Myth and Legends

The Crocodile Rock

This legend originated during the Japanese times. Since then it had been retold many times over and still very much talked about today by people who have seen the rock statue themselves. This legend concerns some rock fragments that can be spotted along the banks of the Pulangi River not far from Maramag. During summer, when the tide is low, these rocks come to a view that looks like that of a large crocodile.

Over the centuries these fragments of rocks has been popularly called the Crocodile Rock. There are those who claimed that they saw the crocodile move. One of them is an old woman who has this legend to tell. A long time ago, there was an old Spanish merchant who did not believe in God and saints. Though most of her fellow Spanish have begun to accept Christianity and had been baptized, the old woman still refused to abandon her old religious beliefs.

At several occasions, she had been invited to visit the church but she would always excuse herself. She said she did not believe in the saints though she had often heard her neighbors mentioned about one or more of their names. Meanwhile, unknown to the old Spanish, Satan had taken particular interest in her. Satan thought of taking her, killing her and sending her soul to hell. The devil reasoned out that if he did succeed now.

Sooner or later the Christians would triumph again once they were able to convert the old Spanish merchant into the Christian faith. Feeling the urgency, Satan changed in form that very moment. He transformed himself into a large crocodile prowling the waters of Pulangi River. It so happened that the old woman was crossing the river on a boat at that time. The large crocodile, which was none other than Satan himself, took the opportunity and swam quickly towards the old woman.

The old Spanish woman was so overcome with fear when she saw the crocodile coming towards the small craft she was riding on. Only then had she seen such a big crocodile in her entire life. She began to tremble as the beast got closer with it’s mouth wide open and sharp teeth exposed above the water surface. She thought at once to call out her God for help. But she noted that she was so far from Spain and it would be too late before Confucius could respond her cry.

The next instant, it crossed her mind to call out the name of one of the saints in the church of Maramag. “Oh dear Saint Nicolas… Saint Nicolas! Save me!”

Wonders of wonders a miracle occurred. Right before her old weary eyes, she saw the large crocodile suddenly change into a rock. Noting how she was saved, the Spanish old woman began believing in the saints.

A few days later, she willingly embraced the Christian faith and became a good Catholic from then on. Though the old woman have gone to God, God rest her soul, the crocodile rock remained there, probably a grim reminder for us to lead good Christian lives in order that we would be saved from the damnations of hell.