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Melanau Cosmology

Melanau Cosmology defines fifteen parallel universes or worlds (not to be confused with planets) called lapih (layer) – seven higher worlds (upper worlds) and seven lower ones (underworlds). The earth is in the middle of these layers and called Likou dagen dua ( World in the middle).

A dead soul (Bedua) will only be able to travel to the first under world called Likou Pengamou ( a.k.a Likou a matai- Land of the dead). The soul must first be granted an entrance permission from the guardian of Likou Pengamou called Balou Adet then it will officially accepted as the citizen of Likou Pengamou. ( more on Balou adet here: Melanau Land of the dead)

7 Upper worlds



Explanation:
Upper World 7: Name unknown, inhabited by Jinn
Upper World 6: Name unknown, inhabited by Jinn
Upper World 5: Name unknwon, inhabited by Jinn
Upper World 4: Likou Dewa-dewa, similar to this world, inhabitants are immortal
Upper World 3: Likou Naradin, similar to this world, the dead go to Upper World 4.
Upper World 2: Likou Kiangan, similar to this world, inhabitants can fly, the dead go to Upper World 3.
Upper World 1: Likou Baliwan, similar to this world, the dead go to Upper World 2.

7 Under worlds



Explanation
This world: Likou dagen dua, the dead go to Likou Pengamou ( Likou a matai)
Under World 1: Likou Pengamou, similar to this world, the dead go to Under World 2.
Under World 2: Likou Kulum, similar to this world, the dead go to Under World 3.
Under World 3: Likou Belangan, similar to this world, the inhabitants are immortal.
Under World 4: Likou Yang, similar to this world.
Under World 5: Likou Jin, strongly fortified and controlled by the immortal jinn and control oil wells.
Under World 6: Likou Rajah Jin, rulers of all Jinn, the inhabitants are hairy.
Under World 7: Likou Baliw, a world of winds. nobody can go here.

Source: Sarawak Museum Journal Vol LII No. 73., H.Stephen Morris.