Note 11 — Origin of the Earth and its Inhabitants

Three points in the beliefs just mentioned should be kept in mind. First, the recurrence of the idea that the earth world is supported by a post created by the chief deity and near which he dwells. Second, the belief in the púsod nan͠g dágat, or “navel of the sea,” which is common to all of the pagan tribes of Mindanao and was also known by the ancient Bisáyas, Tagálogs, and other peoples now Christianized. It is extremely probable that this belief originated from some great whirlpool, known to the ancestors of the Philippine peoples or passed by them on their voyages.11 Third, the belief that the sky was once very near the earth, and was raised to its present position by some deity. This belief is also common in northern Luzon.