Bathala
supreme deity of the Tagalogs
Usage Note
Bathala is the pre-colonial Tagalog creator god, often compared to the Abrahamic God in folk literature. The name persists in modern Tagalog as 'Bathalang Maykapal' in poetic or religious contexts, and 'bahala' (as in 'bahala na') is etymologically connected, expressing surrender to divine will.
Examples
" Sumamba sila kay Bathala. "
Natural Translation
They worshipped Bathala.
Literal Translation
Worshipped they to Bathala.
" Sa lumang paniniwala, si Bathala ang lumikha ng mundo. "
Natural Translation
In the old belief, Bathala was the one who created the world.
Literal Translation
In-the old belief, the Bathala the created-one of-the world.
" Ayon sa mga sinaunang alamat, si Bathala ang naghari sa kalangitan at nagtakda ng kapalaran ng bawat nilalang. "
Natural Translation
According to the ancient legends, Bathala reigned over the heavens and determined the fate of every creature.
Literal Translation
According to the ancient legends, the Bathala the reigned in heavens and determined of fate of each creature.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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