Theyyam and Local History
The vernacular culture and history have had great influence on the development of Theyyam. The myths and legends of the Theyyam deities often relate to the local heroes and heroines. Glimpses of local history are reflected in the songs of certain performances. These heroes are attributed divinity by the local people. The medieval heroes like Kathivannur veeran, and Thacholi Othenan were deified and worshipped for their heroism. The goddess Puthiya Bhagavathy (new) and Makkam were heroines of tragic stories. Makkam was considered to be an immoral woman by her beloved brothers. The jealousy of their wives made her a victim of their suspicion. The brothers dropped her and children in a deep well. Later she was elevated as a goddess and was worshipped as a chaste woman. This episode has become the theme for a Theyyam goddess. Similarly Puthiya bhagavathi is also a local girl elevated by the local people to the status of a goddess. There are any number of such stories and legends that became the theme for the development of the gods and goddesses in Theyyam. Besides this, the practices like spirit-worship, ancestor-worship, masathi-worship, tree-worship, animal worship, serpent-worship and the worship of Graamadevataa (Village-Deity) are included in the mainstream of the Theyyam cult.
