Anggitay

The Anggitay is a mythological creature from Philippine folklore that possesses the upper body of a female human and the lower body and legs of a horse from the waist down, making it the Philippine equivalent to the centauride, the female centaurs of Greek mythology, and it is widely believed to be the female counterpart of the Tikbalang, a similar horse-like creature from Filipino legend. These beings are sometimes depicted as having a single horn protruding from the middle of their forehead, much like the classical unicorn, which adds to their mystical and enchanting appearance. According to tradition, Anggitay are usually said to be attracted to precious gemstones and jewelry, drawn to the sparkle and beauty of such treasures, and their homeland is believed to be in Santo Tomas, Batangas, a region in the Philippines where local legends and sightings have been most prominently recorded. The Anggitay represents a unique blend of human grace and equine strength, embodying the rich tapestry of supernatural beings that populate Philippine folklore and reflect the cultural beliefs about the natural and spiritual worlds.