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Tales -- Philippines Books
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Philippine Folk Tales
"Philippine Folk Tales" by Mabel Cook Cole is a collection of traditional stories compiled and annotated in the early 20th century. This anthology focuses on the rich folklore of the Philippines, presenting tales that delve into the magic, superstitions, and customs of various indigenous tribes in the archipelago. The opening of the collection introduces the author's intention and the cultural context of the tales, highlighting her experiences among the wild tribes of the Philippines during her ethnological work. It sets the stage for the stories to come, which are grouped by different tribes, including the Tinguian and Igorot. The narratives promise a deep dive into mythical characters, such as Aponibolinayen, and themes of magical transformations, interactions with nature, and the exploration of human emotions and relationships, encapsulating the essence of Philippine folklore. The stories not only entertain but also serve to preserve cultural heritage and provide insights into the values and beliefs of the Filipino people.
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Filipino Popular Tales
"Filipino Popular Tales" by Dean S. Fansler is a collection of folk tales gathered from the Philippines during the early 20th century, specifically between 1908 and 1914. This compilation presents an accessible format for readers interested in the rich oral traditions of the Filipino people, showcasing the blend of indigenous folklore influenced by varied cultural encounters, including Malayan, Indian, and Occidental narratives. Fansler aims to highlight the significance of these tales in the broader context of world fiction, offering a glimpse into the unique cultural heritage of the Philippines. At the start of the anthology, the opening tale, "Suan's Good Luck," introduces a clever boy named Suan who gains a reputation as a diviner despite his playful nature and whimsical acts of deception. Through a series of challenges, Suan successfully finds a missing ring and wins the hand of a princess, exhibiting both luck and cunning along the way. The narrative follows Suan as he navigates a world filled with trials where intelligence and creativity triumph over adversity, setting the tone for the collection's overarching themes of wit, bravery, and the consequences of one's choices in Filipino folklore.
Clara Kern Bayliss
Philippine Folk-Tales
"Philippine Folk-Tales" by Clara Kern Bayliss, Berton L. Maxfield, Fletcher Gardner, Laura Watson Benedict, and W. H. Millington is a collection of traditional stories compiled in the early 20th century. The book features a rich tapestry of folklore from the Philippines, including tales from various regions such as Visayan and Tagalog lore, celebrating themes of morality, wit, and the human experience intertwined with nature and mythical creatures. The opening of the collection introduces readers to several light-hearted tales beginning with "The Monkey and the Turtle," which presents a fable about friendship, betrayal, and retribution between two animals. The Monkey, who becomes greedy after finding bananas, neglects his friend the Turtle, leading to a series of retaliatory tricks that culminate in the Monkey's downfall. Following this, there’s a story about a farmer who, after losing his crops, gains a magical stone that provides him the power to become invisible, allowing him to steal riches to save his family. These initial stories set the tone for the collection, merging humor with valuable moral lessons reflective of Filipino culture.
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