The Origin of the World: A Bukidnon Folktale

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The Genesis of Existence

Long, long ago in the ethereal realm of Banting, bathed in the radiant glow of a circular space enveloped by a rainbow, the cosmos were void, and the gods dwelled in great brightness. Magbabaya, Dadanyahan, and Makabughaw, embodiments of order and balance, were the divine architects of creation.

I. Setting the Cosmic Stage

The narrative unfolds in a pre-earth era where the gods resided in the celestial expanse. The luminosity of their dwelling is vividly captured by the phrase, "...a circular space of great brightness encircled with a rainbow."

II. Characters Shaping Existence

1. Magbabaya - The singular-headed deity, a round character whose benevolence extended to constructing an extension for the weary Makabughaw. Initially helpful yet occasionally imperious, Magbabaya's actions culminate in a bout of madness.

2. Dadanyahan - The ten-headed god, dynamically evolving from a benevolent provider to a figure consumed by madness. His capacity to furnish whatever the gods required undergoes a transformation, leading to the pivotal conflict.

3. Makabughaw - The winged god, a steadfast companion who, though lacking significant growth, continuously played a supportive role, contributing the essential first wind to the cosmos.

III. Unveiling the Cosmic Drama

a. Exposition

The gods, dwelling harmoniously in their radiant abode, decided to create the earth for Makabughaw's repose. Utilizing Dadanyahan's saliva and Magbabaya's blessings, they birthed the first rain, shaping the earth's topography and fostering the growth of flora.

b. Rising Action

With the earth formed and teeming with diverse life, the gods recognized the need for caretakers.

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In a collaborative effort involving Dadanyahan's saliva, Magbabaya's blessing, and Makabughaw's labor, they sculpted images resembling themselves.

c. Climax

As the seventh figure took shape, Magbabaya, needing to attend to other matters, entrusted Dadanyahan with the instruction not to alter the image. Ignoring the directive, Dadanyahan, driven by creative impulses, incited a fierce altercation.

d. Falling Action

To quell the conflict, an agreement emerged. Dadanyahan retained the six images, which metamorphosed into mystical beings known as engkantos, while Magbabaya retained only one image.

e. Denouement

From the solitary image of Magbabaya sprang the first human, while the minuscule clay remnants birthed the myriad creatures that inhabit the earth.

IV. Cosmic Strife: Man vs. Man

The crux of the conflict unfolds between the divine characters when their unwillingness to yield to each other's wishes precipitates a cosmic clash.

V. Temptation and Destruction: A Pervasive Theme

The overarching theme of temptation and destruction permeates the narrative. Dadanyahan succumbs to the allure of tampering with the image, resulting in the creation of undesirable beings and, ultimately, shattering his friendship with Magbabaya.

VI. Cosmic Reflections

The tale of creation from Bukidnon reveals the delicate balance between benevolence and the consequences of succumbing to temptation. The gods, despite their divine stature, grapple with human-like flaws, emphasizing the universality of such struggles.

In conclusion, the mythic genesis of the world in Bukidnon's folklore encapsulates profound insights into the complexities of creation, friendship, and the timeless battle between temptation and destruction. As the gods shaped the cosmos, so too do these elemental forces shape the human experience.

Updated: Dec 29, 2023
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The Origin of the World: A Bukidnon Folktale. (2016, May 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/how-the-world-began-gods-story-essay

The Origin of the World: A Bukidnon Folktale essay
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