame.
Powers of enchantment.
Demonic Possession.
Control of Demons.
Shapeshifting into any form.
Can cause sickness and pain.
Control of animals and plants.
Can bind the minds of mortals.
Can see the past or future.
Raises storms.
So with this list of traits, what did the Tiyanak actually inherit?
A shapeshifting beast with the powers of hell in tow?
An unstoppable flying demon ready to rend flesh with its claws and fangs?
Or something more than the sum of its parts?
And what of its relation to other demons?
In the Ars Goetia there are many sigils and seals. Does this Tiyanak have one or will some demonologist from the Philippines eke out forbidden knowledge to bind this child of hell?
That would make quite the tale.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by the description in Bikol Beliefs and Folkways: A Showcase of Tradition. Nasayao 2010.
Illustration by Juneo “Bainite” Fernando used with permission from Rob Martin of Pine Box Entertainment and Secret Garden Games
