Lit: Pre-Colonial

LESSON 2 — PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

Before 1565

I. Literary History

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Filipinos already had a rich oral literary tradition. Literature was passed from one generation to another mainly through oral transmission, because writing systems were not yet widespread.

Different groups had their own languages, traditions, stories, and forms of literature.

Important characteristics:

  • Mostly oral

  • Passed from generation to generation

  • Connected to daily life, beliefs, nature, and customs

  • Often performed through singing, chanting, storytelling, and rituals

  • Different regions had different literary traditions

  • Used indigenous languages

Indigenous Writing Systems

Some Filipinos used indigenous scripts before Spanish colonization, including:

  • Baybayin – commonly associated with Tagalog

  • Kulitan – associated with Kapampangan

  • Other indigenous scripts existed in different communities

Important: Do not think that pre-colonial Filipinos had no writing at all. Oral literature was dominant, but indigenous writing systems existed.

II. Geographic, Linguistic, and Ethnic Dimensions

The Philippines had many different communities, so literature varied according to region and ethnic group.

Region/Group

Examples of Literature

Luzon

Hudhud, Ibalon, folk narratives

Visayas

Hinilawod, folk songs

Mindanao

Darangen, Indarapatra at Sulayman

Ifugao

Hudhud

Maranao

Darangen

Ilocano

Folk songs, legends

Tagalog

Folk tales, riddles, proverbs

III. Literary Forms

1. Folk Tales

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

2. Myths

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

3. Legends

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

4. Epics

Long narrative poems about heroic figures and their adventures.

Examples:

  • Hudhud ni Aliguyon

  • Darangen

  • Hinilawod

  • Ibalon

  • Ullalim

5. Proverbs

Short statements expressing wisdom or advice.

Example:

"Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga."

6. Riddles

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

7. Folk Songs

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

8. Chants

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

IV. Important Works

Hudhud ni Aliguyon

  • Origin: Ifugao

  • Form: Epic

  • Language: Ifugao

  • Main character: Aliguyon

  • Focuses on heroism, conflict, family, and community.

Darangen

  • Origin: Maranao

  • Form: Epic

  • Language: Maranao

  • Contains stories about Maranao heroes, traditions, and values.

Hinilawod

  • Origin: Panay

  • Form: Epic

  • Contains stories of heroes and supernatural adventures.

Ibalon

  • Origin: Bicol

  • Form: Epic

  • Features heroes such as Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong.

Indarapatra at Sulayman

  • Origin: Mindanao

  • Form: Epic

  • Focuses on heroic brothers and their battles against supernatural creatures.

⭐ PRE-COLONIAL — MUST REMEMBER

Main idea:

Literature was primarily oral, diverse, and closely connected to the culture, beliefs, and everyday life of indigenous communities.

Keywords:
Oral tradition • Indigenous languages • Epics • Folktales • Proverbs • Riddles • Folk songs • Myths