 Author’s Background:

As "Biag ni Lam-ang" is a work of Philippine folklore that has been passed down through generations by word of
mouth, there is no known author with a documented background. The poem is believed to have originated in the
Ilocos region of the Philippines, and it has been passed down through generations of Ilocano storytellers.

Since "Biag ni Lam-ang" is an oral tradition, it has evolved over time with each storyteller adding their own
interpretations and variations to the story. The poem is often recited and performed in traditional Philippine oral
storytelling and performance arts, making it an important part of the country's cultural heritage.

Despite the lack of information about the author or authors of "Biag ni Lam-ang," the poem remains an important
and beloved part of Philippine literature and cultural identity. It has been translated into different languages and
adapted into different forms of media, including stage plays, films, and comic books. The enduring popularity of
the epic poem is a testament to its enduring power and significance in Philippine culture.

 Background of the work

"Biag ni Lam-ang" is a Philippine epic poem that is considered to be one of the country's most important works of
literature. The poem is part of the oral tradition of Philippine folklore, and it has been passed down through
generations of Ilocano storytellers.

The epic tells the story of the heroic adventures of a young warrior named Lam-ang, who possesses extraordinary
strength and intelligence. The poem is filled with mythical creatures, supernatural events, and magical elements,
and it is steeped in traditional Philippine culture and values. Through the story of Lam-ang, the poem explores
themes of loyalty, honor, and family ties.

The exact origins of "Biag ni Lam-ang" are unknown, but it is believed to have been composed in the Ilocos region
of the Philippines. The poem has been passed down through generations of Ilocano storytellers, who have added
their own interpretations and variations to the story over time.

Despite being an oral tradition, "Biag ni Lam-ang" has been transcribed and recorded in various forms over the
years. The earliest known written version of the poem was published in 1640 by a Spanish friar named Gaspar de
San Agustin, who transcribed the poem in the Spanish language. Since then, the poem has been translated into
different languages and adapted into different forms of media, including stage plays, films, and comic books.

"Biag ni Lam-ang" remains an important part of Philippine literature and cultural heritage, and it continues to be
celebrated and studied by scholars and enthusiasts alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful
storytelling, rich cultural themes, and its enduring significance to Philippine identity.

 Characters and characterization in biag ni lam-ang

"Biag ni Lam-ang" is an epic poem of the Ilocano people, written by Pedro Bukaneg. The poem tells the
story of Lam-ang, a brave and powerful warrior who sets out to avenge his father's death and win the
heart of his beloved wife, Ines Kannoyan. Here are the main characters and their characterization in the
poem:
Lam-ang - The protagonist of the story. He is born with extraordinary strength and abilities, including the
ability to talk immediately after birth. He is brave, heroic, and skilled in battle. He seeks revenge for his
father's death and eventually wins the heart of his beloved wife, Ines Kannoyan.

Ines Kannoyan - The love interest of Lam-ang. She is described as beautiful and virtuous. She is
kidnapped by a giant named Angaloan, but Lam-ang rescues her and wins her love.

Don Juan - Lam-ang's father, who is killed by his enemies. He is described as a great warrior and a wise
man.

Namongan - Lam-ang's mother. She is described as a strong and independent woman who raised Lam-
ang on her own after Don Juan's death.

Sumarang - Lam-ang's loyal dog. He accompanies Lam-ang on his adventures and helps him in battles.

Angaloan - The giant who kidnaps Ines Kannoyan. He is defeated by Lam-ang in a fierce battle.

Saridandan - The rival of Lam-ang. He is defeated by Lam-ang in a battle, which leads to Lam-ang's
victory and eventual marriage to Ines Kannoyan.

Overall, the characters in "Biag ni Lam-ang" are portrayed as brave, heroic, and virtuous. The poem
celebrates their strength, loyalty, and determination in the face of adversity.

 Settings

"Biag ni Lam-ang" is an epic poem of the Ilocano people, written by Pedro Bukaneg. The story is set in
various locations in the Philippines. Here are the main settings of the poem:

Nalbuan - The birthplace of Lam-ang. It is described as a beautiful and peaceful village.

Calanutian - The village where Lam-ang's mother, Namongan, goes to give birth to Lam-ang. It is known
for its rice paddies and farming community.

Kabayuan - The village where Lam-ang grows up. He learns various skills and becomes a skilled warrior.

Daligdigan - The village where Lam-ang meets Ines Kannoyan. It is known for its fertile land and
abundant harvest.

Pindangan - The village where Lam-ang fights Angaloan, the giant who kidnapped Ines Kannoyan. It is a
remote and dangerous place, full of traps and obstacles.

Naguilian River - The river where Lam-ang goes fishing and fights a giant crocodile. It is a beautiful and
scenic location, with clear waters and lush vegetation.

Kalanutian - The village where Lam-ang seeks revenge for his father's death. It is a place of conflict and
violence, where Lam-ang battles his enemies and emerges victorious.
Overall, the settings in "Biag ni Lam-ang" are described vividly and add depth and richness to the story.
They reflect the natural beauty of the Philippines and the cultural traditions of the Ilocano people.

 Summary of each chapter

"Biag ni Lam-ang" is an epic poem of the Ilocano people, written by Pedro Bukaneg. The story is divided
into chapters or sections that tell the various adventures and trials of the hero, Lam-ang. Here is a brief
summary of each chapter:

Chapter 1: Birth and Childhood - Lam-ang is born to Don Juan and Namongan in the village of Nalbuan.
He can talk immediately after birth and grows up to be a skilled warrior.

Chapter 2: The Search for His Father's Bones - Don Juan is killed by his enemies, and Lam-ang goes on a
journey to find his father's bones. He faces many challenges but eventually succeeds in bringing his
father's bones back to his village.

Chapter 3: The Wedding of Lam-ang and Ines Kannoyan - Lam-ang falls in love with Ines Kannoyan and
sets out to win her heart. He battles various creatures and rivals to prove his love and eventually marries
her in a grand wedding.

Chapter 4: The Kidnapping of Ines Kannoyan - Ines Kannoyan is kidnapped by a giant named Angaloan.
Lam-ang sets out to rescue her and battles the giant in a fierce fight. He emerges victorious and rescues
Ines Kannoyan.

Chapter 5: The Battle with Saridandan - Lam-ang encounters a rival named Saridandan, who challenges
him to a battle. Lam-ang defeats him and emerges victorious.

Chapter 6: Fishing in the Naguilian River - Lam-ang goes fishing in the Naguilian River and catches a giant
fish. He also battles a giant crocodile and emerges victorious.

Chapter 7: The Return to Nalbuan - Lam-ang returns to his village and is welcomed as a hero. He lives a
happy life with his wife, Ines Kannoyan, and their son.

Overall, "Biag ni Lam-ang" is a story of bravery, heroism, and love. It celebrates the strength and
determination of the Ilocano people and their cultural traditions. The adventures of Lam-ang reflect the
challenges and triumphs of the human spirit.

 Point of view

The point of view in the epic poem "Biag ni Lam-ang" is third-person omniscient. This means that the
narrator is not a character in the story and knows the thoughts, feelings, and actions of all the
characters. The narrator provides a detailed and objective account of the events in the story and often
describes the characters' inner thoughts and motivations.
For example, in Chapter 2, the narrator describes Lam-ang's journey to find his father's bones and his
encounter with the Igorots. The narrator describes Lam-ang's thoughts and emotions as he faces the
challenges of the journey and the dangers of the mountain:

"Lam-ang could hear his heart beating fast. He was determined to find his father's bones no matter
what. He climbed higher and higher, braving the cold winds and the treacherous terrain. He knew that
the journey would be long and perilous, but he was willing to face any obstacle to honor his father's
memory."

The omniscient point of view in "Biag ni Lam-ang" allows the reader to gain a comprehensive
understanding of the story and the characters. The narrator can provide insight into the cultural
traditions, beliefs, and values of the Ilocano people, and how these shape the actions and decisions of
the characters.

 Conflict

There are several conflicts in the epic poem "Biag ni Lam-ang". These conflicts drive the plot and add
tension to the story. Here are the main conflicts:

Lam-ang's Quest for His Father's Bones - After Don Juan, Lam-ang's father, is killed by his enemies, Lam-
ang sets out on a quest to find his father's bones. This conflict drives the early part of the story and
shows Lam-ang's determination and courage.

Lam-ang's Love for Ines Kannoyan - Lam-ang falls in love with Ines Kannoyan and must overcome various
obstacles to win her heart. This conflict drives the middle part of the story and shows Lam-ang's
romantic side.

The Kidnapping of Ines Kannoyan - Ines Kannoyan is kidnapped by the giant Angaloan, and Lam-ang
must rescue her. This conflict drives the latter part of the story and shows Lam-ang's bravery and
strength as a warrior.

Lam-ang's Revenge - Lam-ang seeks revenge against his father's killers, who are led by Sumarang. This
conflict drives the final part of the story and shows Lam-ang's determination and fighting skills.

Overall, the conflicts in "Biag ni Lam-ang" showcase the various aspects of Lam-ang's personality and
character. They also reflect the cultural traditions and values of the Ilocano people, such as the
importance of family, love, and honor. The conflicts add depth and richness to the story and make it a
timeless classic.

 Implication of the title

The title "Biag ni Lam-ang" has a significant implication in the epic poem. "Biag" means "life," while
"Lam-ang" is the name of the hero of the story. Therefore, the title can be translated to "The Life of
Lam-ang." This implies that the story is primarily about Lam-ang's life and adventures.
However, the title has a deeper meaning that reflects the cultural values and beliefs of the Ilocano
people. In Ilocano culture, a person's life is considered sacred and is seen as a gift from God. The title
"Biag ni Lam-ang" celebrates the sanctity of life and the importance of honoring and preserving it.

Moreover, the story also reflects the idea of rebirth and renewal. In Chapter 2, Lam-ang dies and is
brought back to life by his magical pets. This signifies the idea that life is cyclical, and death is not the
end. Lam-ang's rebirth also represents the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

In conclusion, the title "Biag ni Lam-ang" has significant implications in the epic poem. It reflects the
cultural values of the Ilocano people and celebrates the sanctity of life. It also represents the idea of
rebirth and renewal, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.