Convergence and divergence in the pre-Spanish Kapampangan, Cordilleran and Ilocano ethno-epics

Abstract

This thesis is entitled, Convergence and Divergence in the Pre-Spanish Kapampangan, Cordilleran and Ilocano Ethno- epics. It sought to find out the points of convergence and divergence in the pre-Spanish ethno-epics of the Kapampangan, Cordilleran and Ilocano; namely, Sinukwan, Hudhud hi Aliguyon and Biag ni Lam-ang. The study specifically sought to answer the following questions: 1. What are the similarities and differences present in the three ethno-epics in terms of: a. plot? b. character?c. setting? 2. What literary devices and techniques are used in all the three ethno-epics to bring out their similarities and differences? 3. What are the points of convergence and divergence of the three ethno-epics in terms of: a. values? b. beliefs? c. traditions? Data to these research problems were acquired using the descriptive method. The researcher used content analysis of the ethno-epics Sinukwan, Hudhud hi Aliguyon and Biag ni Lam-ang. The objective theory, formalistic theory, and the theories of Olrik, Propp, Greimas and Jung were utilized as the methods of analyzing the plot, character, setting and literary devices of the three ethno¬epics. The theory of Enriquez, the basic personality theory, sociological approach and the cross-cultural theory were employed in examining the values, beliefs and traditions contained in the three ethno-epics. Based on the research problems, the following were the findings of this research: 1.a. The plots of the three ethno-epics were similar in terms of the narration of the heroes' significant adventures, the romantic quests, sequencing, patterns and category. They were different in the manner of length, number of scenes or episodes, the opening and closing of the ethno-epics, the use of repetition, focus on the leading character, the presence of resurrection, method of narration, point of view and the presence of Christian elements. 1.b. Similarity of characters was found in their archetypal heroic qualities, dominant presence of a female figure, together with the presence of brave antagonists and the involvement of community members. The difference was found in terms of the heroes' immortality/mortality, initiation, positive and negative values, the use of super natural powers, the presence of preternatural creatures, the number of characters and the degree of involvement of other characters tribes from other places. However, they were different in terms of the extent of their geographical scope. 2. The literary devices and techniques employed were repetition, stock phrases/formulae, epithet, hyperbole, simile, and enumeration. Epithets, hyperboles, and similes were utilized by the three ethno-epics, while repetition, stock phrases/formulae and enumeration were not found in all three. 3.a The convergent values manifested were hiya, utang na boob and pakikisama as well as hospitality, courage, loyalty, the sense of duty and high regard for women. Values were divergent in terms of the presence of obedience, pacifism, level of determination, leadership, humility, regard for strength and generosity. 3.bThe beliefs converged with the concept of omens. They diverged in terms of the perception in paglilihi, the use of talismans, fortune telling and the practice of religious beliefs such as the idao. 3.c The traditions converged in terms of the practice of feasting and the chewing of betel/areca nut. They diverged in the manner of performing courtship practices, as well as in the practice of singing and dancing. Based on the findings of the study, the following are the conclusions that the researcher has drawn: 1. The three ethno-epics demonstrated similarities and differences with regard to their plot, character and setting. 2. The three ethno-epics had employed various literary devices and techniques that brought out their similarities and differences. 3. The values, beliefs, and traditions reflected in the three ethno-epics brought out the diverging yet unifying elements of the three tribes. The following are the recommendations of the researcher based on the findings and conclusions of this study: 1. An in-depth analysis focusing on either the plot, character and setting of the three ethno-epics can be undertaken. 2. Future researchers may employ other folk epic theories, particularly those that are indigenous, on the three ethno-epics. 3. Studies could be done on the literariness of the three ethno-epics. 4. Further studies may be done by sociologists on the implications of the ancient values, beliefs and traditions to the contemporary Filipino ethos. 5. A research may be conducted to examine the heroines or the female figures in the three ethno-epics considered in this study. 6. Studies may also be done on other ethno-epics that represent other regions or tribal groups in the Philippines. 7. Historians may conduct studies focusing on the past or geographical location of the places that the folk epic represents and their cultural implications to the present time. 8. Studies may be done on the pre-Spanish literature focusing on supernatural and preternatural elements they contain. 9. Linguists can examine the syntax and semantics in the language of the three ethno-epics or other ethno-epics from other regions. 10. Ethnographers and anthropologists can analyze further the three ethno-epics to relate their socio¬cultural value to the contemporary period.