About the Title:
Anito Anarchy directly translates to 'Spirit Chaos' or 'Spirits in Chaos.' 'Anito' means 'spirit,' and I am using 'Anarchy' to express chaos and disorder. Therefore, it can also be interpreted as 'the chaos of the spirits' or 'the restlessness of souls.'
Double Entendre: Anito Anarchy also has a double meaning —'Spirit Chaos' or 'Spirits in Chaos,' may also refer to inner turmoil or a state of emotional and psychological unrest within oneself. It encompasses conflicting emotions, thoughts, or desires that contribute to a sense of chaos, making it difficult to maintain emotional stability and mental clarity. This theme is prevalent among most of the characters in this story. However, I view this chaotic phase as a necessary breakdown leading to a transformative journey.
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About Anito:
In Filipino mythology, Anito refers to a diverse pantheon of supernatural beings believed to influence the natural world and human affairs, especially before the spread of Christianity. They typically fall into three categories: 1) nature spirits associated with natural elements, believed to have control over their respective domains like mountains, rivers, and harvests; 2) spirits of deceased ancestors who are venerated and called upon for guidance, protection, and blessings; and 3) deities with specific powers and domains, similar to the gods of Greek and Norse mythology.
The belief in Anitos is a significant part of Filipino animistic and shamanistic traditions that still persist in modern times. These traditions often coexist with Christian practices, creating a unique blend of beliefs.
Even though I spent my adult life in the capital city, part of my childhood was spent in a rustic, traditional town, where I personally experienced the lore and wonder of old-fashioned customs and conventions. I grew up listening to stories of mystery and horror revolving around the existence of ancient entities. These tales are deeply etched in my mind from childhood and have remained with me into adulthood.
Through writing this story, I aim to share with the new generation of readers the beauty and marvel behind these tales. I want to share the same joy I experienced as a child while listening to magical adventures of characters that came to life in the middle of the night. In a way, I want to ensure that these stories will not end with me but will be carried forward into the future.
Please join me on this journey as I introduce you to the fantastic world of forgotten souls and the rich, vibrant tapestry of my heritage. Welcome to Anito Anarchy!
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About Filipino Mythology:
If you are already familiar with Filipino mythology, you probably know that much of its lore involves horrifying and grotesque imagery. While I love that aspect of Filipino mythology, I will not incorporate a lot of that in this work. So, if you are expecting a story about a half-segmenting bat woman, a cigar-smoking tree giant, or a demon baby, this is not that kind of story. Instead, I am drawing more inspiration from Northern mythology and the more obscure creatures and elements within this realm.
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Anito Anarchy (The Chaos of the Spirits)
FantasyThis is a fantasy-action story built around the paranormal realm of an arcane Asian mythology. It takes place in a futuristic utopian society and blends elements from the rich, ancient world of a past civilization. It features themes such as young a...
