The night sky, a vast canvas of infinite darkness punctuated by the celestial dance of stars and the ethereal glow of the moon, has long been a source of wonder and contemplation for humankind. Across diverse cultures and epochs, humanity has sought to explain the mysteries of these cosmic phenomena, weaving narratives that reflect their understanding of the world and their place within it. Among the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore, specifically from the indigenous communities of Mindanao, lies a captivating myth that attempts to demystify the occasional disappearance of the moon: the legend of Anitun Tabu and the cosmic journey of the serpent Bakunawa.

This is not a doctrine to be believed, but a traditional story, a product of ancient minds grappling with the observable universe. It originates from the pre-colonial era of the Philippines, a time when oral traditions served as the primary means of transmitting knowledge, history, and spiritual beliefs. The societies that shared this myth were deeply connected to the rhythms of nature. Their lives were dictated by the seasons, the tides, the cycles of the moon, and the celestial movements that governed their agricultural practices and daily routines. Their worldview was often animistic, perceiving spirits and sentient beings within natural elements, a perspective that fueled imaginative explanations for phenomena beyond their immediate comprehension. The sky, in particular, held a profound significance, seen as a realm of powerful forces and enigmatic entities.

At the heart of this narrative is Bakunawa, a colossal serpent of immense proportions, often depicted as a sea dragon or a celestial serpent. This creature is not merely a beast of the deep, but a being imbued with symbolic attributes. Its scales are said to shimmer with the iridescence of the ocean’s depths, reflecting the vastness and mystery of the waters. Its immense size speaks to the overwhelming power of natural forces, perhaps the destructive potential of storms or the immense scale of the ocean itself. Bakunawa’s insatiable hunger is a recurring theme, symbolizing primal desires, the relentless consumption of nature, or perhaps even the unknown forces that threaten the established order. It is crucial to understand that Bakunawa, within this context, represents an imaginative construct, a personification of natural forces rather than a deity to be worshipped.

The tale unfolds with the moon, a luminous orb revered for its gentle light and its influence on the tides and the nocturnal world. In this myth, the moon is sometimes personified, or at least seen as a precious entity that draws the attention of Bakunawa. The narrative often begins with the description of a peaceful, moonlit night. The stars twinkle like scattered diamonds, and the moon casts its silvery glow upon the land and sea. However, this serenity is often disrupted by the emergence of Bakunawa. Stirred from its slumber in the deepest trenches of the ocean, or perhaps from its celestial abode, the serpent ascends, its immense form eclipsing the stars as it rises towards the heavens.

The climax of the story is Bakunawa’s attempt to devour the moon. With its cavernous mouth agape, the serpent lunges, its serpentine body coiling around the celestial body. The act of consuming the moon is depicted with vivid imagery: the moon’s light dimming, its edges being gnawed away, and the sky plunging into an unnerving darkness. This is the period of the lunar eclipse, a phenomenon that must have been both terrifying and awe-inspiring to ancient observers. The people, witnessing this cosmic struggle, would react with a mixture of fear and desperate action. They would often bang on pots and pans, shout and make loud noises, believing that these cacophonous sounds would startle Bakunawa, forcing it to release its lunar meal. Some versions of the myth describe a great struggle in the heavens, with celestial beings or ancient heroes intervening to drive the serpent away. Eventually, through these efforts, or through Bakunawa’s own satiation, the serpent would retreat, its appetite temporarily appeased, and the moon would slowly reappear, its full radiance restored, much to the relief of the observers.

The symbolism within this myth is multifaceted. Bakunawa’s attempts to consume the moon can be interpreted as representing the constant struggle between order and chaos, light and darkness, or the natural cycles of destruction and renewal. The moon, as a symbol of illumination, guidance, and cyclical change, represents the established order. Bakunawa’s hunger can symbolize the ever-present threat of disruption, whether from natural disasters or internal conflicts. The act of the community banging on pots and pans is a powerful symbol of collective action, community solidarity, and the belief in their ability to influence even cosmic events through unified effort. It highlights the human desire to protect what is precious and to restore balance when it is threatened.

In the modern era, the tale of Bakunawa and the moon continues to resonate. It is found in contemporary literature, often reimagined in fantasy novels and children’s stories, where Bakunawa might be depicted as a fearsome dragon or a misunderstood creature. It has also found its way into visual arts, video games, and films, where its dramatic imagery and narrative potential are explored. In cultural studies, the myth serves as a valuable window into the pre-colonial Filipino psyche, offering insights into their cosmology, their understanding of natural phenomena, and their social structures. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human need to create meaning from the world around us.

It is imperative to reiterate that this narrative, like many ancient myths, is a product of its time and culture. It is a story told by ancient people to explain the world they observed, a world vastly different from our own. It is not a factual account or a divine revelation. As Muslims, we recognize that only Allah is the true Creator and Sustainer of all existence, the ultimate power behind the sun, the moon, and all that transpires in the universe. Our understanding of creation is rooted in the divine wisdom and power of Allah.

The legend of Anitun Tabu and the journey of Bakunawa serves as a powerful reminder of our shared human heritage of storytelling. It speaks to the boundless imagination of our ancestors and their ability to weave compelling narratives that captured their fears, their hopes, and their observations of the natural world. These stories, passed down through generations, enrich our understanding of cultural history and celebrate the enduring tradition of human creativity and the art of sharing tales that continue to captivate and inspire.