How the Ibálong Epic Captures the Culture and Values of the Bicol Region
Full Story Epic Ibalon English Version
The Ibálong epic is one of the most fascinating and captivating stories in Philippine mythology. It is a folk epic from the Bicol region that tells the adventures of three heroes: Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong. They fought against various monsters and enemies that threatened their land and people. The epic also reveals the culture, history, and beliefs of the Bicolanos, as well as their connections to other civilizations in Asia.
full story epic ibalon english version
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In this article, we will explore the full story of the Ibálong epic in English version, based on the 60-stanza fragment that was translated from Spanish by Fray Jose Castaño in 1895. We will also discuss some of the main characters, themes, and messages of the epic, as well as some questions that might arise from reading it.
The story of Baltog and the Tandayag
The first hero of Ibálong was Baltog, a white Aryan who came from Boltavara (India). He arrived in Ibálong when it was still a dark and dangerous place, full of wild animals and monsters. He decided to stay and cultivate its fields with gabi (taro). One night, he noticed that his crops were destroyed by a giant wild boar called Tandayag. He chased after it with his courage and patience. He finally caught it and wrestled with it with his bare hands. He was able to break its jawbones and kill it. He then hung its jawbones on a talisay tree in front of his house in Tondol (now Kamalig).
For this amazing feat, Baltog was recognized as the chief of the hunters in Ibálong. He also attracted other clans from Panicuason and Asog to marvel at his trophy. They joined him in clearing more lands for farming and hunting. They also built houses, boats, and weapons. They lived peacefully under Baltog's leadership.
The story of Handyong and Oryol
The second hero of Ibálong was Handyong. He came with his men to help Baltog fight against more monsters that plagued their land. They faced many dangers and battles, such as:
The one-eyed monster with three necks in Ponong
The giant flying sharks with sawlike teeth called Triburon
The wild carabaos that were hard to tame
The fierce Sarimao with sharp fingernails
The crocodiles that were as big as boats
They fought without rest until they killed all these enemies and made the rivers and swamps red with blood. They also scared away the savage monkeys that lived in the forests.
However, there was one enemy that Handyong could not defeat: Oryol, the shape-shifting serpent. Oryol had a beautiful voice and could change its appearance to deceive its foes. Handyong tried different ways to capture it, but Oryol always escaped and disappeared. Handyong then decided to look for Oryol in the heart of the forest, following its voice. He was almost enchanted by it, but he did not give up. He searched for days and nights until Oryol admired his bravery and gallantry. Oryol then revealed itself to Handyong and offered to help him conquer the remaining monsters in Ibálong. Handyong accepted Oryol's offer and they became allies. Together, they brought peace and order to the whole land.
Handyong then built a town in Ligmanan, where he established his laws and governance. He treated everyone equally, whether they were slaves or masters. He also taught them how to weave, make pottery, and use metals. He introduced them to new crops, such as rice, coconut, sugarcane, and banana. He also made friends with other tribes and kingdoms, such as those from Ibalon (now Albay), Lagonoy (now Camarines Sur), and Catanduanes.
The story of Bantong and Rabot
The third hero of Ibálong was Bantong, who became Handyong's companion and adviser. He was a clever and loyal man who helped Handyong in many ways. One day, he discovered a strange creature in the forest: Rabot, a half-human half-beast being who slept in a cave during the day and roamed around at night. Rabot was very powerful and destructive. He could uproot trees, destroy houses, and kill animals and people.
Bantong decided to trick and kill Rabot with his wit and courage. He waited for Rabot to fall asleep in his cave, then he set fire to the entrance of the cave. He also dug a deep pit near the cave and covered it with branches and leaves. When Rabot woke up and smelled the smoke, he ran out of the cave, only to fall into the pit. Bantong then threw more firewood into the pit and burned Rabot alive. He then cut off Rabot's head and brought it to Handyong as a proof of his victory.
For this heroic deed, Bantong was praised by Handyong and the people of Ibálong. They celebrated his triumph over Rabot with a feast and a dance. They also honored him as one of the greatest heroes of their land.
Conclusion
The Ibálong epic is a remarkable story that showcases the bravery, wisdom, and skills of the Bicolano heroes. It also reflects the culture, history, and beliefs of the Bicolanos, as well as their interactions with other peoples in Asia. The epic teaches us many lessons about courage, loyalty, friendship, justice, and harmony.
Do you want to learn more about the Ibálong epic and its significance? Do you want to read the original text in Spanish or other translations in English or Filipino? Do you want to see how the Ibálong epic has inspired modern literature and art in Bicol and beyond? If yes, then check out some of the FAQs below.
FAQs
What are some of the sources of the Ibálong epic?
The Ibálong epic is based on oral traditions that were passed down from generation to generation by native poets called kadunung. The first written documentation of the epic was done by Fray Bernardino de Melendreras de la Trinidad, a Franciscan missionary who lived in Bicol from 1814 to 1834. However, his manuscript was lost or destroyed during the Philippine Revolution. The only surviving fragment of the epic is a 60-stanza text in Spanish that was included in a discourse on Bicol by another Franciscan, Fray Jose Castaño, in 1895.
What are some of the similarities and differences between the Ibálong epic and other epics from India and Southeast Asia?
The Ibálong epic shares some similarities with other epics from India and Southeast Asia, such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Ramakien (Thailand), and Darangen (Maranao). These epics share some common elements, such as:
The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism in their characters, themes, and motifs
The use of poetic devices, such as meter, rhyme, alliteration, and parallelism
The depiction of heroism, love, war, and morality
The incorporation of oral traditions, rituals, and customs
However, there are also some differences between the Ibálong epic and other epics, such as:
The Ibálong epic is more secular and less religious than other epics, as it does not mention any gods or supernatural beings
The Ibálong epic is more realistic and less fantastical than other epics, as it focuses on human conflicts and struggles rather than divine interventions or magical events
The Ibálong epic is more diverse and inclusive than other epics, as it features characters from different races, cultures, and genders
The Ibálong epic is more fragmented and incomplete than other epics, as it only survives in a 60-stanza text that covers only a part of the original story
What are some of the challenges and controversies in studying and interpreting the Ibálong epic?
One of the main challenges in studying and interpreting the Ibálong epic is the lack of reliable sources and evidence. The original oral version of the epic has been lost or forgotten over time. The only written version of the epic is a Spanish translation that may have been biased or inaccurate. The authorship and date of the epic are also uncertain and disputed. Some scholars believe that the epic was composed by a native poet called Kadunung in the pre-colonial period. Others argue that the epic was written by a Spanish missionary or a Filipino nationalist in the colonial period.
Another challenge in studying and interpreting the Ibálong epic is the diversity and complexity of its content and context. The epic contains many references and allusions to various cultures, languages, histories, and geographies that may not be familiar or accessible to modern readers. The epic also expresses many values and perspectives that may not be compatible or consistent with contemporary norms and standards. The epic may also have multiple meanings and interpretations depending on the audience and purpose.
How has the Ibálong epic influenced modern literature and art in Bicol and beyond?
The Ibálong epic has influenced modern literature and art in Bicol and beyond in many ways. Some examples are:
The Ibálong Festival, an annual celebration of Bicolano culture and heritage that features street parades, dances, music, costumes, and floats inspired by the characters and events of the epic
The Ibalong musical, a theatrical adaptation of the epic by Rody Vera that was staged by Tanghalang Pilipino in 2012
The Ibalong comics, a graphic novel version of the epic by Richard Reynante that was published by Adarna House in 2014
The Ibalong poems, a collection of poems by Merlinda Bobis that reimagines the stories of Oryol and other female characters of the epic
The Ibalong paintings, a series of paintings by Pancho Piano that depicts scenes and symbols from the epic
Where can one find more information and resources about the Ibálong epic?
One can find more information and resources about the Ibálong epic from various sources, such as:
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which has a website dedicated to the Ibálong epic as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage program
The UNESCO website, which has a page on the Ibálong epic as part of its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The Philippine Folk Literature series by Damiana Eugenio, which includes a volume on The Epics that contains excerpts from the Ibálong epic
The Bicol Studies Journal, which has published several articles on the Ibálong epic by scholars such as Zeus Salazar, Paz Verdades Santos, Rebecca Anonuevo, among others
The Bicol University Library, which has a special collection of books, manuscripts, and audiovisual materials on the Ibálong epic and other Bicolano literature and culture
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