ikkilangan

Ikkilangan is a term used in Southeast Asian folklore to describe a mythical sea creature that is believed to inhabit the shallow coastal waters of the western coast of the island of Luzon. The creature is typically depicted as a large, serpentine marine animal with luminous scales that glow in a spectrum of blue and green, and its presence is said to bring both bountiful fish catches and severe storms. By the mid-20th century, several oral traditions collected by anthropologists in the Philippines recorded variations of the Ikkilangan myth, noting its moral function in explaining unusual weather patterns and the sudden abundance or scarcity of marine resources.

In many accounts, the Ikkilangan is a keep‑keeper of marine balance, sometimes depicted as a guardian spirit (an engkanto) that can be appeased through rituals performed by local fisherfolk. Belief in its existence persisted into modern times, and local festivals still feature stories of the creature to remind communities of the need to respect the sea. Despite the mythological nature of the Ikkilangan, the story has influenced environmental stewardship practices in coastal villages, encouraging sustainable fishing practices and coastal conservation.

There is no scientific record of an animal named Ikkilangan, and no tangible evidence has proven the creature's existence. Nevertheless, the legend remains a vital part of the intangible cultural heritage of the region, and it continues to be studied by folklorists and anthropologists interested in the interplay between mythology, culture, and environmental awareness.