Philippine Myths, Legends, and Folktales

by Maximo D. Ramos

A collection of 31 Myths, Legends, and Folktales from around the Philippines that showcase the rich and diverse cultural identity throughout the archipelago. The book includes some illustrations, making it a wonderful collection to share with children of Filipino ancestry, or anyone interested in learning about different cultures from around the globe. WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG: How People Were Created Why the Sun Is Brighter than the Moon The Coleto and the Crow The Legend of Mount Kanlaon Why Dogs Bare Their Teeth The Origin of Bananas IN THE PHILIPPINE ELFLAND: The Two Woodcutters and the Elf The Wee Folk The Frog Princess The Bridge of the Angels Two Boys and a Tianak The Elf's Gifts TALES OF LAUGHTER: The Tale of Pakungo-adipen The Man and the Lizard The Man Who Played Dead The Two Foolish Peddlers ANIMALS AND PEOPLE: The Monkeys and the Butterflies Three Friends Seek a Home The Monkey Prince Tale of the Kind-hearted Manobo The Monkey Who Became a Servant ADVENTURE TALES: Death and Datu Omar The Man Who Reached the Sky-World The Buried Treasure The Tale of Magbaloto Tale of the 101 Brothers and Their Sister The Tale of Sog-sogot The Enchanted Snail The Man Who Tried to Cheat Death The Tale of Diwata

Genres: Mythology, Folk Tales

149 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 1990

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The folktales in this collection are average; nothing spectacular for storytelling, but interesting in their representation of Philippine folklore and culture (and to see the many stories that also exist in other cultures in varied forms). I was hoping this would add to my storytelling repertoire, but no such luck.

[taylor ryan ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

read like a childrens book (which i don’t think it is??) but still interesting to see how myths are similar throughout different cultures

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humans made from corn meal is the most interesting takeaway from reading this book of mythology and folktales. An enjoyable read full of monsters, handsome princes, beautiful princesses, magical creatures, hidden treasures, and poor people who get lucky or unlucky with their encounters in the forest.

[Nick Klagge · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine, kind of like a very condensed version of the Damiana Eugenio folktales collection. Unfortunately, probably like the original Grimm's, most of these stories either have horrible things happening, or have pretty retrograde biases, so I wouldn't really enjoy reading with a kid.