PHILIPPINE

What is Epic?

• A long narrative poem telling a heroes deeds.• A long poem typically derived from

ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of the nation.

• Established epic poems of notable quality and length blossomed. Early historians like Padre Colin, Joaquin Martinez de Zuniga and Antonio Pigafetta have all attested to the existence of epics.

EPIC IN THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINE EPIC

• The Maragtas Chronicles of Panay (Visayan Epic Poetry)• Darangan (Minadanao)• Aliguyon (Igorot)• Biag ni Lam- ang (Ilokano)• Ibalon (Bicol Epic Poetry)

The Maragtas Chronicles of Panay (Visayan Epic Poetry)

It attempts to explain the origins of the Filipinos and tells the story of 10 Datus or chieftains from Borneo that sail across the oceans to escape the cruel reignof the Sultan Makatunaw. Upon Arrival on Panay Islands, the datus meet a tribe of native called the Aetas. The Aetas eventually sell a piece of their land to the datus and they live side by side in harmony.

Darangan (Minadanao)

• This is a very much like Greek mythology that tells about the romantic adventure s of noble warriors from Mindanao. A lot of the story focuses in one warrior- prince who is Bantugan, who owned magic shield and was protected by divine spirits.

• It revolved around war and love, much like Homer’s Trojar War but what makes the Darangan extra special is that it is sung instead of just being sad, it has twenty- five beautifu chapters.

Aliguyon (Igorot)

• The Aliguyon follows the life of the hero after which the story is named, who is giftedwith great powers (he can travel to far plaes without resting or eating and has never been beaten in battle). He embarks on a series of fights with his arch- rival Pumbakhayon, the only warrior with skills that match his. • The duel lasts 3 years without anyone

winning so in orderto end things, Alilguyon decided to marry pumbakhayon’s sister, thus unify their tribes.

•MOCK EPICis a long, heroic-comical poem that merely imitates

features of the classical epic. The mock epic focuses frequently on the exploits of

an antihero whose activities illustrate the shallowness of a class or group he represents.

This style of epic is a satire.

ELEMENTS OF EPIC

• Epic Hero

•Heroic Quest

•Valorous Deeds

•Divine Intervention

•Great Events

EPIC HERO

Great Stature- Larger than LifePossesses the character traits most valued by society (i.e. determination, courage, wit, wisdom)

HEROIC QUEST

•Long, Dangerous Journey•Proves Heroism•Wins Honor and Renown•Aids Others

VALOROUS DEEDS•Demonstrate Hero’s Courage, Strength, or Virtue•Make up most of the Action•Battles Evil Forces•Saves Others

DIVINE INTERVENTION

•Hero receives Help: God/Supernatural Force takes interest in Hero’s Quest

GREAT EVENTS•Historical/Mythological events as Backdrop for Epic

E.g.: The Iliad, Trojan War

CHARACTERISTIC OF EPIC• The hero is a figure of great national or international

importance.

• The setting is large in scale, sometimes world-wide,

or at least of the known world

• The actions involves heroic deeds in battle or a long

and arduous journey intrepidly accomplished.

• In these great actions, the immortals and other supernatural beings themselves take an interest and active part.• An epic poem is a ceremonial performance.• The poet begins by stating his theme, then invokes the Muses to help him with his undertaking.• The narration usually begins in the middle point of the action and at a crucial point; the events that happened before the narrative opening are introduced later on.• There are catalogues of some of the main characters, introduced to the reader in formal detail.

Examples OF PHILIPPINE EPIC

Ibalon

End. . . Prepared by:

Magnampo, Rosefel P.BSE 3A2