The Sun and the Moon: A Filipino Folktale
By: Zem Russel Luzon
“Tell me the story about how the Sun loved the Moon so much he died every night to let her breathe.”
The quote itself have inspired, writers, poets and artists alike. Though the quote’s cultural origin is unknown, many believe its roots come from an earlier folk-tale Why The Sun Chases the Moon. However, there are several Sun and Moon mythologies around the world which may have inspired the quote as well. Whether depicted as lovers, siblings or mother and son, each cultural myth offers its own explanation of how the celestial bodies depend on each other for life, which would otherwise not exist.
Once, the Sun and theMoon were married. They shared a home in the sky.
When the Moon left to collect vegetables from the jungle, she asked the Sun to guard their sleepingchildren. She also warned him to stay a safe distance away from the babies,since his heat would burn them.
The Sun kept closewatch over the children. But he was overcome with affection for them, andwanted to kiss them goodnight. He forgot the Moon’s warning, leaned over thebabies, and they melted beneath him.
