The Engkanto
In the Philippines, people say tall, fair spirits live in the forests and mountains, in hidden cities. Some people are taken to live among them.
What was reported
Engkanto are spirits of Filipino folklore, often described as beautiful, tall and fair-skinned, living in trees such as the balete, in caves, and in invisible cities on mountains like Banahaw, a mountain sacred to many pilgrims.
They can be generous, but they don't like to be disturbed. People ask permission before passing their trees, and say a polite 'tabi tabi po', 'excuse me'. Those who offend them may fall ill; others are said to be 'enchanted', taken to their world, sometimes returning years later.
Explanations offered
The engkanto are part of Filipino folk belief, mixing Indigenous nature spirits with ideas from the Spanish period. The custom of asking permission is still widely practised.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Mount Banahaw, Calabarzon, Philippines
- Witnesses
- Filipino folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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