Nuno

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For the musician, see Nuno Bettencourt.

A Nuno or Nuno sa Punso is a dwarf-like creature in Philippine mythology. It is invisible to the human eye. This creature lives in an anthill called a punso. Nuno's appearance is that of an old man. The word "Nuno" is also how old relatives or great-grandparents are referred in a Filipino dialect.

According to the mythology the "Nuno sa Punso" will harm those who disturb or destroy its anthill. If someone were to destroy the Nuno's home by kicking it, the offender's foot would swell. Nunos sa Punso are also found in other places, apart from anthills, such as under a large rock, under a tree, along the bank of a river, inside a cave, or even in one's own backyard.

It is a popular legend that if modern medicine is unable to cure a certain illness, then the illness was brought on by a Nuno. The victim should then be brought to an albularyo (practitioner of traditional medicine). The albularyo will do a simple ceremony called tawas in which a piece of a candle is melted on a disc or spoon. Once melted, the wax is poured into water. An image will appear in the wax, either that of a Nuno or of a certain place or situation. The image will be interpreted to determine the possible cause of the sickness.

In order to be cured, the victim's family will provide an offering to the Nuno such as fruit or other food, drinks, or a material object. If the victim is still not cured, it may be necessary to personally ask the Nuno's forgiveness. This is a wise measure because the worst punishment a Nuno can bestow is possession by an evil spirit. This would cause the victim to act as though insane and possibly to hurt others.

To avoid the wrath of a Nuno sa Punso, children are always reminded not to play outside between noon and three. They are also asked to be in the house by six. Though children are free to play, they are cautioned not to be noisy in places a Nuno might dwell. They are further cautioned to ask permission to pass by such places, especially in an unfamiliar area by saying the phrase, "tabi tabi po" which means "please let me pass by" or "please move out of the way as I pass through your territory."

Since the 2005 introduction of the Red Imported Fire Ant in the Philippines, the legendary folk tale of the Nuno sa Punso has been predominant once again.

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