In a curious twist of fate, a woman in the Philippines unknowingly worshipped a statue of Shrek, the beloved green ogre from DreamWorks Animation, for over four years, believing it to be an idol of Buddha.
The discovery came as a shock when a visiting friend pointed out the unusual figure in her prayer space. Upon closer inspection, they realized the "Buddha" was none other than the fictional character known for his Scottish accent and larger-than-life personality.
The woman had purchased the statue from a local store and treated it with deep reverence, offering daily prayers with unwavering devotion. While her reaction to the revelation remains unclear, the story quickly went viral, sparking laughter and discussions about mistaken religious practices.
Shrek, created by American author William Steig, is a fictional ogre famous for his imposing size, green skin, and calm demeanor. On the other hand, Lord Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, was a real historical figure who founded Buddhism over 2,500 years ago. Born into royalty in present-day Nepal, he abandoned his princely life to seek enlightenment, eventually achieving nirvana under the Bodhi tree in India.
Interestingly, the mix-up isn’t entirely far-fetched. Both figures share visual similarities—rounded faces, broad features, and serene expressions. While Buddha statues are often golden or jade-hued, their mystical aura can bear a striking resemblance to Shrek’s vibrant green tone.
This amusing incident serves as a reminder of how appearances can sometimes lead to unexpected misunderstandings—even in matters of faith!