In this article, you will encounter a tale from ancient times in the Philippines, before the arrival of Spanish colonizers. The story revolves around a cruel sultan and the consequences of his tyranny. As you read, expect to meet a variety of characters, including a brave family and mystical beings, and witness how their actions lead to significant changes in their community. The narrative also presents timeless lessons about justice, family bonds, and the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil.
Read also: Alamat ng Saging (English Version) »
Table of Contents
Ang Alamat ng Bayabas (The Legend of the Guava)
Once upon a time, before the Spanish colonizers arrived in the Philippines, there was a sultan known for his extreme cruelty and disregard for justice. This sultan was Sultan Barabas, and his word was law. He showed no mercy in his punishments, regardless of whether the person was old, young, male, or female.
One day, while Sultan Barabas was walking in his palace, one of his servants asked him, “Great Sultan, why are you always angry?”
The Sultan replied, “My anger gives me strength and power. No one can defy me.”
One evening, a fisherman was out fishing and returned home very late. Because of this, the Sultan had him arrested and imprisoned. Not content with this, he also ordered the fisherman to be tortured.
When the fisherman’s wife found out, she went to the Sultan’s palace late at night, trembling but determined. When she arrived at the palace, she knocked on the door and the Sultan came out.
“What do you want, woman?” the Sultan asked angrily.
“Great Sultan, please release my husband. He has done nothing wrong,” the woman pleaded, crying.
Instead of showing mercy, Sultan Barabas became even angrier. “No mercy here! Both of you will be imprisoned!” he shouted.
The couple found some solace in being together in prison, but they worried about their child left at home. Unknown to them, fairies in the forest were taking care of their child, and providing food daily.
One day, their young son decided to go to the Sultan to ask for his parents’ release. The fairies accompanied him to the palace. When they arrived, he faced the Sultan.
“Great Sultan, please release my father and mother. The food you eat comes from the hard work of my parents,” the boy said fearlessly.
But the Sultan only laughed. In his rage, the boy suddenly snatched the Sultan’s crown and ran away. The Sultan chased him until they reached the garden. Exhausted, the Sultan stopped in front of a large tree and collapsed, dead.
The Sultan was buried in the garden. A new, kind, and just sultan took his place and opened the garden to everyone. Over time, a new plant grew from the Sultan’s burial site. Its fruit was round with a crown-like base. The people were curious and tasted the strange fruit.
“Bitter!” one exclaimed. “As bitter as Sultan Barabas’s character!”
When the fruits grew larger, they tasted them again. “Sour. As sour as Sultan Barabas’s face!”
“Then that tree must be Barabas!” many said.
When the fruit ripened, it became sweet and was liked by everyone. They named it “Bayabas” (Guava), in remembrance of Sultan Barabas.
Read also: Alamat ng Bayabas (Buod, Tauhan, Aral, atbp.) »
Summary of the Legend of the Guava
The “Legend of the Guava” is a story about the cruel Sultan Barabas, who had no sense of justice. His cruelty instilled fear in his subjects. One day, he imprisoned a fisherman for the simple act of coming home late. The fisherman’s wife went to the palace to plead for mercy but was also imprisoned.
Their young son, with the help of fairies, went to the palace to ask for his parents’ release. In his anger, the Sultan chased the boy who had snatched his crown. Exhausted, the Sultan collapsed and died. He was buried in the garden, and over time, a tree grew from his burial site. Its fruit was named Bayabas (Guava), initially bitter and sour but eventually sweet when ripe.
Characters in the Legend of the Guava
- Sultan Barabas – A cruel ruler with no sense of justice. Always angry and wicked, he caused fear and suffering among his subjects.
- Fisherman – A simple fisherman who was imprisoned and tortured for coming home late.
- Fisherman’s Wife – A loving and brave woman who pleaded with the Sultan for her husband’s release but was also imprisoned.
- Fisherman’s Son – A brave and determined boy who, with the help of fairies, confronted the Sultan to save his parents.
- Fairies – Mystical beings who helped the fisherman’s son, providing him with food and guidance.
Lessons from the Story
- Evil Deeds Have Consequences: Sultan Barabas’s cruelty led to his downfall, showing that evil actions are always punished.
- Family Love and Support: The fisherman’s family showed their love and support for each other even in the face of adversity.
- Courage and Bravery: The bravery of the fisherman’s son saved his parents and brought about change in their town.
- Goodness Brings Positive Outcomes: The kindness of the fairies and the new sultan brought peace and happiness to the town.
- Justice: The new sultan was just and kind, setting a good example for his subjects.
Conclusion
The “Legend of the Guava” is a colorful story full of lessons and symbolism. It highlights the triumph of goodness over evil and the importance of justice and family love. This story inspires and teaches valuable lessons to everyone.
FAQs
What is the message of the Legend of the Guava?
The message of the “Legend of the Guava” is that goodness and justice always prevail over evil and cruelty. The story shows that Sultan Barabas’s harsh rule led to his downfall, while the kindness and concern of the new sultan brought peace and happiness to the town. It also teaches that family love and support are crucial in facing challenges.
Where did the Legend of the Guava originate?
The “Legend of the Guava” originated in the Philippines and is part of a vast collection of legends and folklore that reflect the rich culture and history of the country.
Who is the author of the Legend of the Guava?
The “Legend of the Guava” is a folktale, and like most legends, it does not have a specific author. It is considered a part of Filipino tradition passed down from generation to generation.