Sara Andrea Nina P.

Santiago

Hudhud: Ang Kuwento ni Aliguyon

(Epiko ng mga Ifugao)
This story happened in a village where Aliguyon was raised to become the best warrior.
Ever since he was a kid, his father always trained him to become strong. He especially became
skilled with the use of spears. During childhood, his first weapon was a spinning top and every
time he would be challenged to a battle, his top would always remain in the field, breaking other
spinning tops. He was also taught various lessons by his father such as singing warrior songs,
praying to their god, Bathala for the strength and grace, and chanting of powerful words used by
their priests. His father instilled in the mind of Aliguyon the importance of courage and honor.
His father indeed prepared him for one purpose, to defeat his long-term enemy, Pangaiwan.
Aliguyon and a group of men left the village in search for his fathers nemesis, however, no
Pangaiwan was found, but instead, he will face the mans son, Dinoyagan. They fought several
days and nights with the use of their mighty spears. Both were truly skilled in the
swordsmanship. Some of the ladies would taunt Dinoyagan to kill Aliguyon and pierce the spear
in his heart. After months and years or fighting, both became exhausted and decided to call it a
truce. After resting, they both stood up and shook their hands instead of killing each other.
Instead of building grudges with each other, they became friends and forgot the dispute between
their fathers.
This is a story of bravery. Not just in the physical aspect, but also in the emotional and
mental aspect. The two warriors were trained to fight and kill each other, however, there is no
growth in the minds and well-being of such people. The fact that they were able to forgive each
others actions is admirable and more glorious than winning in a meaningless fight. This epic
symbolizes the maturity of decisions that they imposed.
This is a story of brotherhood. Those two warriors are not blood related and were even
trained to fight each other, however, the respect that they gave to each other overlooked the
unnecessary conflict between their fathers. Both of them have the greatness to forgive and forget.

They also taught to their respective villages the dignity and glory in living to what is right rather
than living with pride.
This is a story of humility. Not all people can do what the two warriors did. Humility is a
simple word but is a hard thing to do. To be able to forgive the other party means to completely
forget about the past and move forward to the future. It is the humility that they showed which
made them into great heroes. In this changing world, some people are ethnocentric to their
beliefs and actions. They think that what they do is righter and more proper that the other.
Nothing good comes out to people who always clash and argue. Real heroes do not just talk, they
do; they do not just think, they act.
The Ifugaos put up a very good and admirable piece whereby values are being taught
especially to children. It clearly explained the goodness of simply living life with dignity and
honor. Revenge is never a solution. It just puts up a never-ending fight not knowing the roots of
it. Forgiveness is one commendable thing.