| Creature information | |
|---|---|
| Similar entities | Kataw, Merman |
| Origin | |
| Region | Philippines |
In Philippine mythology, a siyokoy (also shokoy, syokoy or siokoy) is an aquatic humanoid creature often described as having scales, webbed limbs, and fins. Most legends characterise siyokoy as hostile to humans, and they are said to drown individuals.
Etymology
editThe term siyokoy came from the Hokkien shui gui.[1] In Chinese folklore, shui gui are the restless spirits of drowned people, who drag unsuspecting victims underwater and drown them in order to possess their bodies. Siukuy (Siyokoy = from Chinese Mandarin "shuǐguǐ" which means "water ghost") the anito of the rivers [Era el dios de los ríos de los tágalos antiguos].[2][3] In modern Tagalog folklore, siyokoy are sea monsters, an anthropoid whose body is covered in glistening brown or green fish scales and webbet feet; some description also give them long, green tentacles and gill slits; they drown fishermen and consume them for food.[4]
Defining characteristics
editCompared to sirena and kataw that have more human features, siyokoys are animalistic in form and structure.[5]
The Syokoy is a creature from Filipino mythology that looks like a scary version of a merman. Unlike mermaids that have fish tails, the Syokoy has legs like a human, so it can move both in water and on land. Its body is usually shown as strong and green, covered in slimy scales to match its life underwater. It has a grotesque and creepy face with big, bulging eyes and sharp teeth, making it look like a predator. Its hands and feet are webbed, which helps it swim fast, and it might have gills on its neck to breathe underwater.[6] People believe the Syokoy lives deep in the ocean or lakes, and it’s known for being dangerous and strong, and is often seen as a symbol of the hidden threats in deep water.[5][6]
In popular culture
editThe Siyokoy has appeared in various forms of Filipino media and television. An episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho a Philippine television news magazine show, featured a creature referred to as a Shokoy by locals in Surigao del Sur. The being was sighted in a river and was locally nicknamed Bantay Tubig ("Water Guardian").[7][8]
The Siyokoy also appeared in the fantasy anthology series Wansapanataym, in an episode titled "Cocoy Shokoy" featuring actor Paolo Avelino portraying the creature.[9][10][11]
References
edit- ^ Manuel, E. Arsenio (1948). Chinese elements in the Tagalog language. Manila: Filipiniana Publications. p. 55.
- ^ Blumentritt, Ferdinand (1895). Diccionario mitologico de Filipinas. Madrid, 1895. Page 46.
- ^ Guadalupe Fores- Ganzon, Luis Mañeru, Fundación Santiago (Manila, Philippines). La Solidaridad, Volume 6. Fundación Santiago, 1996. Page 12.
- ^ Bane, Theresa (2016). Encyclopedia of Giants and Humanoids in Myth, Legend and Folklore. McFarland, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4766-6351-7. Page 138.
- ^ a b Mga Engkanto: A Bestiary of Filipino Fairies. Philippines: eLf ideas Publication. 2003.
- ^ a b Samar, Edgar Calabia; Garcia, Kata; Ang, Leo Kempis (2015). 101 kagila-gilalas na nilaláng. Adarna House, Inc (Unang edisyon ed.). Quezon City: Adarna House. ISBN 978-971-508-552-6.
- ^ "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Shokoy sa Surigao?". YouTube. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
- ^ "ALAMIN: Crystal clear river sa Surigao del Sur, pinamamahayan nga ba ng siyokoy?". Balitambayan. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
- ^ "Pilot episode of GMA's Dyesebel airs on April 28". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
- ^ Freitas, Paulo; Jr., Valdemar (2011). "Decodificação iterativa com baixa complexidade sobre o canal binário com apagamento". Anais de XXIX Simpósio Brasileiro de Telecomunicações. Sociedade Brasileira de Telecomunicações. doi:10.14209/sbrt.2011.163.
- ^ Romadhan, Fitri Nur; Sinduwiatmo, Kukuh (July 12, 2023). "Islamic Lifestyle On Hijab Alila Youtube Shows (Episode Bts the series)". doi.org. doi:10.21070/ups.1616. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
External links
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