Literary Analysis of Biag Ni Lam Ang

Lam-Ang
Hero of the epic Biag ni Lam-Ang of the Ilocano
LAM-ANG is the hero of one of the most popular Philippine folk epics, Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-Ang). The Biag ni Lam-ang, from
the people of the northern Philippines, is said to be the only complete epic from a Chris-tianized Philippine indigenous group. Exhibiting
a mixture of Spanish and indigenous cultures, the earliest written record of the epic was in 1889. There are at least ten versions of the
epic.
SYNOPSIS OF BIAG NI LAM-ANG
Namongan gives birth to a baby with incredible strength and courage, named Lam-ang. The boy asks his mother about his father’s
whereabouts and learns that he has gone to fight the Igorot. Lam-ang arms himself with charms and decides to look for his father. From
a dream, he learns that his father, Don Juan Panganiban, had been killed by the Igorot.
Later, Lam-ang finds the Igorot in a sagang, a feast celebrating a successful headhunting expedition. His father’s head is displayed in
the feast. Lam-ang slays them all with his spear and mutilates the last among them.
When Lam-ang returns home, 99 maidens wash his hair in the river. For his shampoo, he burns so many rice straw that the
communities near the river are alarmed by the smoke. The dirt from his hair kills all the fishes in the river. He then kills a croco-dile and
carries it on his shoulder ashore amidst the applause of his companions.
Lam-ang hears about a beautiful maid-en named Ines Cannoyan, the daughter of the richest man in the town of Kalanutian. He tells his
mother of his desire to court the maiden. Although his mother discourages him, he goes anyway, dressed in gold and accompanied by
his pet rooster and white dog. The giant Sumarang blocks his way and belittles him. Lam-ang defeats him in a duel and hurls him nine
hills away. Later, Sarindadan tries to seduce him but Lam-ang rejects her advances.
Reaching Kalanutian, he im-presses Ines with his magic. His rooster crows and topples a small outhouse. His dog barks and the
outhouse is rebuilt. Ines invites him to the house where the rooster acts as Lam-ang’s spokesperson. Ines’ parents ask for a bride price,
which Lam-ang agrees to give.
Lam-ang returns home to prepare for the wedding and the presents. He and his townsfolk sail on two golden ships to Kalanutian where
Lam-ang and Ines have a Catholic wedding. The townspeople board the two ships to Nalbuan, Lam-ang’s birthplace, to continue the
celebration.
After the celebration, Lam-ang agrees to hunt rarang, a shellfish. He is swallowed by a giant fish, called berkakang, as he has dreamt
so. However, a diver recovers his bones. The pet rooster flaps its wings and resurrects Lam-ang. He then rewards the diver and lives
happily with his wife and pets.
— CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Philippine Literature, Volume 9 (Cultural Center of the Philippines, 1994)
Literary Analysis of Biag ni Lam Ang

Literary Analysis
The epic of Biag ni Lam-Ang portrays the qualities and several characteristics of Filipinos. The fact that the traits, attitudes, and values
being shown in this phenomenal epic are all reflections of our ancestors especially the Ilocanos who were the source of this fictitious
piece during pre-Spanish period. It depicts unwavering bravery, justice, love, romance, relationship, journey and even friendship. The
vastness and heroism in the story are filled with idealistic imagination and fantasy.
Lam-Ang, the hero in the epic, son of Don Juan and Namungan Panganiban in the place of Nalbuan. He is being feared and adored by
the people because of his extraordinary powers. He has an usual birth. He can talk just after his birth. Lam Ang’s astounding growth
was so fantastically amazing. When he was nine months old, he already possessed maturity, physically and mentally. He also had a
very loud voice that he can broadcast a declaration clearly to the town of Nalbuan. He had an indescribable spirit that he conquered the
numerous Igorots alone. Lam Ang’s bravery was being shown to the town people of Calanutian and Nalbuan as he tried to get the
shellfish, the fact that it was a difficult task because many have tried to attempt to get the precious shellfish but they failed do it. Aside
from all his extraordinary capabilities, he also had astonishing powers. When it comes to his love life, he tried to do anything for his
love, Ines Cannuyan, to prove his worthiness of marrying her. Unfortunately, he was killed by berkakan, a furious shark, but he was
brought to life through the help of his unbelievable animal friends.
First, the epic shows the importance of family. Lam Ang’s love for his family was selfless as he searched for his father. The leadership
skills were also manifested, he protected the town people of Nalbuan for possible colonization of Igorots. The epic also emphasizes the
rivalry between Lam Ang and other suitors. When Lam Ang fell in love with Ines, He fought and killed several monsters and eventually
challenged Sumarang who was a dedicated suitor of Ines. It is just a picture how the Filipinos fight for their love, doing everything just to
prove how dedicated we are. Lastly, the Biag ni Lam Ang depicts a very good portrayal of a true Iloco all about and to all the Filipinos.

Literary Analysis of Biag Ni Lam Ang

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Lam-Ang

Hero of the epic Biag ni Lam-Ang of the Ilocano

SYNOPSIS OF BIAG NI LAM-ANG

Literary Analysis of Biag ni Lam Ang

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