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Literature in Ethnic Oral TraditionsLiterature in Ethnic Oral TraditionsLiterature- any artistic creative piece, whether written or oral, which we can enjoy repeatedly. (Manuel, 1976)

Oral Traditions: myths, legends, folktales, anecdotes, folksongs, ballads, epics, folk poetry, riddles, proverbs, etc.Igorot Myths and Values

Igorot Myths express many aspects of Igorot life how the Igorot sees nature , himself, and society. (Ngales, 1984),

4 categories of Igorot Myths4 categories of Igorot Myths:Flood Myths or Origin MythsMarriage MythsTransformation MythsHeadhunting MythsFlood Myths or Origin Myths

The Flood and the Origin of the Mountain (IFUGAO)

I. Flood Myths or Origin Myths

Flood Myths or Origin Myths

What do they represent?a. Ascending of Mountain- nostalgia to return to paradise

b. Fire- powerlessness of women; man is the hunter

c. Flood (Water)- symbolic of life; deathAs the poet says, the sea is calm and beautiful, but it can also be ugly in its turbulence.

Marriage MythsDulliyaw and Kiwada

Marriage MythsWhat do they represent?

Snake- Mystery; Belief in the paradisiac element of immortalitySetting of the marriage myth which is the forest- symbolic of unspoiled beauty of nature (especially feminine) like paradise

Transformation MythsThe Origin of the Monkey (APAYAO) Days passed and the boy felt himself changing. He found that he had grown a long tail; his skin became hairy and black as the burnt rice. The only sound he could make was k-k-k-k. . .

When his stepmother came, he was sitting on the roof of the house. He chattered to her, k-k-k-k, I am the burnt rice you brought me. The boy had become a monkey.Transformation MythsAccording to Eliade, these transformations are related to the paradisiac epoch:Immortality and freedomThe possibility of the ascension into Heaven and ease of meeting with the godsFriendship with animals and knowledge of their language

These freedoms and ability have been lost, as a result of a primordial event (in these myths) mans wickedness in his mistreatment of children.

Transformation MythsAnimal form- to attain freedom and transcendence. Headhunting MythsHeadhunting MythsDesire for revenge- foremost reason for headhunting

From the Igorot viewpoint, the beheading of a person is deemed necessary to redeem ones honor and prestige if the beheader or his family had been harmed directly or indirectly by his victim. (Ngales, 1984)Headhunting MythsHeadhuntingRevenge (Justice)Prestige and HonorIntrusion of ones abodeOffer as sacrificeMarriage Requisite

References:

Ngales, Marilyn. Themes and Values in Igorot Myths. Masters thesis, University of the Philippines Baguio, 1984.

Manuel, E. A. Literature in Ethnic Oral Traditions.