Philippine E-Journals

DARANGEN: The Epic of the Maranao

Mamitua D. Saber

Discipline: History

 

Abstract:

The Moros of Mindanao, according to Dean Worcester's early observation, "exemplify what may be considered the highest civilization to which Malays have attained unaided." Whether or not such a high accolade is justified it is nevertheless true that the Maranao and other Moro groups do have an elaborate way of life which they have maintained in the face of pressures from Western culture for over three hundred years. An extensive study of their literary heritage as part of their culture may be useful, not only for understanding the motivations and attitudes of present-day Moros, but also for revealing something of the Filipino pre-Spanish culture.