MYTH

 It is also 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 ethnic mix of the
Philippines.
 They say that myth is a story. Why? Because myth explain how the world began or how
the world was made. It also explains what happen to someone when something
wrong happen to them and some myths also explain why disasters happen.

USES OF MYTHS

 Myths exist in every society as they are the basic elements of human culture. The main
function of myth is to teach moral lesson and explain historical events. Authors of great
literary works have taken their stories and themes from myths. Myths and their mythical
symbol lead to creativity in literary works.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MYTH

 Myth is a legendary or a traditional story that usually concerns an event or a hero with
or without using factual or real explanations. These particularly concerns demigods or
deities (supernatural being considered divine or sacred like zeus which is the God of
Sky), describe some rites and practices ( barang or kulam), and natural phenomenon.
Typically, a myth involves historical events and supernatural beings.
Myths are mostly old, and happen to have ruled the world when
Science, Philosophy and Technology were not very precise, as
they are today. Therefore, people were unaware of certain
questions like, why is the sky blue? The questions that cannot be
answered by science and technology. Thus, it was myths that
explained natural phenomena and described rituals and
ceremonies to the people.

Example of Philippine Myth:

Maria Makiling, in Philippine mythology, is a diwata(anito) or lambana( fairy) associated with Mount
Makiling in Laguna,Philippines. She is the most widely known diwata in Philippine mythology, and was
venerated in pre-colonial Philppines as a goddess known as Dayang Masalanta who was invoked to stop
deluge, storms and earthquakes. Maria Makiling is the guardian spirit of the mountain, responsible for
protecting its bounty and thus, also a benefactor for the townspeople
who depend on the mountain resources.
Maria Makiling is a prominent example of the mountain-goddesses motif in Philippine mythology.

Prepared by:
MACALINGA, MAY–ANN R.
BEED- III-G