FEATURE: "The Philippine Cyclops" by: Jacqueline Nicole S. Solo

 

In Filipino folklore, Bungisngis, also known as Filipino Cyclops, are massive animals with only one eye. They have enormous teeth and two long tusks on either side of their mouths. Although, Bungisngis only has one eye in the centre of its forehead, its acute hearing compensates for its lack of vision. Bungisngis is always smiling. That is why people find it creepy. The name "bungisngis" is derived from the root word "ngisi," which means "to laugh." This one-eyed giant lives in the forest and woods, and because it is always smiling, it is described as a happy and playful cyclops.

Bungisngis came from the folktale, "The Monkey, the Dog, and the Carabao". The story is about three friends who are sick of living in the city. Since folktales are passed through by word of mouth, there are a lot of versions. The story is about three friends: a monkey, a dog, and a carabao. They decided to go to the wilderness so they can hunt and left their cook at home to fry their food. But the noise of frying was heard by the Bungisngis, who attacked them all. A monkey was a cook and sent his guest into a pitfall in front of the stove. He then filled the pit with dirt, so that he was buried with no solemnity. His companions, curious, began to dig up the grave, but found that Bungisnigis was still alive. A monkey saw a beehive on top of a vine and pulled it. "Spare me," said the monkey, "and I will give up my place to you". And that is the time Bungisngis got deceived.

The mythology of the Filipino Cyclops Bungisngis is one of numerous urban legends that demonstrate the Philippines' rich culture and creativity. However, some Filipino folktales make it look like a big and dumb creature. Very much the opposite of the Greek Cyclops. There are many variants of Bungisngis' story because folktales are passed down through the generations by word of mouth, but in every iteration, Bungisngis always loses.

SOURCE;
Urban Legends
Philippine Folklore

PHOTO SOURCE;
The Aswang Project