* Diversity and Regional Variations: The Philippines is an archipelago with many distinct cultural groups, each with its own oral traditions. This leads to a vast number of epics, with variations in length, content, and even the term used to describe them (e.g., "epics," "folk tales," "legends").
* Oral Transmission: Many epics were passed down through generations orally, making it difficult to definitively count them. Some have been documented, but others may exist only in fragmented or incomplete versions.
* Ongoing Discovery: Researchers continue to discover and document new epics, so the number is constantly evolving.
Instead of focusing on a specific number, it's more accurate to talk about the abundance and significance of epic literature in the Philippines:
* Importance of Epic Literature: Philippine epics are crucial to understanding the history, beliefs, values, and cultural identity of different communities. They often feature heroic figures, gods, spirits, and tales of adventure, love, and war.
* Famous Examples: Some well-known epics include the "Hudhud" of the Ifugao, the "Biag ni Lam-ang" from the Ilocos region, and the "Darangen" of the Maranao.
Instead of trying to count the epics, focus on exploring the rich tapestry of Philippine oral literature and the stories that they tell.