#mayari

In the precolonial period of the Philippines, specifically in Pampanga, there are two rival twin gods: Apung Sinukuan, the Diwata of the Sun, and Apung Malyari, Diwata of the Moon. One day, the two went down to earth and picked up bamboo sticks and fought each other. Apung Sinukuan struck her twin brother in the eye. However, she agreed to share the throne with him. Due to losing an eye, Apung Malyari’s light dimmed, creating night and day.

In modern times, they’re now known as Apo Laki and Mayari. The Kapampangan tale is believed by others to be a Tagalog tale, with Mayari having two more sisters: Tala and Hanan. However, aside from L. Jocano’s notes on Philippine Divinities, there’s no historical records of them being the Tagalog Diwatas of the Sun and Moon.

They’re my favorite deities.

Also I suck at drawing birds if you can’t tell. They’re based off the Philippine eagle because I can’t find references for phoenixes please end my suffering

Also funny thing about me! I used to HATEEEEEEE Apo Laki especially when I heard the tale. Honestly I find her silly and cool now

I still love Mayari more though.

Based on this sketch of an indigenous person I found in the museum by Amorsolo:

Bonus Art + fit I put on just to watch the trailer (I’ve been waiting for it since announcement)

(Nude version of main artwork under cut)

🌙 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐢, the Goddess of the moon (WIP)

In ​Tagalog​ mythology, Mayari was the daughter of ​Bathala​, the supreme creator, to a mortal woman​. Mayari is the goddess of revolutions, war, hunt, weaponry, beauty, strength, moon and night. She is usually depicted as a beautiful young maiden, a lone goddess of the moon and one of the three daughters of the supreme god ​Bathala​ by a mortal woman.