102 
THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE DYAKS.* 
' v . I 
By the Rev. T. F. Beekkr, Missionary on the South Coast of Borneo, 
The notions of the Dyaks respecting the spiritual world 
are in general much contused and at variance with each other. 
They agree however in the belief in good and evil spirits. 
The good spirits are divided into two classes, viz , spirits of 
the world above or of the higher regions, who are comprised 
under the collective denomination of “ Sengiang, 5 ’ and spirits 
of the lower regions, or more properly such as have their 
dominion in the waters, in great rivers, and those are called 
“ Jata.” The collective name of the evil spirits is “Talo- 
papa”—which word signifies in general all bad things. 
It is to be observed here that the Dyaks describe the as¬ 
pect of the regions above as similar to the terrestrial world. 
Mountains, valleys, streams, lakes, &c,, &c., are found there 
as well as here beneath, and the dominions of various spirits 
are bounded by the different streams and branches of the 
rivers. 
I. Good Sfip.its. 
a. of the higher regions, 
1. —“ HatallcT (God) is the Supreme Lord of all the good 
and evil spirits. He reigns above, and according to his will; 
all are bound to clo homage to him and to obey his commands. 
His habitation is “Bukit ngantong-gandang” a suspended 
and advancing, mountain situated on the banks of a very large 
river. Hatalla is sole (tonga!,) but has a wife, who however 
is undefined. He also has children, viz, seven daughters 
and one son. The most distinguished of his daughters is 
called “ Padadiri” and bis son “ Ombon bulan,” 
Padadari is invoked in prophesying and casting lots, (be- 
tenung)—and Ombon bulan in the decision of judicial matters 
by diving (“hateser.”) 
2. —The second in rank is “Raja ontong ” (the king of 
fortune, also called u Raja blawang bulan” (the king of the 
door to the gold ) and his wife “ Puter sawawalaug langit .” 
Baja ontong has always superabundant work, and his hands 
may never be at rest. “ Bulan, salaka, garantong, blanga” 
(gold, silver, gongs, pots) are in great request among them, 
and each desires more of them than the other. However 
• The people thus denominated must not be confounded with the Day£ of 
tbe west coast. They inhabit the borders of the river of Banjermassing and 
loue of the other southern rivers, and their proper designation is Ngaju or 
Beaju, They are also called Kaha yah from the great river of that name,— Ed* 
