Another version of the creation, prevalent among the Manóbos of the Argauan and Híbun͠g Rivers, gives the control of the world to Dágau, who lives at the four fundamental pillars in the company of a python. Being a woman, Dágau dislikes the sight of human blood, and when it is spilled upon the face of the earth she incites the huge serpent to wreathe itself around the pillars and shake the world to its foundations. Should she become exceedingly angry, she diminishes the supply of rice either by removing it from the granary or by making the soil unproductive.
Another variation of the story to be heard on the Upper Agúsan, Simulau, and Umayan Rivers, has it that the world is like a huge mushroom and that it is supported upon an iron pillar in the center. This pillar is controlled by the higher and more powerful order of diuwáta, who on becoming angered at the actions of men manifest their feelings by shaking the pillar and thereby reminding men of their duties.
Three points in the beliefs just mentioned should be kept in mind. First, the recurrence of the idea that the earth world is supported by a post created by the chief deity and near which he dwells. Second, the belief in the púsod nan͠g dágat, or “navel of the sea,” which is common to all of the pagan tribes of Mindanao and was also known by the ancient Bisáyas, Tagálogs, and other peoples now Christianized. It is extremely probable that this belief originated from some great whirlpool, known to the ancestors of the Philippine peoples or passed by them on their voyages.[11] Third, the belief that the sky was once very near the earth, and was raised to its present position by some deity. This belief is also common in northern Luzon.
The idea of the origin of curious-shaped rocks, hills, or mountains by petrifaction of some living animal or plant is common in the Philippines. Garvan gives the two following Manóbo legends of this character:
The Petrified Craft and Crew of Kágbubátan͠g
In the old, old days a boat was passing the rocky promontory of Kágbubátan͠g.[12] The occupants espied a monkey and a cat fighting upon the summit of the cliff. The incongruity of the thing suggested itself to them, and they began to give vent to derisive remarks, addressing themselves to the brute combatants, when, lo and behold! they and their craft were turned into rock. To this day the petrified craft and crew may be seen placed upon the promontory, and all who pass must make an offering,[13] howsoever small it be, to their vexed souls. To pass the point without making an offering might arouse the anger of its petrified inhabitants, and render the traveler liable to bad weather and rough seas.[14]
The imitation of frogs is especially forbidden, for it might be followed not merely by thunderbolts but also by petrifaction of the offender, and in proof of this is adduced the legend of An͠gó of Bináoi.[15]
The Legend of An͠gó, the Petrified Manóbo
An͠gó lived many years ago on a lofty peak with his wife and family. One day he hied him to the forest with his dogs in quest of game. Fortune granted him a fine big boar, but he broke his spear in dealing the mortal blow. Upon arriving at a stream, he sat down upon a stone and set himself to straightening out his spear. The croaking of the nearby frogs attracted his attention, and, imitating their shrill gamut, he boldly told them that it would be better to cease their cries and help him mend his spear. He continued his course up the rocky torrent, but noticed that a multitude of little stones began to follow behind in his path. Surprised at such a happening, he hastened his steps. Looking back he saw bigger stones join in the pursuit. He then seized his dog, and in fear began to run, but the stones kept in hot pursuit, bigger and bigger ones joining the party. Upon arriving at his sweet-potato patch, he was exhausted and had to slacken his pace, whereupon the stones overtook him and one became attached to his finger. He could not go on. He called upon his wife. She with the young ones sought the magic lime[16] and set it around her husband, but all to no avail for his feet began to turn to stone. His wife and children, too, fell under the wrath of Anítan. The following morning they were stone up to the knees, and during the following three days the petrifying continued from the knees to the hips, then to the breast, and then to the head. Thus it is that to this day there may be seen on Bináoi peak the petrified forms of An͠gó and his family.[17]
The sun, moon, and stars are great deities, or the dwelling place of such deities, in nearly all Philippine religions. The following Manóbo myth is interesting because of its resemblance to others from northern Luzon.