Lit: Pre-Colonial

Oral Literary Tradition

Literature that is passed from one generation to another through spoken word rather than written texts.

Indigenous Languages

The native languages used by different ethnic groups in the Philippines before Spanish colonization.

Epics

Long narrative poems that detail the adventures and exploits of heroic figures.

Folk Tales

Stories passed orally that explain life, nature, or human behavior.

Myths

Stories involving gods, supernatural beings, and the origins of things.

Legends

Stories that explain the origin of a place, object, person, or natural feature.

Proverbs

Short statements expressing wisdom or advice.

Riddles

Questions or descriptions that require the listener to guess an answer.

Folk Songs

Songs expressing emotions, traditions, work, courtship, or everyday experiences.

Chants

Words or verses performed rhythmically, often connected to rituals or traditions.

Baybayin

An indigenous writing script associated with the Tagalog language.

Kulitan

An indigenous writing script associated with the Kapampangan language.

Hudhud ni Aliguyon

An epic from Ifugao focusing on heroism, conflict, family, and community.

Darangen

An epic from Maranao containing stories about Maranao heroes, traditions, and values.

Hinilawod

An epic from Panay that contains stories of heroes and supernatural adventures.

Ibalon

An epic from Bicol featuring heroes such as Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong.

Indarapatra at Sulayman

An epic from Mindanao that focuses on heroic brothers and their battles against supernatural creatures.