Scribd
Upload
1K views3 pages

The Legend of The Tagalogs

The legend describes a beautiful maiden named Maria in a village in Luzon who had many suitors but remained choosy. She proposed a test for her suitors, saying she would marry the man who could bring her a large, live snake. A man named Ilog accepted the challenge despite the risks. Though others doubted him, Ilog returned with a large snake. When Maria shouted "Taga Ilog! Taga Ilog!" meaning "Cut the snake, cut the snake!", Spanish observers mistook this as the name of the people, thus calling them the Tagalogs.

Uploaded by

Neil Cody A. Jeliang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views3 pages

The Legend of The Tagalogs

The legend describes a beautiful maiden named Maria in a village in Luzon who had many suitors but remained choosy. She proposed a test for her suitors, saying she would marry the man who could bring her a large, live snake. A man named Ilog accepted the challenge despite the risks. Though others doubted him, Ilog returned with a large snake. When Maria shouted "Taga Ilog! Taga Ilog!" meaning "Cut the snake, cut the snake!", Spanish observers mistook this as the name of the people, thus calling them the Tagalogs.

Uploaded by

Neil Cody A. Jeliang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

“The Legend of the Tagalogs”

In a certain wide region of Luzon, there was a village frequented by young men. This town was
full of trees, beautiful flowers and a river where clear waters are flowed. What attracted the young
men more than the scenery was a beautiful nymph-like maiden.
The maiden was Maria and she had lots of suitors who came from afar and who fought for her
hand. "But Maria remained unconcerned and very choosy. Because she was kind, her suitors
remained undaunted so Maria thought of a plan. She called all the young men together and told them,
“You are all good and kind and it is difficult to choose among you. Let me decide with a test.”
I'll marry the man who can bring me a big, live and strong serpent, Maria said in jest.
The young men were dumbfounded. After a while, the voice of Ilog broke the silence.
I promise to bring you one, Maria. Even if I have to risk my life, I'll bring what you wish. Ilog
was a man known for his bravery. He left immediately to fulfill his promise.
The men whispered among themselves. They were sure that Ilog will never be able to return.
They waited for a long while but Ilog had not returned. Even Maria was saddened because she also
grieved the loss of a man as brave and accommodating as Ilog.
After many hours, Ilog returned. They crowded to see how Ilog prove his bravery. Ilog held a
big snake by its nape and tail.
While the men were thus occupied, two Spaniards passed by. Their attention was caught not by what
Ilog held a big snake by its nape and tail.
Maria, heroically called Ilog. I've brought you the serpent you wished for. What else do you
want me to do to make you happy?
Cut it up! Shouted Maria.
The Spaniards were startled. They asked the people around where they were and in what
place they were in but nobody paid attention for their attention was focused on the snake and on
Maria. When Maria saw that the snake was still struggling, she shouted.
Taga Ilog! Taga Ilog! (Cut Ilog, Cut Ilog!) which she addressed to Ilog so he would cut the
snake up again.
The two Spaniards, thinking that this was in answer to their question repeated the words
TAGAILOG, TAGAILOG which later became TAGALOG.
GEOGRAPHIC LINGUISTIC ETHNICITY

 Wide region of Luzon-  Nymph-like- A mythical  It’s hard to beat a person


This is where the goddess represented as who never gives up
village is located a young girl and said to
whereas frequented by live outdoors; as  She had lots of suitors
young men mentioned in the story, who came from afar and
Maria was a beautiful who fought for her hand.
 Town- a place with a nymph- like maiden.
beautiful scenery  For him, anything is
 Maiden- An unmarried possible for someone he
 Tagalog- a member of girl or woman. loves
a people of Central
Luzon; The legend of  Serpent- A large snake.  Success is achieved by
the Tagalogs is from In the story, Maria marry ordinary people with
the Region 4 the man who can bring extraordinary
him a serpent. determination.

 Ilog- A naturally stream


of water usually
considerable volume. In
this story Ilog used as
name of the character.

 Spaniards- a native or
inhabitant of Spain;
mention as passerby.

 Heroically- in an
admirably brave or
determined manner;
mentioned as the feeling
of Maria when she called
Ilog.

 Tagalog- A member of
people of Central Luzon;
an Austronesian
language of the Tagalog
people; The legend of
the Tagalogs is from the
Region 4

You might also like