Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Berberoka

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Title
  
Berberoka

Region
  
Philippines

Gender
  
Female

Equivalent
  
Water Nymph, Naiad

Description
  
Philippine water spirit

The people from Apayao, Abra and Ilocos Norte believe and fear a swamp creature called Berberoka. It lures victims by sucking water in the pond enough for a number fish to come into surface. When the potential victims get attracted to the school of fish, the Berberoka drowns them by hosing water and swallowing them afterwards. Despite all their powers, these water ogres have a morbid, ironic fear of crabs.

They were compared to the Greek naiads, the nymphs of water elements. They have the ability to suck all the water in a swamp or lake. Also, many old folks believed that they use water to attack their enemies. They discharge a large amount of water (just like a fire extinguisher) to their victims until they drown.

References

Berberoka Wikipedia