🕯️ Traditions Philippine folklore: mambubuno

[erwinc09]

In Sambal folklore, the mambubuno is a mermaid-like creature with her tail split into two scaly limb-like appendages terminating into wide flippers. The upper part of the body is that of a woman but covered with black, slimy scales. She lives in underwater caves and could be glimpsed basking in the moonlight, especially when the moon is full. She abducts those who stray near her lair, using magic so the victims won’t drown while being kept underwater. The victims could only return home if the mambubuno allows them. Those who try to escape end up dead by drowning and their remains are eaten by the mambubuno. A day spent in her lair is equivalent to a year on the surface.