I turn to folk literature and a book by woman writer who has become my companion at the onset of my early midlife crisis. Let me share with you the myth of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina and the folk tale, Baubo, The Belly Goddess from the book by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run with the Wolves (Ballantine, 1992). In these two works of literature, I find some answers to the above questions. For the time being, at least
- Show video of TL and A from Sentro Rizal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOjNuirEBnk
The language used in the myth to essay the roles of Tungkung Langit
and Alunsina, as man and woman are pronounced as traditional stereotypes. This
is evident when the storyteller said “…tinatag ang unang kaayusan ng mga
bagay-bagay” and “isaayos ang kilos ng sanlibutan” pertaining to the
work of Tungkung Langit in the universe, versus
the description of Alunsina and the nature of her labors as “masayahin at
mapagwalang bahalang diwata” and “pagtitipon at pagapapalipad ng
maliligayang kaisipan”. There is already a dileniation in the roles that
they play in shaping and creating the universe, the elements and the worlds
with in it. Tungkung Langit as man suggests order and an organizer while Alunsina
brings forth joy, beauty and a dose of frivolity. Tungkung Langit’s role is
serious and essential in setting straight the complexities of the cosmos while
Alunsina provides the aesthetic in the celestial heavens. This assignment of
roles apparently is the cause of their conflict.
Tungkung Langit regards Alunsina as an
accessory thus, when he went off to do his duties as god, he did not consult Alunsina
nor tell her of his important work in creation. This led Alunsina to doubt. What
happened next is a bitter break up wherein Tungkung Langit rendered himself
vulnerable and forever in longing for Alunsina. In effect, the world was
created out of this pain and grief. But what a sorry start to begin life and
living about in a new world. Nabuo ang mundo sa hinagpis at sama ng loob. Alunsina’s
joy and frivolity are nowhere to be found in this creation story. However, the
story of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina is a creation myth favored by many
feminists because the later did not submit to the whims and temper of the
former (Almario, 2021). Alunsina, having her own mind made the decision to leave. She
never looked back.
Don’t you think there is a need to rewrite
this creation myth or retell another version when allowed? Maybe come up with
an extended version, like a myth making exercise where the roles of men and
women in the process of creation are examined in equal footing.
The second tale I am to read aloud to you comes from the book, Women Who Run with the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. She retells Baubo, the Belly Goddess and how she pulled Demeter out of her depression eventually finding Persephone from Hades’ realm.
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Read Aloud from Kindle: Baubo the
Belly Goddess from Women Who Run with the Wolves (Estes, Ballantine Books,
1992)
What struck me in this story is the bond that transpired between
two women deities and the manner in which one helped the other rediscover the source
of her creative power. Baubo, being described as a woman’s reproductive organ is
indicative of the valuable sexuality that females possess. It is a sexuality
that moves women to acknowledge her role in creation and in the restoration or
rebuilding of worlds either one’s own, that of another, and even an entire society
or nation. This sexuality, therefore is sacred because it is life giving.
Estes speak of the life-death-life process in the entire book.
A cycle that is present in the very nature of women. We go through cycles like
the waxing and the waning of the moon. With it is the ebb and flow of our
passions, our desires and inner strength. We grow and age along with the
seasons. There we find the dying of the self but also, the rebirth unto our own
identity. Whatever we find there, the source of our creative power is in the sexuality
and sensuality of our being that is both healing and vitalizing.
