The Pugot ("decapitated one") is a legendary brute that dwells in the Ilocos region.
Characteristics
The Pugot can transform into a hog, dog or human though it usually looks like a black, giant headless being. It typically lives in dark places, abandoned homes and trees like duhat (Eugenia cumini), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), and tamarind.
Beside its shapeshifting abilities, the Pugot can move in great speed that he can feed on snakes and insects. It usually eats by pushing food on its neck stump.
It may look terrifying but the pugot is harmless. It is fond of stealing women’s underwear that are being dried on a clothesline.
Stories
In the Ifugao myth "Tulud Nimputul: The Self-Beheaded", the pugot was cited to have appeared to the human hero. He was fed with chopped chicken meat with blood.
References
- Paraiso, Salvador; Jose Juan Paraiso (2003). The Balete Book: A collection of demons, monsters and dwarfs from the Philippine lower mythology. Philippines: Giraffe Books. ISBN 971-8832-79-3.
- Ramos, Maximo D. (1971). Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology. Philippines: University of the Philippines Press.