Gender Feminine & Masculine
Usage Philippine Mythology
Scripts ᜋᜌᜍᜒ(Baybayin)
Other Forms FormsMallari, Malyari
Meaning & History
Etymology uncertain, possibly from Tagalog mayari meaning "to make, to finish" or may-ari meaning "owner, master". In Tagalog mythology, as well as the mythologies of other Philippine ethnic groups, Mayari is a deity of the moon, night, war, revolution, equality, and strength. The figure is regarded as female in Tagalog belief and male by other groups. She is considered the daughter of Bathala by the Tagalogs. In some stories, she is also the the sister of Tala and Hanan while in others, she is the sister of Tala and Apolaki. In one myth, Mayari battled Apolaki, resulting in the loss of one of her eyes.