PHILIPPINE EPIC

Philippine epic poetry is the body of epic poetry in Philippine literature. Filipino epic poetry is considered to be the
highest point of development for Philippine folk literature, encompassing narratives that recount the adventures of tribal
heroes. These epics are transmitted through oral tradition using a select group of singers and chanters.
A study revealed that the Philippine folk epics, like those found elsewhere in Asia, are often about a quest for a wife as
well as the various ordeals linked to the founding of a family, hamlet, tribe or a kingdom. The narratives would include
voyages - on earth, sea, sky, and the underworld - to allow the hero or heroine to overcome the challenges faced. After the
ordeal, the protagonists - through an increase or improvement of his or her qualities, becomes the ideal man or woman.
ADVENTURES OF THE HERO
Philippine folk epics are essentially the adventures of the hero and can be classified into two groups: epics of romance, in
which the main adventures consist in the hero's courting of specific women, or in search of beautiful ladies he can marry;
and epics in which the hero undertakes adventures mainly in the service of his family, his country, his people, and for
others. Epics which prove the hero's valor and worth as a man also belong to the second group. These two groups are not
mutually exclusive, and epics that are predominantly romantic also contain adventures of the other kind and vice-versa.
Primary examples of epics in the first group are Lam-Ang, the Ulalim, Labaw Donggon, Bantugan, Lumalindaw,
and Kudaman. Some of these epics, however, are not exclusively of the first group. For example, Lam-Ang's first
adventure was his quest for his father who had gone to fight the Igorots and never came back.
In the second group of epics, examples include the Agyu cycle of epics, The Maiden of the Buhong Sky, Tulalang,
the Hudhud hi Aliguyon, the three Subanon epics, Ibalon, Tuwaang Attends a Wedding, Maharadia Lawana, and Tudbulul
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HERO
The Philippine epic hero, like counterparts in other countries, are strong and brave, of great fighting prowess, and possess
a restless, adventurous spirit, great determination, and endurance. Philippine epic heroes are also endowed with
supernatural or magic powers and possess magic objects and/or animals and even guardians or friendly spirits, sometimes
voices that advise them in moments of need.
The life of a Philippine epic hero usually follows a pattern similar to a hero’s journey:
Is born of unusual circumstances
He undergoes miraculous growth into manhood and is possessed of a restlessness to set out on adventures
He lives a life of action and adventure, in the course of which he displays his heroic qualities
He is victorious in all his adventures, warlike or amorous
If he dies, he is brought back to life and lives happily ever after.
The Philippine epic hero is usually depicted as having an impressive physical appearance and is usually described as such.
The Subanon hero, Sandayo, is described as:
A handsome datu
Radiant and resplendent
As if he stood not
On earthly ground
Straight as a tree
Like a son of Diwata
Like some rare flower
Beautiful to behold
Philippine epic heroes are also described as having loud voices which make men tremble. Lumalindaw was said to have a
voice so strong that when he shouts at a crow, it falls in front of him; when he shouts at a coconut tree, the coconuts fall.
They also stand out as acknowledged leaders in their respective communities, such as Tuwaang, or Bantugan, who while
not the king of his realm, is described as having no rival among the lords of the kingdom.
SUPERNATURAL POWERS
Lastly, one of their most distinctive characteristics are their possession of supernatural powers, or magic animals and/or
objects. The Ifugao hero, Aliguyon, is a notable exception to this rule, being the only one with no extraordinary power
beyond his natural prowess.
The range of the hero's supernatural prowess ranges from the mild to the extraordinary. Except for their endurance, the
heroes in the Ifugao hudhud are down-to-earth and benign in comparison to other heroes. In contrast, heroes in central and
South Philippine epics cannot continue on without mana, or some supernatural being aiding them, or without the magical
properties of the tools that they use.