Bungisngis is a one-eyed
giant
In folklore, giants (from Ancient Greek: ''wiktionary:gigas, gigas'', cognate wiktionary:giga-, giga-) are beings of humanoid appearance, but are at times prodigious in size and strength or bear an otherwise notable appearance. The word ''gia ...
in Philippine folklore. This giant, purported to dwell in Meluz, Orion, Bataan and Batangas and is described as always laughing.
The literal meaning of the name ''Bungingis'' is derived from the Cebuano word ''ngisi'' which means "to giggle".
Having a humanoid shape, it has large teeth which are always showing, and its upper lip covers its face when it is thrown back. Two long
tusk
Tusks are elongated, continuously growing front teeth that protrude well beyond the mouth of certain mammal species. They are most commonly canine tooth, canine teeth, as with Narwhal, narwhals, chevrotains, musk deer, water deer, muntjac, pigs, ...
s protrude from the sides of its mouth. The giant's only eye is found in the middle of its forehead,
but this is compensated for by its strong sense of hearing. It also displays unusual strength. In the Filipino tale "The Three Friends – The Monkey, The Dog and The Carabao," the giant is able to lift the carabao and throw it with such force that it ends knee-deep in the ground.
However, despite its strength, the bungisngis is easily outwitted and quickly panics.
In the tale of the Three Friends, Monkey's
trick
Trick(s) may refer to:
People
* Trick McSorley (1852–1936), American professional baseball player
* Armon Trick (born 1978), retired German international rugby union player
* David Trick (born 1955), former Ontario civil servant and univers ...
s led him to his death.
References
Visayan mythology
Philippine demons
{{Philippines-stub