Tradition / Region: Phillippines mythology
Alternative names: Minokawa Bird
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Minokawa is a colossal bird that lives beyond the eastern edge of the sky. It is so enormous that it is said to be as large as an island. Its beak and claws are made of steel, its eyes shine like mirrors, and every feather is as sharp as a sword.
The great bird constantly hunts the Moon. To escape it, the Moon travels through eight hidden openings in the eastern horizon and eight in the western horizon. Whenever the Moon emerges, the Minokawa tries to swallow it, causing the sky to grow dark.
When the Moon disappears into the bird’s mouth, the people below fear that the Minokawa will next devour the Sun and then descend to consume the Earth and all humanity. To drive the monster away, they beat gongs, shout, and make as much noise as possible. Curious about the commotion, the Minokawa opens its mouth, allowing the Moon to leap free and return to the sky.
The bird then retreats beneath the world, waiting for another chance to seize the Moon.
Sources
“Minokawa.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed July 27, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minokawa