Epic Tales of the Philippines is an anthology of epic stories, retold in narrative form, from original ballads and poems of major tribal groups of the country. Like their European paradigms, the epic tales explore themes of good and evil, loyalty, justice, and love. Heroes are endowed with superhuman qualities in their quest for adventure, vendetta, and romance. Tribal epics are distinctive for the presence of the magical betel nut, which plays a crucial role in the plot. Previously published and unpublished epics are expertly compiled and edited for individual reading to provide an invaluable source in the study of Philippine folkloristics and Asian literature.
