The Sun and the Moon

This myth explains the origin of the Moon’s spots through a quarrel between the Sun and the Moon. The Sun belittles the Moon for relying on its light, while the Moon claims she is more beloved, as her cooler glow allows women to spin outdoors at night. Enraged, the Sun throws sand at the Moon, leaving marks visible to this day.

Source
Philippine Folk Tales
compiled and annotated by
Mabel Cook Cole
A.C. McClurg & Co., Chicago, 1916


► Themes of the story

Conflict with Authority: The Moon challenges the Sun’s assertion of superiority, leading to a dispute that reflects themes of challenging dominant powers.

Cunning and Deception: The Moon cleverly argues that she is more beloved by women, provoking the Sun’s anger and resulting in the Moon’s spots.

Cosmic Order and Chaos: The story explains celestial phenomena, attributing the Moon’s spots to a quarrel, thus linking human-like conflicts to cosmic events.

► From the same Region or People

Learn more about Philippines peoples


Once the Sun and the Moon quarreled with each other, and the Sun said: “You are only the Moon and are not much good. If I did not give you light, you would be no good at all.”

But the Moon answered: “You are only the Sun, and you are very hot. The women like me better, for when I shine at night, they go out doors and spin.”

These words of the Moon made the Sun so angry that he threw sand in her face, and you can still see the dark spots on the face of the Moon.

► Continue reading…

Running and expanding this site requires resources: from maintaining our digital platform to sourcing and curating new content. With your help, we can grow our collection, improve accessibility, and bring these incredible narratives to an even wider audience. Your sponsorship enables us to keep the world’s stories alive and thriving. ♦ Visit our Support page

Leave a comment