Legends
and myths are not just simple stories; they contain lessons and morals
passed on from generation to generation. These tales may also include
valuable historical facts and data about the culture and lifestyle of
people or race involved.
A legend on the origin of Paoay Lake in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
STORY:
Long ago, there was a
beautiful village situated on a verdant tropical land. The people living in the
village were known for being simple, hardworking and god fearing. These humble villagers built a
church out of their skimpy earnings to worship and show respect to their god.
Years passed and the village
prospered. The people became rich; their wealth has been reflected through
their ornate houses, extravagant clothing and glittering jewelries. As pride lingered
on every resident, rivalry also sets in. The people worked even more hard to
acquire things more than the others. Being very rich, the people forgot to
respect god as jealousy took the place of good will. The church was no longer a
place of worship but it became an avenue to display the townspeople’s vanity.
Whilst the rest of the village residents spent their lives in worldly competition,
a couple remained simple and god-fearing. One night an apparition appeared and
told them that the village will be destroyed by a flood. The following day, the
couple warned their neighbors and told them to revert for them to be spared
from the flood. The villagers did not heed their warning but laughed at them.
They continued what they’re doing and mocked the couple accusing them of envy. That
night, the humble couple heard a voice telling them to leave the village early
in the morning. The voice instructed them to go as far as they can and never
look back; most especially when they hear a loud thunder and noise.
The
next day, they couple
prepared early and left the village. While on their way, they heard a
loud clap
of thunder followed by rampaging waters. The villagers were awakened but
their
shrieks and cries were resounded and died as they were submerged in a
pool of
muddy water. The fleeing couple was shaken by these cries and loud
rumblings.
Unconsciously, the woman turned back to look at the village. In an
instant, the
woman fainted as the husband tried to drag her but they both turned into
stone. As years went by, a beautiful lake emerged at the place where
the village sank; and is now the famous PAOAY LAKE.
