Biag ni Lam-ang

Biag ni Lam-ang
Title Lam-ang
Description Eponymous hero of the Ilokano epic Biag ni Lam-ang
Gender Male
Region Philippines
Equivalent Culture hero

Biag ni Lam-ang (English: "The Life of Lam-ang") is an epic poem of the Ilokano people from the Ilocos region of the Philippines. Recited and written in the original Iloko, the poem is believed to be a composite work of various poets who passed it on through the generations, and was first transcribed around 1640 by a blind Ilokano bard named Pedro Bucaneg.

Initial plot

Lam-ang is an extraordinary being, manifesting when he begins to speak in his early years, thus enabling him to choose his own name. His adventures begin when his father, Don Juan, set out for a battle but never returned. At barely nine months, Lam-ang goes to search for Don Juan in the highlands where the latter was said to have gone. Aware that her child was a blessed, exceptional creature, his mother Namongan allows him to go. Lam-ang then goes off in search of his father, leaving his grieving mother behind.

Literary structure


Biag ni Lam-ang, though dominated by action and tragedy, nonetheless contained some comedic points. An example is the scene in which Lam-ang was on his way home. He passes by a river (identified by some as the Amburayan River, the biggest river in Ilocos) and decides to have a dip. The dirt and blood that came off from his body causes the death of the river's fish, crabs, and shrimp. As he is bathing, some of the maidens who were present at the river gladly attend to him.

Marriage

Upon arriving home, Lam-ang decides to court his love interest, Ines Kannoyan who lives in Calanutian (Kanluit). Despite his mother’s disapproval, he follows his heart and set off again on another journey to his love. He faces one of Ines’ suitors and various monsters, but again is able to vanquish them with ease. Aiding him are his magical pets, a cat, dog, and a rooster. The bird flaps its wings and a house toppled over. This feat amazes everyone present, especially Ines. Then, Lam-ang’s dog barks and the house rose up. Invited to lunch with the family of Ines, Lam-ang impresses her parents with his wealth and upon returning, he gives the family two golden ships. Their nuptials are celebrated with a lot of feasting.

Death and subsequent rebirth

After his death due to being eaten by a huge fish, Lam-ang's bones are recovered and he is resurrected with the help of his magical pets. Ines is ordered by the rooster to wrap the bones with her tapis while the hen flapped its wings and the dog growled. In an instant, Lam-ang is happily reunited with his wife.

Film adaptation

In 2012, a film adaptation of the story of Lam-ang was made. Called "Lam-Ang", the film starred actors Rocco Nacino and Rochelle Pangilinan. It was originally intended to be a TV series, but it was later decided to turn it into a film adaptation by Gabriel Lorenzo Quizon instead.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Flores, Randolf C. (2007). "Literary Unity and Structure of the Ilocano Epic, Biag ni Lam-ang". Diwa: Studies in Philosophy and Theology 32: 25–38.

External links