Tikbalang: The Horse Demon

Tikbalang is a folkloric demon and as such many regional tales speak of him in differing ways but he is usually seen as troublesome, if not downright malevolent, at his most harmless he enjoys hiding in remote areas and making travelers become lost via casting tricks and spells on them, the only way to stop him from continuing his tricks is to turn one's shirt inside out.

The Tikbalang, a mythical creature in the Philippine forest, is a part-man, part-horse entity known for its speed and mischievous nature. The origin, history, and evolution of the Tikbalang are explored, with tales ranging from guarding the sky world to being a troublesome demon. The creature's lore is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, capturing the imagination of many.

The Tikbalang's presence extends beyond folklore; anecdotal accounts of it causing mysterious deaths among chickens in a chicken farm highlight the pervasive nature of the creature's influence. Despite its potentially malevolent actions, people take the matter lightly, adopting a pragmatic approach to protect their chickens from the man with a horse's head.

As a child, the Tikbalang fascinated the storyteller, drawing parallels with mythical creatures like the minotaur and centaur from foreign movies. The Tikbalang is depicted as a night horse that, when ridden, transports individuals to different worlds and parallel dimensions. Meeting at crossroads can lead to losing one's way, requiring the reversal of clothes to find an exit from the forest.

Numerous stories surround the Tikbalang, from wrestling it to plucking a hair from its mane for subservience. The creature's potential Irish roots are suggested, drawing parallels with mythical horses like those associated with seven-league boots in other cultures. Classic tales of rewards and otherworldly travels began appearing in the 20th century, influenced by European literature and changes in the education system.

While superstitions often have instructive elements, the Tikbalang's association with rain and sunshine indicating a wedding lacks a clear message. This belief, however, is a widespread phenomenon, with similar stories in India involving foxes during sun showers. The macho image of the Tikbalang is seen as more aligned with Spanish and European influences, rather than native Filipino beliefs.

The widely accepted theory attributes the invention of the Tikbalang to Spanish colonization, introducing horses to the Philippines and creating the creature to instill fear. However, evidence suggests the Tikbalang predates the Spanish arrival, prompting a deeper exploration of its origins. The ancient animist beliefs of Filipinos, rooted in animism, connect spirits to natural elements, shaping the early perception of the Tikbalang.

The story delves into the migration patterns of Homo sapiens, suggesting various theories about the peopling of the Philippines. Animism, with spirits known as 'anito,' played a crucial role in shaping early belief systems, providing a conduit to unseen parallel worlds.

The narrative then shifts to the influence of Hinduism, particularly the avatar Hayagriva, which worshiped the horse for its attributes. Cultural exchanges and trade routes likely introduced Filipinos to this imagery, which may have contributed to the Tikbalang's development. Western influence and modern interpretations by artists like Arnold Arre further transformed the Tikbalang's image in popular culture.

Despite modern portrayals, remnants of early animist beliefs persist, emphasizing the Tikbalang's danger at night. The creature's roots span over 4,000 years, pre-dating Spanish colonization, tying it to ancestral Filipino identity and culture. The Tikbalang is seen as more than mere superstition; it's a cultural construct embodying identity, passed down through generations as a message of hope and comfort. It stands as a testament to the Filipinos' creativity and adaptive preservation of their cultural heritage through storytelling.