- Origin: Tagalog
- Meaning: “owner; master.”
- Gender: Female
- Pron: my-AH-ree
The name is from the Tagalog word, may-ari, meaning, “owner, master.”
In Filipino mythology, Mayari is the goddess of the moon, war, revolution, strength, weaponry, and beauty — and is celebrated as one of the most radiant and formidable deities in the Tagalog pantheon. She is the daughter of Bathala, the supreme god and creator of the world and was mothered by a mortal woman.
When Bathala died without naming an heir to rule his earthly domain, Mayari and her brother Apolaki, the god of the sun, fought for succession, using bamboo sticks as weapons.
During their fierce duel, Apolaki struck out one of Mayari’s eyes. Realizing the cost of their conflict, the siblings reconciled and agreed to share rule over the world — Apolaki reigning over the day, and Mayari over the night.
Because of her single remaining eye, the moon’s light is dimmer than the sun’s.
In some regional traditions, Mayari is also linked to Tala, the goddess of the stars — as her sister, or in alternate legends, as her mother.
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