Diwata

 

Just because a creature does not appear to be menacing somehow doesn't mean it is not capable.

In Philippine mythology, a Diwata or also known as Encantada is a pleasant or neutral dryad who is invoked ritually for beneficial crop growth, health, and prosperity; yet, if not treated with respect, they may suffer illness or catastrophe. Large trees, such as acacia and balete, are reported to be home to diwata. It can be used to allude to a broad type of creatures, such as "elf" or "fairy" ; they are nature's guardians, bestowing blessings or cursings to individuals who bring good or bad fortune to the forests and mountains. A well-known Diwata is Maria Makiling, the guardian of Mount Makiling located in Laguna province.

The word Diwata comes from an Indonesian word Dewata which originates in the Hindu Devata. A male diwata is called engkanto (it can be sometimes spelled Encanto, Encantado, or Encantada)

Since its concept was assimilated into pre-colonial Filipino mythology, the name "diwata" has taken on numerous degrees of meaning. Whereas there are many and various tales of what they should look like, a common tendency can be seen in that they are generally human in aspect, beautiful, and ageless, with the exception of a few distinguishing features. They also have lighter complexion than the normal person, as pale skin has long been connected with the supernatural (for example, the "white lady" idea is widespread in East and Southeast Asia), yet the features of having nose bridges and blonde hair are curiously colonial in nature.