The Legend of Daragang Mayon (Mayon Volcano)
Long ago in a place called Ibalon, there was a beautiful maiden. Her name was Daragang Magayon (the lovely one). She was the daughter of Makusog (the strong one), chief of the clan.
One day, Daragang Magayon strolled near the river. While crossing the river, she tripped on a rock and fell quickly into the water. She was swiftly swept downstream by the current.
“Help! Help me!” she wept. Luckily, her cries were heard by Pangaronon (the proud one) and his bodyguard Amihan (the cold one). Pangaronon jumped into the river and saved Daragang Magayon.
“Thank you for risking your life to save me”, she cried. “How can I reward you? My father is the head of our tribe. Surely, he will honor your heroism whatever it may take.”
Her beauty immediately captivated Pangaronon. He realized that he had finally encountered the perfect woman for him. At the same time, Daragang Mayon was instantly attracted to him.
Panganoron asked Makusog’s permission to marry Daragang Magayon. But Makusog could not allow them to marry. The tribal law forbade marriage outside of the tribe. As tribe leader, he had to implement the law. However, as a father, he wanted to make his daughter happy.
Meanwhile, Patuga (the eruptive one) learned about Panganoron’s intention. Patuga was the most ardent suitor of Daragang Magayon. For years, he had been convincing her to marry him, but to no help.
One night, Patuga and his cohorts kidnapped Makusog. And so, he sent word to Daragang Magayon that her father would die if she did not marry him. Without a choice, she acceded. Just then did Patuga release Makusog. Soon Patuga and Daragang Magayon were wed. Merely in the midst of the merrymaking, pandemonium broke out when Panganoron and his men arrived. Fighting ensued between the two clans. In a few minutes, Panganoron fatally struck Patuga. Yet, during the skirmish, a poisoned arrow shot from nowhere, fell on Daragang Magayon’s breast.
Panganoron rushed to her aid and as he kneeled over the dying Daragang Magayon, an enemy hacked his head off.
Later in the battle, Daragang Magayon was buried and her death was mourned all over the land. Where she was put to rest, a mountain mysteriously appeared.
This mountain is now known as Mayon. It is said that even in death and in another form, she is even haunted by the men who love her. When Mayon is said to erupt, this is Patuga challenging Panganoron. But when Mayon is calm, Panganoron is embracing her. The tears of Panganoron are shed as rain at times in his sorrow.
Until today, many are still enchanted by the love story behind the legend of the Mayon Volcano.
Thanks for reading!
Source: Local Government of Albay Pavillion, Philippine Travel Mart 2009.
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