Morphology of the Filipino Epic
(Cruz, 2006, p.300; Tolentino,2007, p.58) and from the five Filipino ethnoepics found in Antolohiya ng mga panitikang
ASEAN: Mga epiko ng Pilipinas, Jovita et al. (1985).)
Morphology of
Functions
Filipino Ethno-Epics
Aliguyon
1
The hero leaves his
land.
2
The hero receives
magical objects.
3
The hero goes to where
the subject of his
pursuit lives (usually the
woman he would like to
marry).
✔
Lam-ang
✔
✔
Labaw
Donggon
Your Chosen
Filipino hero
(from modern
literature, drama
or movies)
Aliguyon: Cardo
Dalisay from
“Ang
Probinsiyano”
teleserye.
✔
Lam-ang: Goyo
from the movie
“Goyo: Ang
Batang Heneral”
✔
Labaw Donggon:
Duke Florante
from the story of
“Florante at
Laura”
✔
4
The hero initiates a
fight.
✔
5
The hero fights an
extended battle.
✔
6
A goddess intervenes to
stop it.
7
The goddess reveals
blood kinship between
the hero and his foes.
8
The hero dies.
✔
9
The hero lives again.
✔
10
The hero returns to his
people.
✔
✔
✔
11
The hero marries.
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Juliana R. Elhig
12-SJB
Ms. Rocio Marie Tejido
09/26/20
Ethno-epic Analysis: Hudhud ni Aliguyon, Biag ni Lam-ang,
and Labaw Donggon epic poetry
An epic poem is a continuous, narrative poem that is typically regarding heroic deeds and
occurrences that are important to a poet's culture. Some classical authors used epic poetry to tell
stories of thrilling journeys and noble acts. A few of the world's most renowned works of literature
have been expressed in the form of epic poems. Epic poems were especially popular in the ancient
times as they were suitable for speaking oral tales. Such works are still well-respected until now.
Hudhud ni Aliguyon is a popular epic from the Ifugao province of Luzon. It describes the
tale of cultures and traditions of the Ifugao people and Aliguyon as their protagonist. Hudhud ni
Aliguyon is concerned with the romantic exploits of the hero, indicating that the tribulations have
been resolved after a long battle between the two men who are unable to overcome one another.
Having gained respect for each other, the story ends with the two men exchanging their sisters in
a marriage alliance after the battle, the marriage of the hero to the former enemy's sister, and the
hero's sister to be married to this former enemy. This double marriage is a sign of the reduction of
resentment, which ensures that the next generation will no longer have these rivals. This
epic focuses on reconciliation and a noble practice in which no violence is released. Family unity
is also a topic reflected in the Hudhud. Children must avenge themselves and keep fighting against
any enemy or intruder who has committed a crime against the family. This moral obligation
includes mutual love and respect, loyalty, empathy for all, social justice, liberty, and equality. The
overarching theme of story exemplifies the Ifugao's ideals of love, marriage, and riches.
The characteristics of Aliguyon in the epic could be seen in Cardo Dalisay, the character from
‘‘Ang Probinsiyano’’ teleserye. Like Aliguyon, Cardo Dalisay faces an ongoing battle with
his one enemy which is the law-breaking criminals. Both characters also care very much for their
own family and have shown genuine interaction and relationship with the people from their own
town.
Biag Ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang) is a pre-Hispanic epic poem by the Ilocano people of
the Philippines. The story was passed down orally for centuries until it was recorded around 1640.
The Biag ni Lam-ang epic depicts the strengths and attributes of the Filipinos. The features, beliefs,
and behaviors are seen in this remarkable epic becoming the representation of our descendants,
particularly the Ilocanos, who were the origin of this fictional art. This epic portrays enduring
courage, righteousness, romance, adventure, and even friendship. The heroism of the poem
is covered with idealistic imagination and fantasy. Additionally, the epic shows the significant role
of the family when Lam-ang showed selfless love for his family as he searched for his father. Lamang also demonstrated leadership skills when he defended the town people of Nalbuan from the
potential invasion of Igorots. The epic also highlights the competition between Lam-ang and the
other suitors. When Lam-ang fell in love with Ines, he battled and defeated numerous monsters and
finally confronted Sumarang, a committed suitor of Ines. This gave an illustration of the
devotion of Filipinos for their lovers, sacrificing everything they can to show their commitment to
them. The characteristics of Lam-ang in the epic could be seen in Goyo from the movie “Goyo:
Ang Batang Heneral”. Like Lam-ang, Goyo was the youngest general known for his heroic acts,
nationalism, and bravery towards fighting for his motherland and the town people from the war
initiated by the American colonizers. Goyo also had a romantic relationship along the journey with
a woman named Remedios, a strong-willed woman who is not easily swayed by charm. He was
determined to protect Remedios from the unwavering danger brought by the war, even if it will
cost his life. Both has shown courage and resilience towards their fight for the country’s liberty.
Labaw Donggon is an epic that originated in Panay. Labaw Donggon is the eldest son of
Abyang Alunsina and Buyung Panbari, along with his other brothers Humadapnon and
Dumalapdap. Labaw Donggon is a story of a courageous man that is passionate about love; a
romantic character. The character Labaw holds a uniqueness to him as he is very intelligent, strong,
and learned speaking earlier in his childhood. He holds a courageous act for his three lovers Anggoy Ginbitan, Anggoy Doroonan, and Nagmalitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata on courting
them wholeheartedly. Labaw Donggon will do anything to fight for his romantic relationships with
these three women. The difference with the third lover of Labaw Donggon from the others is that
Nagmalitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata is already married with Buyung Sargnayan. We can also
see the relevance of the character of Buyung Saragnayan. His character acts as a symbolism that
represents the parts of Labaw that he wanted to develop as a person. Buyung Saragnayan became
a bridge for Labaw Donggon to truly find his identity. The Labaw Donggon epic is an example of
a Visayan epic. As a Visayan epic, it is known as a kind of literature that discusses the heroism and
conflict between a person and his enemies that exhibits an almost unbelievable narrative
because of the unusual setting full of mysterious phenomena or wonders. The characteristics of
Labaw Donggon in the epic can be seen on Duke Florante from the story of Florante at Laura,
showing a real affection and determination of Florante on Princess Laura of Albania while she is
being pursued by Count Adolfo, Duke Florante’s mortal enemy. The epic of Labaw Donggon is an
epic that provides a story of heroic acts filled with astonishing and surprising events presenting the
gallantry of characters.
All of these literary pieces showed similar themes of romance and family solidarity. Each
of the characters have achieved many great triumphs in their life and exhibited great characteristics
of heroism and brave acts. These epics filled us with patriotism as they contain proofs of our culture
telling us about the events that shaped our society. Acknowledging epic poetry can teach us the
actual importance of relationships in life. Most significantly, these art forms explain the meaning
of love. Each of them contain stories that leave us moral values that a person can portray in the
physical world.