The close analysis of bagobo myths. "The SUN and the MOON"

"The Sun and the Moon" is a traditional folktale of the Bagobo people, an indigenous group from the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. The story is a creation myth that explains the origin of the sun and the moon and how they came to be in the sky. This analysis will explore the literary elements used in the folktale and their significance.

One of the key literary devices used in "The Sun and the Moon" is personification. The sun and the moon are personified and given human-like emotions and desires. For example, the sun and the moon are described as unhappy with their positions in the sky and wanting to switch places. This personification allows the reader to relate to the celestial bodies on a more personal level, making the story more engaging and relatable.

Anthropomorphism is also used in the folktale. The sun and the moon are anthropomorphized, given human-like physical features, and even voices. This makes the story more vivid and visually appealing, allowing the reader to imagine the sun and the moon as human-like figures.

Symbolism is another literary device used in "The Sun and the Moon." The sun and the moon are symbols of the natural world and its order. When the sun and the moon disobey Manama's warning and meet in the sky, the natural order is disrupted, and chaos ensues. This symbolism highlights the importance of following rules and maintaining order in society.

The folktale also uses imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, when the sun and the moon meet in the sky, a great calamity befalls the world, and the earth shakes, the seas boil, and the animals die. This imagery creates a sense of danger and urgency, making the story more exciting and suspenseful.

The narrative structure of the folktale is also significant. The story follows a traditional plot structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The exposition establishes the setting, characters, and conflict. The rising action builds tension as the sun and the moon switch places and disobey Manama's warning. The climax is the meeting of the sun and the moon in the sky, which leads to the calamity that bef.