Posts Tagged ‘Philippine Epics’

Philippine Epics – A Story of Heroes

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Today, you can find a number of famous Philippine epics poetry. Even before the arrival of Spaniards, Filipinos had their own myths, cultures and traditions, folks and epics. The epic stories were done in the form of poetry and displayed tremendous color, vitality and imagination. The epic stories were mostly about the adventure and tales of love of native heroes. These epic poems were given the title in accordance with the name of the hero.

Some famous Philippine epics poetry is: Bagobo epic poetry

Bagobo epic poetry: This epic story is about a hero Tuwaang from Bagobo tribe, who was strong, brave and had many powers. For example, in one story, he rode a lightning to meet up with a giant. Both were evenly matched and so the giant used magical powers to throw flames at the hero. The hero, using his own magical power, summoned the wind to fan flames and the giant was engulfed by flames himself.

Bicol epic poetry

Bicol epic poetry: This epic story narrates the mystical origin of first women and man of Aslon and Ibalon. Hiandong was a great warrior of Ibalon who fought Cyclops, a giant, for ten months and defeated Sarimao and Tiburon.

Ifugao epic poetry

Ifugao epic poetry: This famous Philippine epics poetry narrates the life and heroism of native Ifugao. The unusual figure in these heroic stories is Aliguyon who possessed eccentric power and also strength.

Mindanao epic poetry

Mindanao epic poetry: Locally, these epic stories are called Darangan. This epic poetry narrates stories that are romantic-filled adventures of noble warriors, notably warrior-prince named Bantugan. This great fighter is identified to have a magic shield, protected by divine spirits and could rise from dead. You will find a number of epic poetry for this hero.

Visayan epic poetry

Visayan epic poetry: This epic story narrates the Maragtas Chronicles of Panay. It is the narration of the rulers of the Island since the period of Ten Malay Datus that were settled from the Borneo.

These are some of the famous Philippine epics poetry but you can find more over the internet as well.