Chapter 3 – Legends (Angel)

Plot:

Padre Florentino and Simoun join the group on the upper deck, and the captain launches
into the topic of legends about the Pasig River. He talks about Malapad-na-bato, believed to have been
the home of spirits but later became a bandits’ nest. Padre Florentino next tells the story of Doña
Jeronima, a woman who had grown old waiting for her betrothed who had forgotten her and
had gone on to become the Archbishop of Manila. To appease her, he prepared a cave for her
where she lived and died. Hearing this, Simoun turns to Padre Salvi and pointedly remarks at how
ungallant the Archbishop had been. He believes it would have been more fitting if the lady were shut up
in a nunnery like Santa Clara.

An uncomfortable Padre Salvi changes the topic and relates a legend of his own about an unbelieving
Chinaman who, when attacked by a cayman, invoked St. Nicholas, and the cayman turned to stone.

As the steamer enters the lake, Ben-Zayb asks the captain where a certain Ibarra had been killed. The
captain gives a quick account of the pursuit on the lake thirteen years ago and indicates where Ibarra
had been lost

Symbolism:

1) The Pasig River represents the journey of life, with its twists and turns. Malapad-na-bato, a rocky
formation in the river, symbolizes obstacles and challenges that one may encounter along the way.
2) Doña Jeronima's long wait for her betrothed, who forgot her and went on to become Archbishop,
represents the pain and heartache that can come from unrequited love or broken promises. Her
ultimate fate of living in a cave, a symbol of solitude and isolation, serves as a reminder that
sometimes we must adapt to our circumstances and find ways to cope with disappointment.
3) Simoun's comment about the Archbishop's behavior highlights the theme of unfaithfulness and lack
of gallantry. This can be seen as a commentary on the societal norms of the time, where men often
prioritized power and status over personal relationships.
4) The story about the unbelieving Chinaman and St. Nicholas represents the power of faith and prayer
in times of crisis. The cayman, which turns to stone, symbolizes the transformative power of faith,
which can petrify our fears and doubts.

Lessons:

1) Life is full of twists and turns: The chapter highlights the unpredictability of life, just like the Pasig
River with its many bends. We must learn to adapt and navigate through life's challenges with
resilience.
2) True love is hard to find: Doña Jeronima's story serves as a reminder that true love is rare and often
elusive. We must be patient and learn to appreciate what we have while waiting for what we truly
desire.
3) Faith can transform our lives: The cayman legend shows how faith can help us overcome our fears
and doubts. It emphasizes the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation in times of need.
Basilio’s arrival in San Diego is delayed as his cochero had been detained and knocked
about by the guardia civil for forgetting his cedula. They are delayed a second time as they wait
for the Christmas procession to pass. The cochero envies the time of the saints, thinking there were no
civil guards then, else Methuselah, would not have lived to an old age, nor a black magi allowed to be
with the others.

As they continue down the road, Basilio notes the fewer ornaments and sounds of merriment, and
thinks this is because things had gone badly with agriculture, taxes had risen, and civil guards had
become more abusive.

The cochero is stopped a second time for an unlighted coach lamp, so Basilio proceeds on foot. Passing
by Capitan Basilio’s house, he glimpses Simoun making deals with his jewelry with the Capitan, the
curate and the alferez. Basilio does not think well of Simoun, who he thinks is always going
about something, and who, he has been told, sells his jewels for double the price he bought them for.

Basilio reaches his guardian Capitan Tiago’s house where the old man narrates an assortment of bad
news including the kidnapping of Cabesang Tales.

Symbolism:

1) The delay symbolizes the obstacles and hindrances that people face in their daily lives, often caused
by the strict rules and regulations imposed by authorities.
2) The Christmas procession represents joy, festivity, and celebration, but its passing highlights the
contrast between the festive atmosphere and the difficulties faced by ordinary people. It serves as a
reminder that even in times of joy and celebration, there are still those who struggle.
3) The cochero's envy of the saints, who allegedly lived long lives without encountering the troubles of
modern times, symbolizes the longing for a simpler, more carefree era. This envy can be seen as a
commentary on the frustration and disillusionment felt by ordinary people with the current state of
society.
4) The decline in agriculture and merriment symbolizes the negative impact of poverty and oppression
on people's lives. It highlights the struggles faced by ordinary people in making ends meet and
finding joy in their daily lives.

Lessons:

1) Life is full of obstacles: The delayed arrival of Basilio and his cochero reminds us that life is not
always smooth sailing. We must learn to navigate through challenges and find ways to overcome
them.
2) True joy is not found in material things: The Christmas procession highlights that true joy comes
from within, not from material possessions or external circumstances.
3) Corruption and exploitation can be harmful: Simoun's dealings with high-ranking officials serve as a
warning against corruption and exploitation, which can have devastating consequences for
individuals and society as a whole.