Mythology and Folklore
Mythology
came from the Greek word “MYTHOS” means “a narrative” and “LOGOS” which means
“speech” or “argument”.
refers to a body of stories that attempt to explain the origins and fundamental values of a given
culture and the nature of the universe and humanity.
Every society preserves its myth because the beliefs and world-view found within them are
crucial to the survival of that culture. Myths usually originate in an ancient oral tradition.
Common Themes in the World Mythology
The first parents are often the gods of the sky and earth.
The creator-god usually fashions the first human beings from parts of the earth - clay, trees,
rocks, or plants.
The god destroys the world of mortals.
Heroes are children of gods who have an unusual birth, possess extraordinary strength, kill
monsters with the help of special weapons, embark on an arduous journey, descend into the
Underworld as part of their tasks, and have an unusual death.
Types of Myths
1. ETIOLOGICAL MYTHS
From the Greek word aeton meaning reason.
Explains why a certain thing is the way it is or how it came to be.
Offer explanations for why the world is the way it is
Example: The Legend of the Pineapple (Alamat ng Pinya) - It explains why the
pineapple has many eyes.
2. HISTORICAL MYTHS
Retells an event from the past but elevate it with greater meaning than the actual event
(if it happened).
Example: Lapu-Lapu (Philippine Hero) - He is real historical figure who resisted
Magellan. Over time, myths portray him as immortal or divinely protected.
3. PSYCHOANALYTICAL MYTHS
Present one with a journey from the known to the unknown which according to Carl
Jung & Joseph Campbell: “represents a psychological need to balance the external and
consciousness of it”
Most psychological myths are called “The Heroes Journey”.
Example: "A young person might be scared about growing up or facing the unknown. A
hero in a myth who leaves home, faces monsters, and comes back stronger is like a
mirror for what the reader is going through in real life."
FOLKLORE
FOLK = a social group that includes two or more persons with common traits, who
express their shared identity through distinctive traditions
LORE is the knowledge and traditions of a particular group of people, frequently passed along
by word of mouth.
The word folklore was coined in 1846 by the English antiquary William John Thoms to replace
the term ''Popular Antiquities‘’ or “Popular Literature”.
FOLK GENRES
1. Physical Object (Material Folklore) - The technology of folk cultures. The design of houses,
costumes, musical instruments, furniture, cutlery, and clothes.
Examples: Material folklore includes all the physical objects that carry tradition—like clothing,
homes, and handmade tools—revealing how a culture lives, creates, and remembers.
2. Common sayings, expressions, stories and songs (Verbal Folklore) - Includes everything
from simple language to complex texts such as proverbs, sayings, riddles, ballads, rhymes,
myths, legends, and folk tale.
Examples:
Proverbs (Salawikain)
Riddles (Bugtong)
Rhymes and Ballads (Bahay Kubo, Leron Leron Sinta)
3. Beliefs and ways of doing things (Customary Folklore) - Represented by common
beliefs, traditions, customs, rituals, parades, games and dances.
Examples:
Pamahiin
Customs and Tradition
Parade and Public Celebrations
4. Children’s folklore and games (Childlore) - A distinct branch of folklore that deals with
activities passed on by children to other children, away from the influence or supervision of
adult.
Examples:
Playground games: Langit-Lupa, Tagu-taguan, Chinese Garter, Luksong-Baka
Rhymes and chants: Nanay, Tatay, gusto ko tinapay, Jack en poy (for deciding turns)
Hand games and clapping patterns: Bato-bato Pik, handclap games with songs
Jokes and Riddles: Knock-knock jokes, Bugtong shared among kids
Make-believe and Role-play: Tindahan-tindahan, Teacher-teacheran, or luto-lutuan
Secret codes and friendship pacts: Pinky promise, “No erase!” spells
