Ibong Adarna Historical Background

Come and discover the rich historical background of Ibong Adarna, one of the most well-known corridos and treasures of Filipino literature. In this article, we will explore its origins, lessons, and its invaluable contribution to Philippine culture and history.

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

Ibong Adarna Historical Background

Ibong Adarna is a type of korido, a narrative poem with eight syllables per line and four lines per stanza. It was written to be read, not sung, and often features fantastical and supernatural elements. It gained popularity when it was translated into the native language.

The author of Ibong Adarna remains unclear, but some believe it was written by Jose dela Cruz, also known as Huseng Sisiw. However, there is no concrete evidence to prove this. The full title of the korido is “Korido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan ng Tatlong Prinsipeng Magkakapatid, na Anak ng Haring Fernando at ng Reyna Valeriana sa Kahariang Berbania,” which hints at a complex story of adventure and magic.

The story of Ibong Adarna revolves around the adventures of three princes—Don Juan, Don Diego, and Don Pedro—sons of King Fernando and Queen Valeriana of the Kingdom of Berbanya. They embark on a journey to capture the magical Ibong Adarna, a bird found on Mount Tabor that rests on the Piedras Platas tree, which glows at night. The Ibong Adarna has the power to heal any illness through its song.

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The story of Ibong Adarna shows the influence of European tales in the Philippines. According to Pura Santillan-Castrence, it may have been inspired by folktales from Romania, Denmark, Austria, Germany, and Finland. Despite these foreign influences, it clearly reflects Filipino traits such as faith in God, respect for parents and elders, love for family, and the value of helping others. This is why it is considered an important part of Philippine literature.

Ibong Adarna is regarded as escapist literature that inspired Filipino readers who were struggling under Spanish colonialism. Through this work, they were able to temporarily escape their circumstances and join Don Juan in his adventures.

Ibong Adarna is not just a simple epic romance poem but also a work that serves as a reminder of the values inherent in our culture. Despite the mystery surrounding its author, Ibong Adarna remains a living part of our national literature.

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

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