SALMORIN, BASHRACEL MARIE M.

BSN 3-F

Activity 2: Module 1 ( Folklore example)

1. Choose only one folklore ( you can copy and paste but please indicate the
source)

THE LEGEND OF THE TAGALOGS

In a certain wide region of Luzon, there was a village frequented by young men. The
town was full of trees, beautiful flowers and a river where clear waters flowed. What
attracted the young men more than the scenery was a beautiful nymph- like maiden.
The maiden was Maria and she had lots of suitors who came from afar and who fought
for her hand. But Maria remained unconcerned and very choosy. Because she was kind,
her suitors remained undaunted so Maria thought of a plan. She called all the men together
and told them, "You are all good and kind and it is difficult for me to choose one among you.
Let me decide with a test. "I'll marry the first man who can bring me a big, live and strong
serpent, "Maria said in jest. T
The young men were dumbfounded. After a while, the voice of Ilog broke the silence.
"In promise to bring you one, Maria. Eve if I have to risk my like, I'll bring you what you
wish. Ilog was a man known for his bravery. He left immediately to fulfill his promise.
The men whispered among themselves. They were sure that Ilog would never be able
to return. They waited for a long while but Ilog had not returned. Even Maria was saddened
because she also grieved the loss of a man as brave and accommodating as Ilog. After
many hours, Ilog returned. They crowded to see how Ilog would prove his bravery. Ilog held
a big snake by its nape and tail. While the men were thus occupied, two Spaniards passed
by. Their attention was caught not by what Ilog held but by the beauty of Maria.
"Maria," heroically called Ilog. "I've brought you the serpent you wished for. What else
do you want me to do to make you happy?" The Spaniards were startled. They asked the
people around where they were and in what place they were in but nobody paid attention
for their attention were focused on the snake and on Maria. When Maria saw that the snake
was still struggling, she shouted.
SALMORIN, BASHRACEL MARIE M. BSN 3-F
"Taga, Ilog! Taga, Ilog!" (Cut, Ilog! Cut, Ilog!) which she addressed to Ilog so he would
cut the snake up again. The two Spaniards, thinking that this was in answer to their
question repeated the words TAGAILOG, TAGAILOG which later became TAGALOG.

Source: https://www.slideshare.net/JemSvlle/compilation-of-philippine-literature-during-
prespanish-and-spanish.

1. What do you think is the value or importance of that particular folklore to our
culture?

The Legend of Tagalog was written during spanish period and it shows we develop an
understanding of their culture from our forefathers. It values culture in a way of establishing
unity among the different people living in the same village in Luzon. This legend is relevant
since in the story, Ilog displays bravery who will do everything for the his love to Maria, in
today’s setting men are still practicing what Ilog done in which men will make certin to give
extra effort in asking for the “YES” of the person they like or love. Also, this legend values
how the word tagalog was being originated despite the goal of this story is to entertain our
ancestors. This Legend of Tagalog is important for it has become a part of the life of the
people living in Luzon because the word tagalog itself plays a big part in their beliefs,
practices, culture, and celebrations until the present time.

2. Give your insight why is that particular folklore that you have chosen can be a
source of history.

This legend of Tagalog can be a source of history of our country for it is included as an
oral tradition that has been passed down verbally from generation to generation. One
aspect of this certain folklore is that it benefits Filipinos to understand the rich folklore and
mystic tradition of our ancestors in the past. A sense of national pride and a sense of
devotion to one country, tribe or village may develop by knowing the struggles and
hardships of the forefathers to freedom and independence under spaniards and it also
strengthened ethnic identity like a group of people in the village as mentioned. It presents
information about the different periods, places, and times such as this legend was made
SALMORIN, BASHRACEL MARIE M. BSN 3-F
during the spanish era and in the village in Luzon. This became a source of history since as
mentioned this was written during spanish period thus it displays that our country was under
the spanish colonial for years and our beliefs and traditions was influenced by the spaniards