Pre-colonial Philippine Literature Genres

A narrative originating and traditional among a people, especially one forming part of the oral tradition of the common people.

• Folk Tale

• Legend

• Myth

• Epic

These are stories intended to teach human values with animals as major characters attributing human qualities.

• Epic

• Myth

• Legend

• Fable

This is a story of gods and goddesses told using a traditional language explaining mysteries, beliefs and practices.

• Legend

• Myth

• Folk Tale

• Fable

This is a long narrative paragraph poem about quests and exciting adventures of a hero with unusual strength and power.

• Folktale

• Epic

• Legend

• Myth

These are stories explaining origins handed down from the past and passed through different generations. This is believed by some people but not proven scientifically.

• Legend

• Folk Tale

• Epic

• Folk Tale

These are truths and wise sayings that are expressed in a language that is popularly known. It is based on common sense and real life experiences.

• Tanaga

• Proverbs (Salawikain)

• Folk Song

• Riddle

This is a game in a form of mystifying question and a mind puzzle intended to be solved.

• Tanaga

• Proverbs (Salawikain)

• Riddles (Bugtong)

• Folk Song

This is a form lyrical expression created by people according to their region. Example: sitsiritsit

• Riddles (Bugtong)

• Tanaga

• Proverbs (Salawikain)

• Folk Song

A poem in quatrain containing seven syllables each line with a monorine.

• Sonnet

• Haiku

• Tanaga

• Epic

It is the alphabet of the Filipinos before the arrival of the Spaniards.

• Alibata

• Baybayin

• Roman Alphabet

• English Alphabet