Philippine Folk Tales

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Philippine Folk Tales

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

An ethnographic collection of Philippine folktales retold by Mable Cook Cole after four years among the islands' wild tribes. Offering readers a glimpse into the magic, superstitions, and customs of the Tinguian, Igorot, Moro, and Christianized peoples, this volume blends mythic wonder with scientific insight.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled from four years of fieldwork among the rugged tribes of Luzon and Mindanao, Mable Cook Cole's *Philippine Folk Tales* offers a comprehensive collection of indigenous lore ranging from the head-hunting customs of the Tinguian to the warrior ethos of the Moro. The volume is structured into five distinct groups: Tinguian, Igorot, Wild Tribes of Mindanao, Moro, and Christianized natives. This division allows Cole to illustrate the vast cultural spectrum of the archipelago, contrasting the mythology of savagery with that of high development and observing how European, Arab, and Spanish influences have been absorbed and reinterpreted by local storytellers. The collection serves as both a repository of ancient beliefs and a bridge between scientific observation and popular storytelling. Early narratives explain cosmic origins, such as the myth where a woman's ornaments became the moon and stars after she pounded rice too vigorously, or the flood caused by a giant crab. Other tales detail the acquisition of fire, the origin of monkeys, and the magical powers of heroes like Ini-init, a sun-god who descends to earth. Cole preserves the voices of native storytellers, noting that characters often shift names across tales while maintaining established personalities. In the Tinguian and Igorot sections, the text highlights a worldview where spirits inhabit stones and trees, and jars converse with their owners. These stories embody the traditions of "the first times," explaining present laws and customs through the deeds of generalized heroes who practiced magic and raised the dead. The Mindanao section introduces the Bukidnon and Bagobo, who, despite their industriousness in forging brass and weaving hemp, remain deeply respectful of spirits like Diwata Magbabaya, who lives in a house of coins in the sky. The Moro tales reflect the influence of Arabian traders and Hindu mythology, while the Christianized natives' stories show how European fables, such as those of Midas, have been molded to reflect local ideas. Throughout the book, Cole illuminates a world where ancient beliefs persist alongside new religions. Whether recounting the transformation of children into monkeys due to laughter or the celestial journey of the hunter Magbangal, the tales reveal a society where the supernatural is intimately woven into daily life. The collection stands as a testament to the resilience of indigenous culture, capturing a magic-filled wonder-world as pictured by the dark-skinned inhabitants of the islands.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore