The Spirits.—­A great host of unnamed spirits are known to exist; they often attend the ceremonies and sometimes enter the bodies of the mediums, and in this way new figures appear from time to time.  In addition to these, there are certain superior beings who are well known, and who, as already indicated, exercise a potent influence on the daily life of the people.  The following list will serve to give some idea of these spirits and their attributes; while the names of the less important will be found in connection with the detailed description of the ceremonies.

Kadaklan ("the greatest"), a powerful male spirit, who lives in the sky, created the earth, sun, moon, and stars.  The stars are only stones, but the sun and moon are lights.  At times Kadaklan enters the body of a favored medium, and talks directly with the people; but more frequently he takes other means of communication.  Oftentimes he sends his dog Kimat, the lightening, to bite a tree or strike a field or house, and in this way makes known his wish that the owner celebrate the Padiam ceremony (cf. p. 401).  All other beings are in a measure subservient to him, and his wishes are frequently made known through them.  Thunder is his drum with which he amuses himself during stormy weather, but sometimes he plays on it even on clear days.

Agemem is the wife of Kadaklan.  She lives in the ground.  Little is known of her except that she has given birth to two sons, [118] whose chief duty is to see that the commands of their father are obeyed.

Adam and Baliyen are the sons of Kadaklan.  The name of the first boy is suggestive of Christian influence, but there are no traditions or further details to link him with the Biblical character.

Kaboniyan is the friend and helper of the people, and by many is classed above or identified with Kadaklan.  At times he lives in the sky; again in a great cave near Patok. [119] From this cave came the jars which could talk and move, here were found the copper gongs used in the dances, and here too grew the wonderful tree which bore the agate beads so prized by the women.  This spirit gave the Tinguian rice and sugar-cane, taught them how to plant and reap, how to foil the designs of ill-disposed spirits, the words of the diams and the details of many ceremonies.  Further to bind himself to the people, it is said, he married “in the first times” a woman from Manabo.  He is summoned in nearly every ceremony, and there are several accounts of his having appeared in his own form.  According to one of these, he is of immense proportions; his spear is as large as a tree, and his head-axe the size of the end of the house. [120]

Apdel is the spirit who resides in the guardian stones (pinaing) at the gate of the town.  During a ceremony, or when the men are away for a fight, it becomes his special duty to protect the village from sickness and enemies.  He has been known to appear as a red rooster or as a white dog.