- by Marie Melanie J. Misajon (completed May 2008)
ABSTRACT
This study determined the operating systems in Early Bisayan mythology. The basic objectives of this study were to identify the components of the power, kinship, territorial, propriety and value systems. The models for this research were taken from the Greek and Lithuanian models using literature as data source. Manuscripts of epics, myths and legend were collected, read, and analyzed. Characters were identified and categorized. Three eras in the Early Bisayan period timeline were observed, the Hindu Era, Negrito Era and Bornean Era. The concept of a supreme god and creator was consistently observed varying only in the names given to the. The supreme power is assigned to the elements of wind and water followed by deities called diwata in Hiligaynon. The kinship system permeates mythology, among the elements, deities and mortals. The territorial system includes dominion over a certain element, part of nature, political division or human host habitation by spirits. The proprietary system was moderately observed among mortals through the ownership of slaves and personal properties. The value system is dominant with a clear reference to right and wrong, reward and punishment. The highest value goes to obedience and industry being the ones that deities reward.The subjugation system was observed in the characters of monsters or creatures that a hero is expected to defeat to be worthy of his stature. Collectively, early Bisayan mythology validates scientific claims of world events like the dengue and of the elements pre-existing man.