Pre-Colonial Era in Philippine Literature

What is the name of the alphabet used by Filipinos before the arrival of the Spaniards?

Oral literature was not significant in the early times of Philippine history.

Which of the following best describes the literary period before the arrival of the Spaniards?

The syllabary or alibata consisted of _____ symbols, including vowels and consonants.

Match the following descriptions with their corresponding terms:

What is the typical format of a riddle?

Fables often use animals as characters to teach human values.

What type of narrative is an epic?

A __________ is a story explaining origins handed down from the past.

Match the type of prose narrative with its description:

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a myth?

Legends are scientifically proven stories about historical events.

Pre-Colonial Era (Early Times-1564)

Represents the first and longest literary period in Philippine history before Spanish colonization.
Oral literature served as the foundation of Philippine literature, featuring myths, folklore, and narrative songs transmitted through generations.
Filipinos utilized a writing system known as syllabary, commonly referred to as alibata.
Alibata is believed to have roots in either Sanskrit or Arabic.
The syllabary consisted of seventeen symbols, including three vowels which represented the five vowels and fourteen consonants in the language.

Riddles (Bugtong)

Riddles are mind puzzles presented as mystifying questions.
Intended to challenge and engage the solver's thinking skills.
Example: "A deep well that is full of chisels." – Answer: mouth (bibig).
Example: "My two boxes are opened without a sound." – Answer: eyes (mata).

Prose Narratives

Prose narratives aim to explain natural phenomena through storytelling.
They often feature mythological creatures, legends, and characters with supernatural abilities.
Preserved as a vital part of regional history and culture.

Types of Prose Narratives

Epic: A lengthy narrative poem that recounts the quests and adventures of a hero endowed with extraordinary strength and abilities.
Myth: Narratives involving gods and goddesses that utilize traditional language to explain cultural beliefs, mysteries, and practices.
Fables: Stories featuring anthropomorphized animals designed to impart moral lessons and human values.
Legends: Narratives explaining historical origins that are passed through generations; some elements may be believed but lack scientific evidence.

Explore the rich tapestry of the Pre-Colonial Era in Philippine literature, which lasted from early times until 1564. This quiz delves into the origins of oral literature, including myths, folklore, and narrative songs, as well as the unique writing system known as alibata. Test your knowledge on the ancient literary practices that shaped Philippine culture before Spanish colonization.