Ibong Adarna Chapter 37 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc.

This post contains a short summary of Ibong Adarna Chapter 37 – The Selection of the Princesses covering stanzas 1286-1333. In addition, you will also learn about the characters mentioned in this chapter, the setting, key events, as well as the lessons and important insights you can gain from it.

Related: Ibong Adarna Summary of the Entire Story (Short Summary) »

See also: Ibong Adarna Chapter 36 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »

Related: Ibong Adarna Kabanata 37 – Buod, Mga Tauhan, Aral, atbp.

Summary of Ibong Adarna Chapter 37 – The Selection of the Princesses (Stanzas 1286-1333)

The next day, King Salermo summoned Don Juan to the palace. Upon entering, Don Juan noticed that everyone was smiling, including the sickly king. He was surprised that, despite his condition, King Salermo appeared pleased.

The king had something important to announce—Don Juan’s long-awaited reward. He was led to three rooms, each with a small opening where only the index fingers of the princesses could be seen. It was Don Juan’s task to choose the right princess.

Don Juan ignored the first and second rooms. He proceeded to the third room, where he recognized the missing index finger—a mark of Maria Blanca.

King Salermo was shocked by Don Juan’s choice—his youngest daughter, Maria Blanca. Although he did not approve, he had no choice but to let her go with Don Juan. However, the king had a secret plan.

King Salermo had prepared a document ordering Don Juan to be sent to England to marry the king’s youngest sister. He warned Don Juan that disobeying the order would result in death.

Upon learning about her father’s plan, Maria Blanca and Don Juan decided to escape.

See also: Ibong Adarna Summary of Each Chapter (1-46) »

Important Events in Ibong Adarna Chapter 37

1. King Salermo summoned Don Juan to the palace, and Don Juan noticed the king was in an unusually good mood despite being sick.
2. The king told Don Juan that it was time for him to receive his reward and instructed him to choose the right princess from three rooms.
3. Don Juan selected the princess with the missing index finger, identifying Maria Blanca as the correct choice.
4. Though King Salermo disapproved, he had no choice but to accept Don Juan’s decision.
5. Don Juan and Maria Blanca discovered the king’s plan to send Don Juan to England for an arranged marriage, prompting them to escape.

See also: Ibong Adarna Historical Background »

Characters in Ibong Adarna Chapter 37

These are the characters mentioned in the chapter 37 of Ibong Adarna:

Don Juan

The prince who chose Maria Blanca and planned to escape with her.

King Salermo

The cunning king who gave Don Juan many challenges and plotted to send him to England.

Maria Blanca

The youngest daughter of King Salermo, whom Don Juan correctly identified.

Read more: Ibong Adarna Characters and Their Roles »

Setting of Ibong Adarna Chapter 37

The events took place inside King Salermo’s palace.

Lessons from Ibong Adarna Chapter 37

1. Don Juan’s decision to choose Maria Blanca and their plan to escape demonstrate deep trust and sacrifice in love. True love is not only based on emotions but also on recognizing the signs and trusting one another.
2. Despite King Salermo’s power, Don Juan overcame all challenges through wisdom and critical thinking. The story teaches that not all problems are solved through strength; intelligence and understanding can be the key to overcoming obstacles.
3. Don Juan and Maria Blanca’s escape symbolizes their desire for freedom from parental control, especially from King Salermo. It conveys the message that everyone has the right to choose their own destiny but must also be responsible and courageous in facing the consequences of their decisions.

See also: Ibong Adarna Chapter 38 Summary, Characters, Lessons, etc. »

And that concludes the summary, important events, characters, setting, and lessons of Ibong Adarna Chapter 37. If you found this lesson helpful, please share it with others so they can learn as well.

You can also share it on your social media accounts by clicking the share button on your screen. For any additional questions about our lesson, feel free to leave a comment below.