Encounter Atlas
Duwende (from the Spanish duende) are small spirits in Filipino folk belief. They are said to live in rocks and caves, old trees, dark corners of houses, anthills and termite mounds. They are often sorted by colour: white duwende are good and black ones are bad. Children are said to see them more easily than adults and sometimes play with them.
The nuno sa punso, 'old man of the mound', is a related but more easily angered spirit of the ancestors who lives in an anthill or termite mound. Kicking or urinating on a mound is said to bring a curse such as a swollen foot or sudden illness. When modern medicine fails, families may consult an albularyo, a traditional healer, who may advise an offering to the offended spirit.
Many Filipinos still say 'tabi tabi po' ('excuse me, please step aside') when passing a mound, a big tree or a dark field at night. It is a living custom of respect, not just a ghost story.
What witnesses report
- Unexplained illness or swelling after disturbing a mound
- Small figures seen by children
- Things moved or hidden in the house
- Laughter or voices from a dark corner
Famous cases
Seen the Duwende?
Tell us what happened. Every report is read by a person before it goes on the map, and you can stay anonymous.
