Maria Makiling
A Philippine mountain is said to be watched over by Maria Makiling, a beautiful guardian spirit who helps the poor and punishes the greedy.
What was reported
Mount Makiling, a forested dormant volcano south of Manila, is said to be home to Maria Makiling, a diwata, or guardian spirit. She is described as a beautiful young woman who protects the mountain's forests and animals, and its outline is sometimes said to look like a woman lying down.
Stories say she once gave villagers gifts of ginger that turned to gold, but withdrew when people grew greedy and cut down her trees. Hikers who get lost on the mountain sometimes say Maria is playing tricks on them.
Explanations offered
Maria Makiling is a figure of folklore, written about by the national hero José Rizal. Her stories reflect respect for the mountain, which is now a protected forest reserve.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Mount Makiling, Laguna, Philippines
- Witnesses
- Filipino tradition
- 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.