Biag ni Lam-ang: The Epic Story of an Ilocano Hero
- Why is it important? - What are the main themes and characters? H2: Lam-ang's extraordinary birth - How he was able to speak and choose his name at birth - How he learned about his father's fate - How he vowed to avenge his father H2: Lam-ang's quest for his father - How he traveled to the highlands and fought the Igorots - How he recovered his father's bones and brought them back home - How he revived his father with magic H2: Lam-ang's quest for his wife - How he fell in love with Ines Kannoyan - How he competed with Sumarang and Saridandan for her hand - How he impressed her parents and guests with his wealth and abilities H2: Lam-ang's death and resurrection - How he was killed by a giant fish in the river - How Ines mourned for him and asked for his bones - How he was brought back to life by a rooster and a dog H1: Conclusion - What are the lessons and values of Biag ni Lam-ang? - How does it reflect the culture and history of the Ilocanos? - How does it compare with other Philippine epics? H2: FAQs - What is the meaning of Lam-ang's name? - Who wrote Biag ni Lam-ang? - When was Biag ni Lam-ang first recorded? - What are some adaptations of Biag ni Lam-ang? - Where can I read Biag ni Lam-ang online? # Article with HTML formatting Introduction
Biag ni Lam-ang (The Life of Lam-ang) is an epic story of the Ilocano people from the Ilocos region of the Philippines. It is notable for being the first Philippine folk epic to be recorded in written form, and was one of only two folk epics documented during the Philippines' Spanish Colonial period, along with the Bicolano epic of Handiong.
Biag Ni Lamang Full Story English 58
Biag ni Lam-ang tells the story of a hero named Lam-ang, who was born with extraordinary abilities and went on to perform amazing feats such as avenging his father's death, wooing his beloved Ines Kannoyan, and resurrecting himself after being killed by a giant fish. The story also showcases the rich culture and traditions of the Ilocanos, such as their beliefs, customs, rituals, songs, dances, riddles, proverbs, and values.
In this article, we will explore the full story of Biag ni Lam-ang in English translation, as well as its significance, themes, and characters. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this epic at the end of the article.
Lam-ang's extraordinary birth
Lam-ang was an extraordinary being, who was born with remarkable powers and abilities. He was able to speak and choose his own name at birth, thus enabling him to tell people to call him by this name. He also had a strong sense of justice and courage, which motivated him to seek revenge for his father's death.
Lam-ang learned about his father's fate from his mother Namongan, who was pregnant with him when his father Don Juan left for a battle. Don Juan was a brave warrior who fought against the Igorots, a group of headhunters from the Cordillera mountains. However, he never returned from the battle, and was presumed to have been killed by the enemies.
Lam-ang vowed to avenge his father's death, even though he was barely nine months old. He asked his mother to prepare his weapons and clothes, and set out for the highlands where his father was said to have gone. He also left behind a white rooster and a gray dog, which he instructed to crow and bark if he was still alive, or to stop if he was dead.
Lam-ang's quest for his father
Lam-ang traveled to the highlands and fought the Igorots, who were surprised and terrified by his strength and skill. He killed them all with his spear and sword, and burned their houses and crops. He then searched for his father's bones among the skulls and bones that the Igorots had collected as trophies. He found them wrapped in a rag under a bamboo floor.
Lam-ang recovered his father's bones and brought them back home. He placed them in a large jar and covered them with fresh betel leaves. He then sang and danced around the jar, invoking the spirits of his ancestors to help him revive his father. To his joy, his father came back to life, whole and healthy.
Lam-ang and his father rejoiced and celebrated their reunion. They also thanked the rooster and the dog for their loyalty and service. Lam-ang then told his father about his next quest, which was to find a wife worthy of his love.
Lam-ang's quest for his wife
Lam-ang fell in love with Ines Kannoyan, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy couple from the town of Kalanutian. He heard about her beauty and grace from the travelers and merchants who visited his town. He decided to woo her and ask for her hand in marriage.
Lam-ang prepared for his journey by dressing himself in fine clothes and jewelry, and bringing along his rooster, his dog, and a large number of gold and silver coins. He also hired some musicians to accompany him with their instruments.
Lam-ang faced some obstacles on his way to Ines' house. He encountered Sumarang, a rival suitor who tried to stop him from proceeding. Lam-ang defeated him by throwing him into the air and catching him with his spear. He also met Saridandan, a monstrous creature who tried to eat him. Lam-ang tricked him by pretending to be his friend and then stabbing him in the heart.
Lam-ang finally reached Ines' house, where he was welcomed by her parents and guests. He impressed them with his wealth and abilities, such as making the house shake with his voice, making the river flow upstream with his breath, and making a well spring up from the ground with his spit. He also sang and danced with Ines, who reciprocated his feelings.
Lam-ang and Ines were married in a lavish ceremony, attended by many people from both towns. Lam-ang gave Ines a ring made of solid gold as a symbol of his love. He also gave generous gifts to her parents and relatives, as well as to the poor and needy.
Lam-ang's death and resurrection
After the wedding, Lam-ang invited Ines to go with him to his hometown, where he wanted to introduce her to his parents. On their way, they passed by a river where Lam-ang wanted to take a bath. He asked Ines to wait for him on the shore while he went into the water.
However, as soon as Lam-ang dipped himself in the river, he was attacked by a giant fish called Berkakan, who swallowed him whole. The fish was so huge that it caused the water to rise and flood the land. Ines was shocked and saddened by Lam-ang's death. She cried out for help, but no one came.
Ines then remembered Lam-ang's rooster and dog, which he had left behind in her house. She sent someone to fetch them and bring them to the river. She asked them to crow and bark if Lam-ang was still alive, or to stop if he was dead.
it open. They found Lam-ang's bones inside the fish's stomach and brought them to Ines.
Ines placed Lam-ang's bones in a large basin and covered them with a blanket. She then asked the rooster to crow on top of the blanket, and the dog to bark beside it. As soon as they did, Lam-ang came back to life, whole and healthy. He thanked Ines, the rooster, and the dog for saving him. He also thanked the people who helped him catch the fish.
Lam-ang and Ines resumed their journey to his hometown, where they were greeted by his parents and friends. They celebrated their arrival and their marriage with a feast and a dance. Lam-ang and Ines lived happily ever after.
Conclusion
Biag ni Lam-ang is a fascinating story that showcases the heroism, romance, and culture of the Ilocano people. It teaches us many lessons and values, such as courage, justice, loyalty, generosity, and resilience. It also reflects the history and identity of the Ilocanos, who have endured many challenges and hardships throughout the centuries.
Biag ni Lam-ang is one of the many Philippine epics that have been passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition. It is a rich source of literature and folklore that can inspire and entertain us. It is also a testament to the creativity and diversity of the Filipino people.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Lam-ang's name?
Lam-ang's name is derived from the Ilocano word "lam-ang", which means "lightning". This suggests that he was born with a bright and powerful personality.
Who wrote Biag ni Lam-ang?
Biag ni Lam-ang is an oral literature that has no known author. However, some sources attribute its first transcription to Pedro Bucaneg, a blind Ilocano poet-preacher who lived in the 17th century. Others attribute it to Fr. Gerardo Blanco, a Spanish priest who worked with Isabelo de los Reyes, a publicist and folklorist who published the text in his paper El Ilocano in 1889-1890.
When was Biag ni Lam-ang first recorded?
Biag ni Lam-ang was first recorded in written form in 1889-1890 by Isabelo de los Reyes, who published it in his paper El Ilocano. He based his text on an Ilocano manuscript that he received from Fr. Gerardo Blanco.
What are some adaptations of Biag ni Lam-ang?
Biag ni Lam-ang has been adapted into various forms of media, such as comics, movies, television shows, musicals, operas, ballets, and video games. Some examples are:
Lam-Ang: An Ethno-Epic Musical (2019), a musical theater production by Tanghalang Pilipino.
Lam-Ang (2019), an animated film by Rocketsheep Studio.
Lam-Ang (2018), a video game by Synergy88 Digital.
Lam-Ang (2017), an opera by Ryan Cayabyab and Floy Quintos.
Lam-Ang (2008), a ballet by Ballet Philippines.
Where can I read Biag ni Lam-ang online?
You can read Biag ni Lam-ang online in various websites, such as:
Wikipedia, which provides a summary and analysis of the story.
Mga Kuwentong Pilipino, which provides an English translation of the story.
SoundCloud, which provides an audio version of the story.
Scribd, which provides a PDF version of the story.
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