The Legend of Rice

How old is this story?

Pre-colonial

What proof and other marks are found in the stories to show their ancient origins?

* They lived in caves, along riverbanks, and by the sea.

* The setting was in a tropical land where there is no sign of modernity.

* “Banag” and “Danas” belonged in an old Filipino tribe.

* Their houses greatly resemble the Filipino “Kubo”.

* They wore attires that can be familiarized with the different indigenous and ethnic groups we still see today.

The Legend of Rice

Long ago, people did not plant crops or raise animals for food.  They relied only on nature and their surroundings.   They would live in places where they could find food.  Some stayed in caves and lived on fruits and animal meat.

Some stayed by river banks and the sea, so they could fish for their food.  They would stay in a place until food got scarce and then move to another place where food was bountiful.

The couple Banag and Danas belonged to a tribe who used to live near the sea.  They were looking for a new place.  A fierce storm had destroyed their houses near the sea.  They feared the coming of another storm.

"Why do we always move our home?" Banag asked Danas.  "I am tired of this kind of life.  We cannot even have children because we keep moving."  Banag wanted to separate from the rest of the tribe and stay behind in a pleasant place. 

Danas gave in to his wife's request.  They chose a nice place in the mountains and built a simple house there.   Their new home was tranquil and food was bountiful.  Nearby was a clear stream where Danas caught many fish.

But then came a drought.   For a long time, no rain fell, and the earth dried up.  Plants and trees died, and birds and animals disappeared, and the fishes perished in the dried stream. 

Danas traveled far to look for food.  But the drought was merciless.  He traveled until he reached the next mountain. Still, he could not find food.

Exhaustion caught up with Danas in the...