Term Paper - En 4

8/3/2019 Term Paper - En 4

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I. Introduction

A. Background

1. Myth as defined

Myths are prose narratives explaining how the world and people came

to be in their form. According to William Bascom (1965), myths, in the

society in which they are told, are considered to be truthful accounts of what

happened in the remote past. They are taught to be believed; and can be cited

as authority in answer to ignorance and doubt. They are often associated with

theology and rituals. The main characters in myths are not usually human

beings, but they have often have human attributes; animals, deities, cultural

heroes, their love affairs, their family relationships, their friendships and

enmities, their victories and defeats...

Myths were the first tools man used to define his world, explain his

feelings, and make his judgements. It. was through myths that our ancestors

explained their environment, long before the scientific knowledge and

explanation of natural phenomena.

Known as alamat in Tagalog, myths like legends explain the origin of

things.

2. Understanding Mythology

a. Mythology

The term mythology can refer to either the study of myths, or to a

body of myths. For example, comparative mythology is the study of

connections between myths from different cultures, whereas Greek

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mythology is the body of myths from ancient Greece. The term "myth" is

often used colloquially to refer to a false story, but academic use of the term

generally does not pass judgment on truth or falsity. In the study of folklore,

a myth is a sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind came

to be in their present form. Many scholars in other fields use the term

"myth" in somewhat different ways. In a very broad sense, the word can

refer to any traditional story.

b. Nature of myths

i. Typical characteristics

The main characters in myths are usually gods or supernatural

heroes. As sacred stories, myths are often endorsed by rulers and

priests and closely linked to religion. In the society in which it is

told, a myth is usually regarded as a true account of the remote past.

In fact, many societies have two categories of traditional narrative,

"true stories" or myths, and "false stories" or fables. Myths generally

take place in a primordial age, when the world had not yet achieved

its current form, and explain how the world gained its current form

and how customs, institutions and taboos were established.

ii. Related concepts

Closely related to myth are legend and folktale. Myths,

legends, and folktales are different types of traditional story. Unlike

myths, folktales can take place at any time and any place, and theyare not considered true or sacred by the societies that tell them. Like

myths, legends are stories that are traditionally considered true, but

are set in a more recent time, when the world was much as it is

today. Legends generally feature humans as their main characters,

whereas myths generally focus on superhuman characters.

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The distinction between myth, legend, and folktale is meant

simply as a useful tool for grouping traditional stories. In many

cultures, it is hard to draw a sharp line between myths and legends.

Instead of dividing their traditional stories into myths, legends, and

folktales, some cultures divide them into two categories, one that

roughly corresponds to folktales, and one that combines myths and

legends. Even myths and folktales are not completely distinct. A

story may be considered true (and therefore a myth) in one society,

but considered fictional (and therefore a folktale) in another society.

In fact, when a myth loses its status as part of a religious system, it

often takes on traits more typical of folktales, with its formerly

divine characters reinterpreted as human heroes, giants, or fairies.

Myth, legend, saga, fable, folktale, or marchens are only a few

of the categories of traditional stories. Other categories include

anecdotes and some kinds of jokes. Traditional stories, in turn, are

only one category within folklore, which also includes items such as

gestures, costumes, and music.

3. Philippine Mythology

a. General information

Philippine mythology and folklore include a collection of tales and

superstitions about magical creatures and entities. Some Filipinos, even

though heavily westernized and Christianized, still believe in such entities.

The prevalence of belief in the figures of Philippines mythology is strong in

the provinces.

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Because the country has many islands and is inhabited by different

ethnic groups, Philippine mythology and superstitions are very diverse.

However, certain similarities exist among these groups, such as the belief in

Heaven (kaluwalhatian, kalangitan, kamurawayan), Hell (impiyerno,

kasamaan), and the human soul (kaluluwa).

b. Philippine folk literature

Philippine mythology is derived from Philippine folk literature, which

is the traditional oral literature of the Filipino people. This refers to a wide

range of material due to the ethnic mix of the Philippines. Each unique

ethnic group has its own stories and myths to tell.

While the oral and thus changeable aspect of folk literature is an

important defining characteristic, much of this oral tradition had been

written into a print format. To point out that folklore in a written form can

still be considered folklore, Utely pointed out that folklore "may appear in

print, but must not freeze into print." It should be pointed out that all the

examples of folk literature cited in this article are taken from print, rather

than oral sources.

c. Philippine Mythological creatures

Filipinos also believed in mythological creatures. The Aswang is one

the most famous of these Philippine mythological creatures. The aswang is a

ghoul or vampire, an eater of the dead, and the werewolf. There is also the

(Agta), a black tree spirit or man. Filipinos also believed in the Dila (The

Tongue), a spirit that passes through the bamboo flooring of provincial

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houses, then licks certain humans to death. Filipino mythology also have

fairies (Diwata and Engkanto), dwarfs (Duwende), Kapre (a tree-residing

giant), Manananggal (a self-segmenter), witches (Mangkukulam), spirit-

summoners (Mambabarang), goblins (Nuno sa Punso), ghosts (Multo),

fireballs (Santelmo), mermaids (Sirena), mermen (Siyokoy), demon-horses

(Tikbalang), (Hantu Demon), demon-infants (Tiyanak), and the (Wakwak) a

night bird belong to a witch or vampire or the witch or vampire itself in the

form of a night bird.

B. Statement of the Problem

How do myths and legends affect and influence the living of the Filipinos?

Myths and Legends are similar to each other and are often taken for one

and the same thing. The Philippines abounds in myths, legends and fantastic

creations such as the aswang, nuno sa punso , kapre, duwende, manananggal, etc.

Fables are the scarcest.

Even though these myths and legends are part of our heritage, Filipino

people still know a lot about it. Filipinos, especially those who are in the rural

areas of the country, still have these beliefs and are considered part of their living.

In the same context, having these beliefs will definitely have an effect or

influence on how people live their lives.

Understanding what mythology is, some questions that will also be

discussed are about:

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1. What purposes do they fulfill?

2. What importance does it give?

3. Are there any functions that affect people?

C. Scope and Delimitation

1. Concerns of this study

This study focuses mainly on how do myths and legends affect and

influence the living of the Filipinos. As part of the study in Philippine

literature, myth is defined and a brief background is discussed. Related to this,

some examples of literary works such as the different myths and legends are

to be stated and later on also to be explained.

Coming from some parts of the Philippine regions, their own beliefs will

be further understood.

2. Boundaries of this study

This study is limited to explaining why myths and legends are part of our

literature or when did they occur and where did they come from. Who have

influenced us these myths are out of the concern. Furthermore, discussing

about the functions and purposes of mythical creatures in detail is not to be

argued.

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II. Body

A. Myths and Legends in the Philippine Literature

1. Myths

The Story of Bathala

(Tagalog)

In the beginning of time there were three powerful gods who lived in the universe.

Bathala was the caretaker of the earth, Ulilang Kaluluwa (lit. Orphaned Spirit), a

huge serpent who lived in the clouds, and Galang Kaluluwa (lit. Wandering

spirit), the winged god who loves to travel. These three gods did not know each

other.

Bathala often dreamt of creating mortals but the empty earth stops him from

doing so. Ulilang Kaluluwa who was equally lonely as Bathala, liked to visit

places and the earth was his favorite. One day the two gods met. Ulilang

Kaluluwa, seeing another god rivalling him, was not pleased. He challenged

Bathala to a fight to decide who would be the ruler of the universe. After three

days and three nights, Ulilang Kaluluwa was slain by Bathala. Instead of giving

him a proper burial, Bathala burned the snake's remains. A few years later the

third god, Galang Kaluluwa, wandered into Bathala's home. He welcomed the

winged god with much kindness and even invited him to live in his kingdom.

They became true friends and were very happy for many years.

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Galang Kaluluwa became very ill. Before he died he instructed Bathala to bury

him on the spot where Ulilang Kaluluwas body was burned. Bathala did exactly

as he was told. Out of the grave of the two dead gods grew a tall tree with a big

round nut, which is the coconut tree. Bathala took the nut and husked it. He

noticed that the inner skin was hard. The nut itself reminded him of Galang

Kaluluwas head. It had two eyes, a flat nose, and a round mouth. Its leaves

looked so much like the wings of his dear winged friend. But the trunk was hard

and ugly, like the body of his enemy, the snake Ulilang Kaluluwa.

Bathala realized that he was ready to create the creatures he wanted with him on

earth. He created the vegetation, animals, and the first man and woman. Bathala

built a house for them out of the trunk and leaves of the coconut trees. For food,

they drank the coconut juice and ate its delicious white meat. Its leaves, they

discovered, were great for making mats, hats, and brooms. Its fiber could be used

for rope and many other things.

The Story of the Creation

(Mindanao)

In the very beginning there lived a being so large that he cannot be compared with

any known thing. His name was Melu, and when he sat on the clouds, which were

his home, he occupied all the space above. His teeth were pure gold, and because

he was very cleanly and continually rubbed himself with his hands, his skin

became pure white. The dead skin which he rubbed off his body was placed on

one side in a pile, and by and by this pile became so large that he was annoyed

and set himself to consider what he could do with it.

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Finally Melu decided to make the earth; so he worked very hard in putting the

dead skin into shape, and when it was finished he was so pleased with it that he

determined to make two beings like himself, though smaller, to live on it.

Taking the remnants of the material left after making the earth he fashioned two

men, but just as they were all finished except their noses, Tau Tana from below

the earth appeared and wanted to help him.

Melu did not wish any assistance, and a great argument ensued. Tau Tana finally

won his point and made the noses which he placed on the people upside down.

When all was finished, Melu and Tau Tana whipped the forms until they moved.

Then Melu went to his home above the clouds, and Tau Tana returned to his place

below the earth.

All went well until one day a great rain came, and the people on the earth nearly

drowned from the water which ran off their heads into their noses. Melu, from his

place on the clouds, saw their danger, and he came quickly to earth and saved

their lives by turning their noses the other side up.

The people were very grateful to him, and promised to do anything he should ask

of them. Before he left for the sky, they told him that they were very unhappy

living on the great earth all alone, so he told them to save all the hair from their

heads and the dry skin from their bodies and the next time he came he would

make them some companions. And in this way there came to be a great many

people on the earth.

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The Origin of the Stars

Hundreds of years ago, some people say there were no stars. The sun was

a mighty god, ruler of the day. Buan, the moon, was a rival god of the sun and

desired to rule both day and night. Lihangin, god of the wind, was a friend of

both the sun and the moon.

One day he went to visit Araw, god of the sun, to warm himself. When

they were sitting together, Araw told Lihangin that he had bad feelings toward

Buan. He said that he noticed him showing during the day. This meant that Baun

desired to occupy a part of Araw's kingdom. Lihangin wanted them to be good

friends. He told Buan not to occupy any part of Araw's kingdom. He said that

Araw was fair and just, so Buan must be, too. The moon did not pay attention to

his advice. He continued to shine during the latter part of the day and sometimes

during the morning. Araw could not bear it. He told Buan not to do it any more.

Buan insisted. They had a quarrel. Buan was badly hit. Parts of his body were

scattered around, and these became the stars, leaving the moon without its former

light. Such was the origin of the stars.

Why the Sky is High

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In the early days, when the sky was still low, two brothers named Ingat and

Daskol lived with their parents on Earth.

As their names indicate, Ingat was careful in everything he did and was, therefore,

his father's right hand man. He was always helping with the work in the field, and

his parents were very pleased with him.

On the other hand, Daskol did his work sloppily. In the absence of a daughter in

the family, the house work came to be Daskol's responsibility. He fetched water,

cleaned the house, and did the cooking. He also pounded the palay that his father

and Ingat harvested. Even in pounding, Daskol lived up to his name. Half of the

grain he pounded scattered and fell to the ground. Being naturally lazy and

impatient, he did not like the work of pounding rice.

One day, Daskol had to pound a greater quantity of palay than usual. He was

irritated because, every time he raised the pestle, it would hit the sky. His anger

added to his strength and desire to finish the work quickly. So he raised the pestle

higher, and every time it hit the sky, the sky would be raised. In his hurry, Daskol

did not notice that the sky was rising. When he finished pounding rice, he looked

up and discovered that the sky had risen, and that is why it is where it is today.

Why the Sun Shines More Brightly Than the Moon

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Long, long ago there lived a fairy with two very beautiful daughters. Araw, the

older daughter, was very amiable and had a kind disposition; Buwan, unlike her

sister, was dishonest, cruel, and harsh. She was always finding fault with Araw.

One night, when the fairy came home from her nocturnal rambles and saw Buwan

badly maltreating her elder sister, she asked God for help against her unruly

daughter.

Before this time, God had prepared very valuable gifts for the two sisters. These

gifts were two enormous diamonds that could light the whole universe. When

God heard the prayer of the fairy, he descended to Earth disguised as a beggar.

Upon learning for himself how bad-tempered Buwan was and how sweet and

kind-hearted Araw was, God gave the older sister her diamond as a reward.

Buwan was greatly angered by this favoritism on the part of the Almighty, so she

went to the heavenly kingdom and stole one of God's diamonds. Then she

returned to earth with the precious stone, but there she found that were jewel was

not as brilliant as Araw's.

When God went back to heaven and learned what Buwan had done, he sent two

angels to punish her. But the angels abused their commission; they seized both

sisters and hurled them into the sea. They they threw the two stones upward into

the sky and there they stuck. But Araw's diamond was bigger and brighter than

the one Buwan stole. Thereafter, the bigger jewel was called Araw ("day" or

"sun") and the smaller one, Buwan ("moon").

The Origin of The World and Its First Humans

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(Si Malakas at Si Maganda)

It was told that that in the beginning, there was no earth or man. There was only

the Sky and the Sea. Both of equal prowess, they exist one above or below the

other. The only thing in between them was a small bird.

The bird was flying endlessly, until, he got bored and tired. The Sky was above

him, but he cant reach it; below him was the Sea, but he cant land on it.

So the bird thought deeply. And then he swooshed, and scooped and splashed

water from the Sea. He continued with his splashing until water reached the Sky

above.

The Sky was furious. He didnt want the waters to flood him, and he noticed that

the Sea now was also mad.

All the Sky thought of was creating rocks and then throwing them. And so he did.

The Sky created rocks and he threw them down, which landed on the Sea.

The bird was satisfied. He landed on those rocks and then made a nest.

The Sky commanded the bird to never disturb him and the Sea again.

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But then the bird noticed something floating on the water. He ignored it but the

bamboo shaft bumped him and hurt him. He got so furious so he pecked and

pecked the bamboo until it split into two.

From the first half sprung a man, and from the second, a woman. Strength and

Beauty. They were our first parents, and from them, the rest of the world began

2. Legends

The Makahiya

Once there lived a rich couple, Mang Dondong and Aling Iska. They had a

twelve-year-old daughter whose name was Maria. They loved their daughter so

dearly.

Maria was a dutiful and obedient daughter. Industrious and kind, she made herself

endeared to everybody.

But shyness was also one of maria's distinct characteristics. She was also shy that

talking to people posed a great burden to her. In order to avoid encountering

people, she usually locked herself in the room.

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Maria had a flower garden. The flowers were beautiful and known all over the

town. She took care of the plants patiently and tenderly. For the flower plants

were her source of enjoyment and happiness.

One day a group of bandits raided a nearby village. The bandits killed every man

they found at took the money of the residents.

The next day the bandits came to the village where Mang Dondong and Aling

Iska and their daughter Maria lived. Mang Dondong noticed at once the arrival of

the bandits Fearing for Maria's safety, he decided to hide Maria in the garden,

which he did.

Aling Iska hid herself in the house. She trembled with fear when she heard the

bandits forcing their way to the gate. Then she prayed, preparing for whatever

would happen.

"Oh my God!" prayed Aling Iska. "Save my daughter."

Suddenly the door opened. The bandits enered the house and hit Mang Dondong

on the head. Mang Dondong lost consciousness and fell on the floor. Aling Iska

tried to escape but was also hit in the head.

The bandits ransacked every place in the house. After taking the money and

jewelry, they searched for Maria. But Maria was nowehere to be found. So the

bandits left th house to plunder another village.

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When Mang Dondong and Aling Iska regained consciousness, the bandits had left

already. THey quickly ran to the garden to look for Maria. But maria was not

there. Again and again, they searched every corner in the garden but poor Maria

could not be found.

"My poor daughter! They took my poor daughter!" wept Aling Iska.

All of a sudden felt something that pricked his feet. To his surprise, he saw a tiny

plant quickly closing its leaves. It was the first time he saw that kind of plant. He

knelt on his knees and took a close look at the plant. Aling Iska did the same.

After looking at the plant for a long time, the couple came to the belief that the

plant was Maria. For indeed Maria has been transformed by God into a plant to

save her from the bandits.

Aling Iska wept uncontrollably and to Mang Dondong's amazement, every tear

was transformed into a small and rosy flower of the new plant they found in the

garden.

Since then Mang Dondong and Aling Iska tended the plant with utmost care. They

knew what the plant was, in reality, their child Maria. And, like their child, the

plant was very shy. So they called the plant "makahiya" because it showed it

showed an important characteristic of Maria -shyness - which in Tagalog means

"makahiya".

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Banana Plant

In the early days when the world was new, spirits and ghosts lurked everywhere.

They lived in gloomy caves, they hid in anthills and tree trunks they frolicked in

nooks and corners under the houses. In the dark, sometimes their tiny voices

could be heard dimly, or their ghostly presence be felt. But they were never seen.

It was during these days of phantoms and unseen spirits that a young and beautiful

girl lived. Her name was Raya, and she was a girl bold and daring. She was never

afraid of spirits. She would walk in the shadowy forests, bringing along a lighted

candle.

Then she would tiptoe into dark and dirty caves, searching the place for spirits.

Raya only felt or heard them never having seen them. But Raya always felt the

presence of one kind spirit, whenever she walked in the forest the spirit was with

her at all times.

One day she heard someone call her name, and she looked up to see a young

handsome man. She asked him who he was, and he replied that his name was Sag-

in, and he was the spirit who followed her around, and even confessed that he had

fallen in love with a mortal.

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They married had a child and lived happily, but Sag-in knew that his time on earth

was short for he was a spirit-man, and would have to return to the spirit world

soon. When he knew his time had come, he called Raya and explained why he

had to leave. As he was slowly vanishing, he told Raya that he would leave her a

part of him. Raya looked down and saw a bleeding heart on the ground. She took

the heart and planted it. She watched it night and day. A plant with long green

leaves sprouted from the grave.

One day, the tree bore fruit shaped like a heart. She touched the fruit and caressed

it. Thinking could this be Sag-in's heart? Slowly the fruit opened , Long golden

fruits sprouted from it. Raya picked one, peeled it and bit into it. Then, she heard

Sag-in's voice floating in the air:

"Yes, Raya, it is my heart. I have reappeared to show you that I will never forsake

you and our child. Take care of this plant, and it will take care of you in return.

It's trunk and leaves will give you shelter and clothing. The heart and fruits will

be your food. And when you sleep at night, I will stand and watch by your

window. I will stay by your side forever!"

Dama de Noche

A thousand years ago, there was a rich maharlika, or nobleman, who spent his

early bachelor days recklessly, wining and dining in the company of nobility. He

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drank the finest wines, ate the most delectable food and enjoyed the company of

the loveliest, perfumed and bejewelled women of the noble class.

After years of this kind of life, the maharlika finally felt it was time to settle down

and marry the woman of his choice. "But who is the woman to choose?" he asked

himself as he sat in the rich splendour of his home, "All the women I know are

beautiful and charming, but I am tired of the glitter of their jewels and the

richness of their clothes!" He wanted a woman different from all the women he

saw day and night, and found this in simple village lass. She was charming in her

own unaffected ways, and her name was Dama.

They married and lived contentedly. She loved him and took care of him. She

pampered him with the most delicious dishes, and kept his home and his clothes

in order. But soon, the newness wore off for the maharlika. He started to long for

the company of his friends. He took a good look at his wife and thought, she is

not beautiful and she does not have the air of nobility about her, she does not talk

with wisdom. And so the maharlika returned to his own world of glitter and

splendor. He spent his evenings sitting around with his friends in their noble

homes , drank and talked till the first rays of the sun peeped from the iron grills of

their ornate windows.

Poor Dama felt that she was losing her husband. She wept in the silence of their

bedroom. "I cannot give my husband anything but the delights of my kitchen and

the warmth of my bed. He is tired of me." She looked to the heavens. "Oh,

friendly spirits! Help me. Give me a magic charm. Just one little magic charm to

make my husband come home again, that he will never want to leave my side,

forever!"

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It was midnight when the maharlika came home. He opened the door of their

bedroom and called for Dama to tell her to prepare his nightclothes. "Dama!

Dama, where are you?" he called. He shouted all around the bedroom. He

searched the whole house. Still the nobleman could not find his simple wife.

Finally the nobleman returned to their bedroom, tired and crosses. But, as he

opened the door, he stopped.

A are scent, sweet and fragrant, drifted to him. It was a scent he had never

smelled before. He entered the room and crossed to the window where the scent

seemed to be floating from. A strange bush was growing outside the window.

Some of its thin branches had already reached the iron grills and were twisting

around. And all over the bush were thousands of tiny starlike, white flowers, from

which burst forth a heavenly, enchanting scent!

He stood there, completely enraptured by the glorious smell. "Dama..." he

whispered softly, ponderingly, could this be Dama? The rich maharlika sat by the

window, and waited for the return of his loving simple wife. But she did not come

back. She never returned to him again. Only the fragrance of the flowers stayed

with him, casting a spell over his whole being.

In the moonlight, Dama of the night, or Dama de Noche would be in full bloom,

capturing the rich maharlika, making him never want to leave her side, forever.

B. Understanding the Myths and Legends in Philippine Literature

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1. The Purpose

Traditionally, people create mythology to explain the world around them.

Before science and empirical reasoning, myths and legends served mankind

by invoking the supernatural to interpret natural events, to explain the nature

of the universe, and shed light on the purpose of existence. Filipino mythology

is no different. Filipino legends contain a broad spectrum of stories including

legends recounting the birth of the Philippine islands, as well as accounts of

supernatural creatures that are sometimes invoked to inspire fearful obedience

in children or explain disease.

2. The Importance

In our culture as a Filipino we value all our myths or stories about our

origins, heroes and ancestors. We're passionate with all these kind of stuff. It

is our own way to give importance and values to everything that our ancestors

or our heroes had done for us. It shows us of what we are today, on what our

status is in this country. Without them, we will not be celebrating freedom.

3. The Reason and Explanation

Mythology plays an important role in the individual perception and

societal view of every individual in a certain culture. It influences the

behavior and cognition of people based on the experience that they had

concerning mythological events. In the Philippine context, one of the

Psychological functions of mythology is it as coping mechanism.

We live in a world full of mysteries that science itself could not fathom

and explain certain phenomenon. These mysteries and supernatural things lead

to a change in behavior and cognition of people who experience it. These

changes alter the perception of people towards the reality.

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Mythology has several functions among individuals who believe on it.

These functions influence the way they behave and think towards the things

around. However, applying psychology in analysis of behaviors shown by the

people believing on this phenomenon on mythological world, it revealed that

people do believe this sort of things as a coping mechanism on unexplained

things by science and through rational analysis.

We cannot deny the fact that science could not explain everything. That

even it do have limitations and until now is still in search for more knowledge

of the world. Thus, people tend to look for something systematic that could

explain these unexplained by science just for them to feel satisfied of the

happenings like incurable illnesses, unexpected deaths, curses, and other

supernatural things effect. And here mythology as a system of thoughts used

to believe by everybody comes in.

Mythology functions in several ways to human beings. It serves as a venue

in enrich creativity especially among children. A study conducted shows that

young people who are being presented with the beliefs on myths performs

more creative than those older people which the concept of myths are no

longer on their mind. In this example, mythology functions as a catalyst in

improving creativity.

Another function of it is in the field of science and health. There are

instances that certain diseases occur which the doctor could not explain the

cause of it. The resort of people if these things happen is to consult an

albularyo or a quack doctor to explain the supernatural cause of the disease.

This act shows that mythology has been made as a coping mechanism of

individuals having this kind of encounters.

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Moreover, mythology had been an influence in social studies through its

impact on societal relationship. Cultures and different societies perceive a

similarity among them when it comes to beliefs on mythological system.

Similar beliefs on supernatural things connects cultures and societies

altogether. Basically, mythology is the common denominator of cultures.

Summing up all the functions of mythology, it leads on a description that

belief on this system of thoughts could be equated as a mechanism to cope for

the things unexplained by means of rational and scientific thinking. As a

coping mechanism, psychologically speaking, beliefs on this could hardly be

eliminated from the line of thoughts of people due to its cultural and

traditional implications and influences.

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III. Conclusion

A. Summary

In Philippine Literature, myths and legends are really part of its

tradition and culture. Since Philippines has many different tribes,

numerous stories of the origin of earth, man, fruits, animals, trees and

other things are being passed from generation to generation, especially in

rural areas. And these stories are later translated into different dialects.

Through telling these myths and legends, people were satisfied and had

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enough understanding on where things came from. Myths and legends

served as the coping mechanism of the Filipinos on the origin of things.

B. Concluding statement

Having this problem as my subject of discussion, it is just now that

I discover that there are several numbers of stories of myths and legends

around Philippines. Since it is diverse, it explains why we still have such

stories to tell and to believe. I understand that for some purpose of these

stories, like for children, the parents usually tell such for entertainment

purposes, or sometimes if the story is scary enough, it is to prevent their

children on going to places that are dangerous or doing things that are not

really allowed to do. I also learned that through these myths and legends,

telling stories about things that are not supposed to talk, to walk, to do

incredible doings are very catchy and quite easy to remember. And finally,

aside from the story itself, I have learned that in every story, there is a

lesson, a lesson of different aspects in life. These myths and legends are

examples of experiences or comparing the characters to humans, slices of

life, on how to live our life better.

C. Recommendations

In analyzing the main problem, there are some related topics that

can be discussed and be argued for comprehensive learning.

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What are the different mythological creatures in

Philippines?

What are their functions and roles?

Are they good creatures or bad?

How do people react upon this?

Taking these related topics will surely make your understanding

enhanced and might be a surprise for you that you have really discovered

and learned a lot.

Bibliography:

Ashliman, D.L. Creation Myths from the Philippines. Online 2003. Available

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http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/creation-phil.html#creationstory

Chikiamco, Paulo. The Myth List. Online 2010. Available

http://www.rocketkapre.com/the-myth-list/

Cole,Mabel Cook. Philippine Folk Tales (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company, 1916)

Dechavez, Ae. Bookstove. Legend of The Origin of The World and Its First Humans (Si

Malakas at Si

Maganda). Online 2006. Available http://bookstove.com/book-talk/legend-of-the-origin-

of-the-world-and

its-first-humans-si-malakas-at-si-maganda/

Elements of a research proposal and report. Online. Available

http://www.statpac.com/research

papers/research-proposal.htm

Enriquez, Delia C. Philippine Literature, A regional approach, Second edition

Experiment Resources (2009). Research Paper Outline Examples. Online. Available

http://www.experiment

resources.com/research-paper-outline-examples.html

Ghost in Filipino Culture. Online June 2010. Available.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_in_Filipino_culture

Khara, Kanika. Philippine Legends and Myths. Online. Available

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/Philippines

legends-and-myths.html

Legends, Tales. Online 2006. Available http://www.pasyalan.net/legends/

Maramba, Asuncion David. Early Philippine Literature, From Ancient Times to 1940

MGA ALAMAT, Myths in the Philippine folk literature. Online. Available

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/folktales/mythsintroduction.htm

Mythology. Wikipedia. Online. Available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythology

Philippine mythology. Online December 2010. Available

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_mythology#Mythological_creatures

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