The stories are a collection of local folktales centering around Magkatun, whose real name was Santiago Salcedo, believed to be a former member of the US Navy. According to these stories, he often ventured into mariit (mystical or dangerous) places and cut down trees considered sacred or inhabited by spirits. After these trees were cut, residents of nearby houses would report hearing loud noises believed to be caused by a tamawo (local supernatural being). He avoided directly returning home, often resting under trees or going from one house to another to evade any spirits that followed him. His stories are ...