Epic of Bantugan

EPIC OF BANTUGAN
The people of Mindanao had rich literatures that exist only in their minds and memories. Only recently
that these epic poetries were put in writing, so these can be studied by the public. Locally called
"Darangan", these epic poetries were similar to those of that Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
The Darangan tells of the sentimental and romantic adventures of noble warriors, one of them, is about
a warrior-prince called Bantugan.. Prince Bantugan was the brother of the chieftain of a village called
Bumbaran. Bantugan owned a magic shield, was protected by divine spirits called "Tonongs" and was
capable of rising from the dead. Once his enemies attacked Bembaran, thinking he was dead. In the nick
of time, Bantugan's soul was recovered and he saved the village.
There is also an episode, where Prince Bantugan was on a quest and fought his enemies with his magic
Kampilan (Native sword). Soon, he got tired and fell on to the water. A crocodile delivered him to his
enemies, but he regained his strength, escaped his captors, and commands an oar less ship and won the
battle.
There were also "Darangan epic poetries that relates stories of wars about abducted princesses. Just like
the chronicles of the Trojan War.
The Darangan is one of the oldest and longest Philippine Epic poetries. Several nights were needed to
recite the twenty five beautiful chapters. The Darangan, sung in its original, possessed a sustained
beauty and dignity, it might be studied for its esthetic values alone.
the Good Prince Bantugan
The Kingdom of Bumbaran were ruled by the old king. But the old king was full envy toward his
younger brother, Prince Bantugan. Prince Bantugan was so handsome, good and brave. Every
time someone praised him. The old king looked angry with him. One day enemies attacked the
kingdom of Bumbaran and Prince Bantugan led his men to defend the kingdom, the evil king
plotted against the good prince. Soon Prince Bantugan returned victorious from the battle. He
knew that his brother hated him, so he decided to left the kingdom of Bumbaran. In his journey
he heard about the beautiful land of the Kingdom-Between-Two-Seas. It was ruled by a good
king and the beautiful princess Datimbang, his sister. He decided to go to that kingdom. But
when he stood outside the gates. He suddenly felt very weak. Prince Bantugan fell to the ground
and died. The king and the princess of the kingdom were shocked when they saw the stranger
lying. Princess Datimbang fallen in love to the stranger. No one knew who the stranger. The king
made proclamation that all of his people must come to look at the prince so that he would know
who was that man came from. But no one knew who’s that man. The two parrot talking each
other about Prince Bantugan. The parrot of Prince Bantugan said, I lost my master, he left
Bumbaran never to return. Another parrot said. He is dead. But you can see his body in the
palace where he is lying in royal state. The parrot flew to the palace. He saw his master’s body,
and said, he was so good to his people. He defended them in war. He cured the people when they
were sick. When the king heard what the parrot said. He brought the body of Prince Bantugan
into the kingdom of Bumbaran. Everyone quiered for the good Prince Bantugan. His brother was
full of repentance. Blaming himself for the death of his brother. Prince Madali his brother loved
him so much. He got the soul of Prince Bantugan from the angel of death.When he reached the
palace of Bumbaran then he transferred the soul of Prince Bantugan to his body. The body stirred
Prince Bantugan alive as if just awakened from a deep sleep. They celebrated the return of their
Prince. Later Prince Bantugan married Princess Datimbang.
Darangan consists of several episodes, and three of these have been translated and have
grown in popularity: Bantugan, Daramako-e Babay, and Indarapatra and Sulayman.
Bantugan is fabled as “the ancestor of them all.”
 Bantugan
Bantugan revolves around the life of Prince Bantugan, brother of King Madali, the ruler
of Bumbaran. The poem opens with:
It is said that while Madali won many battles, Bantugan won many hearts for the younger
brother is not only a marvelous fighter but also handsome and popular. He has courted 50
of the loveliest princess in the world but the King does not allow him to marry. His
popularity later makes the older brother, Madali jealous. He decrees that nobody shall ever
be allowed to speak with his brother. Driven by loneliness, the Prince leaves for foreign
lands. The wandering Bantugan evetually falls ill and dies at the Palace Gates of The-Land-
Between-Two-Seas. Not knowing who this stranger is, the ruler of the place and his
sister Princess Datimbang (Timbang) give shelter to the poor prince. Not knowing what to
do, and fearing that the prince’s death is of their doing, they summon the council to discuss
what has to be done. A parrot (loro) flies in and identifies the handsome man as Prince
Bantugan of Bumbaran. He is then sent home to Bumbaran to tell King Madali of his
brother’s fate. Upon learning this, the King leaves and journeys to the heavens. He speaks
with the gods and baragains for his brother’s soul to be returned to earth. Meanwhile,
Princess Datimbang brings Prince Bantugan’s body to Bumbaran. Upon King Madali’s
return, Bantugan’s life has been restored and the king soon has a change of heart.
King Madali, overjoyed that his younger brother Bantugan has been brought back to life,
calls for a celebration. But the story of his return has already spread, and unknown to them,
King Madali’s rival, King Miskoyaw has sent his army for a siege.[ Makalayan cries]:
A battle takes place and Bantugan defends his people. However, Bantugan who has just
been restored is eventually captured. It is said that he later regains his strength while held
captive, and avenges his warrior’s death. Another celebration is held for this victory. The
people of Bumbaran feasted and King Madali welcomes his brother back. Bantugan gets
married with the loveliest princesses and lives happily in Bumbaran for several years.
i procrastinate so much i’ll probably put off death and never die
life is so hard when you have twenty tv shows to watch
schools have stairs so you can throw yourselves down them

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EPIC OF BANTUGAN

life is so hard when you have twenty tv shows to watch

schools have stairs so you can throw yourselves down them

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