"Hudhud ni Aliguyon" stands as a renowned epic originating from the Ifugao province, located on the island of Luzon within the Philippines. This epic serves as a comprehensive narrative, offering insights into the cultural and traditional facets intrinsic to the Ifugao community, alongside chronicling the heroic exploits of their revered figure, Aliguyon. Classified within the genre of "Hudhud di Ani," intended for recitation during the agricultural harvest season, this epic fulfills a multifaceted role characterized by three distinct functions.
Origin
Though the precise time when alim and the hudhud started to be chanted is not known, according to research the hudhud likely originated before the 7th century CE. A study by a scholar of the hudhud indicates that this might have pre-dated the construction of the rice terraces. The earliest dated terraces are found in Bunghalian municipality with a Carbon-14 determination of 610 AD., although the earliest human occupation of the municipality of Banaue is between 1545 and 825 BC. Both forms are virtual anthropological documents that orally record through time the changes that took place in Ifugao social organization, structure, and tradition. The infusion of modern elements in the text indicates the relative time of change. For instance, the mention of a gun in one of the stories suggests an influence that could only have come from the West, although the fact that the gun caused the conflagration of an entire village to indicate the idea of a gun was still a bit confused and was therefore still something novel.
Use
In general, the Hudhud of the Ifugao is chanted only on four occasions—harvesting of rice, weeding of rice, funeral wakes, and bone-washing rituals. Hudhud ni Aliguyon is specifically included in the genre called Hudhud di Page or Hudhud di Ani, meaning Hudhud for Harvest in the Fields.
Typically, the rendition of this chant finds expression through a female ensemble, presided over by a soloist, often a proficient vocalist who may have assumed the role voluntarily. The ensemble comprises approximately ten to twelve women, forming the chorus. It is noteworthy that the entire chant need not be committed to memory by the chorus members.
The lead singer, referred to as the "munhaw-e," initiates the performance by articulating the title of the chant. Subsequently, the assembled group, known as the "mun-hudhud" or "mun-abbuy," becomes actively engaged in the recitation. This involvement transpires upon the invocation of cue words strategically incorporated into the chant. These cue words serve to introduce elements such as character names, village references, geographical features, and familial connections within the narrative.
Structure: chants & episodes
The Hudhud comprises more than 200 chants, with each divided into 40 episodes. A complete recitation may last three to four days. The language of the stories abounds in figurative expressions and repetitions and employs metonymy, metaphor and onomatopoeia.
Plot Summary
In the village of Hannanga, a notable figure by the name of Aliguyon emerged. Born as the son of the village leader, Amtalao, and his spouse Dumulao, Aliguyon exhibited remarkable intelligence and an insatiable thirst for knowledge from a young age. His penchant for absorbing the narratives and teachings imparted by his father yielded a wealth of wisdom. Notably, he acquired proficiency in combat techniques and even familiarized himself with select incantations of magical significance.
Aliguyon's early manifestations of promise and leadership did not escape the notice of the villagers, including the younger generation who held him in awe. In his adolescent years, he embarked on a daring endeavor: a direct confrontation with the adversary of his father, Pangaiwan, hailing from the neighboring Daligdigan village. Remarkably, Pangaiwan chose not to engage Aliguyon himself but instead delegated the task to his formidable son, Pumbakhayon, whose prowess in warfare and magic rivaled that of Aliguyon.
The ensuing battle unfolded with breathtaking swiftness. Aliguyon, without hesitation, launched a spear towards Pumbakhayon, who, with an unflinching demeanor, evaded the projectile and seized it. Pumbakhayon promptly retaliated by returning the spear towards Aliguyon. This exchange continued unabated, with the two combatants alternately hurling spears at one another in a relentless bid to claim each other's life.