A response to The Turtle and the Shark

This legend has been told many times before in various ways. However, it originated from the indigenous people of the Philippines.

The Legend of Mayon Volcano.

                Mount Mayon is an active volcano located in Albay, Bicol, south eastern of the Luzon Island.

                Once upon a time, there lived a gorgeous maiden called Daragang Magayon (beautiful lady), who was the only daughter of Datu Makusog (strong king), the chief of the Rawis tribe. Magayon was renowned for her charms and beauty that suitors from far-off villages would come pay her a visit just to get a glimpse of her elegance.  One day, her father decided that Magayon is in the right age to marry. However, to win Magayon’s heart, suitors or admirers must offer her expensive gifts. Thus, all Magayon’s admirers started to offer her gifts. But none prevailed into winning her heart. One of her admirers is the arrogant and pompous hunter Pagtuga (gift giver).

                When Panginorin (the heavens), a poor, young chief of the Karilaga tribe, learned about this news, he decided to come to the village of Rawis. When Panginorin saw Magayon, he was instantly infatuated by her beauty.

                “I am a poor chief who comes from the village of Karilaga. As of now, I don’t have anything to offer you but my affection and kindness,” said Panginorin.

Magayon, who was stirred by his sudden fondness, fell in love with him too. Panginorin asked Magayon to marry him.

                When the wedding was just days away, Pagtuga heard about this news. Enraged and jealous, he tried to threaten Magayon.

                “Leave that man alone and marry me instead. Or else I will kill your father,” Pagtuga declared.

Since Magayon loves her father dearly, she was left with no choice but to obey Pagtuga’s commands. However, before Magayon could even make a final decision, Panginorin came to learn of this and he fought Pagtuga. As a result, a war broke out between the two villages.

When Panginorin was able to defeat Pagtuga, a happy Magayon ran to Panginorin’s side to hug him. Unfortunately, just as she reached her husband-to-be, Panginorin and Magayon were both struck by a fishing spear.

Sadness and hopelessness engulfed the whole village. Devastated, Datu Makusog decided to place Panginorin and Magayon in a grave and bury the two lovers next to each other; he knew how much they loved each other.

Weeks after their death, villagers noticed that the land where Magayon and Panginorin were buried was starting to grow up high in the sky, forming what is now known as Mount Mayon. 

To this day, villagers believe that Magayon now lives in the mountain and Panginorin in the clouds. It is believed that when the peak of the mountain touches the sky, the two lovers are kissing. Sometimes, the volcano grumbles and people believe that the grumbling is for people to remember the two lovers' tragic death.