The Epic of Ibalong: Tales of Creation, Conquest, and Tragedy

 The Epic of Ibalong: Tales of Creation, Conquest, and Tragedy

The Ibálong, also known as Handiong, is a captivating folk epic from the Bikol region of the Philippines. Passed down through generations by male epic chanters known as Kadunung, it weaves a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and moral teachings. This epic narrates the origin of the land called Ibalong, the arrival of its first inhabitants led by Baltog, and the subsequent heroic exploits of Handiong.

The Founding of Ibalong:

Long ago, a land emerged from the sea, and ships bearing people arrived, led by Baltog. Clad in gold ornaments, Baltog, believed to be a descendant of the gods or the "tawong lipod" (wind people), settled in Tundol. The people faced challenges as the land was lush but infested with beasts and strange creatures. They prayed to their moon gods and decided to make Ibalong their new colony, building homes, cultivating the soil, and planting crops.

Baltog and the Tandayang sa Opon:

The arrival of the settlers disrupted the lives of the mythical creatures, leading to conflicts with beasts like the intelligent Tandayang sa Opon, a gigantic wild boar. In a fit of rage over destroyed crops, Baltog single-handedly killed the beast, hanging its enormous jawbones on a talisay tree. This victory attracted neighboring tribes, including Panikwason and the male shamans called Asog.

Handiong's Arrival and Conquest:

From a distant land, another group of men arrived, led by the muscular and armed Handyong. Their mission was to purge Ibalong of non-human creatures and establish their dominance. A series of epic battles ensued, starting with the defeat of a one-eyed, three-necked monster in Ponong. The warriors, including Handyong, faced and conquered giant flying fishes, fierce Tamaraws, Sarimaos, Buayas, and more, turning the rivers and swamps of Ibalong red with the blood of defeated monsters.

The Intervention of Gods and Demigods:

As the human conquest continued, the gods observed the changing fate of Ibalong. Oryol, a beautiful demigoddess, attempted to thwart the foreign warriors but ended up falling in love with Handyong. Together, they cleansed the land of monsters, revealing the secrets of gods and beasts. Despite the prosperity brought by the human conquest, tragedy loomed on the horizon.

The Tragic Ending and Transformation:

As Ibalong flourished under Handiong's leadership, the gods intervened, leading to the tragic demise of the hero. Onos, the god of storms, fell in love with a mortal named Takay, and his jealousy sparked a series of catastrophic events. Ibalong faced floods, volcanic eruptions, and divine wrath, culminating in the transformation of Kanaway into stone and the sinking of Mount Asog.

Bantong's Heroic Deed:

A new threat emerged in the form of Rabot, a fierce half-man, half-monster. Bantong, a friend of Handiong, devised a clever plan to defeat the creature by waiting for its moments of weakness. With a single stab, Bantong brought peace back to Ibalong.

In ages past, in Ibalong's embrace,

Where sea met shore in tranquil grace.

Ships arrived, their leader descended,

Baltog, kin of gods, strength attended.

Muscles carved like pale-hued gold,

Leader swift, tales of legends told.

From sea to shore, they sought to dwell,

In Tundol's embrace, their stories swell.

Prayers to moon gods, a new colony born,

Houses erected, crops sown at morn.

Beasts and creatures, displaced they rove,

Rich soil tamed by Baltog's daring trove.

The mighty Tandayang, a boar so grand,

Intelligent, a threat to crops' grandstand.

In Tondol's night, destruction laid,

Baltog, furious, a vow he made.

With bare hands, Tandayang fell,

Jawbones hung, a victory swell.

Feast and celebration, tribes arrived,

Panikwason, Asog, admiration derived.

From distant lands, a leader emerged,

Tall and strong, bolo's edge urged.

Handyong, with a warrior's might,

To purge the land, creatures to smite.

One-eyed monsters, giants bold,

Tiburon's realm, stories unfold.

Flying fishes vanquished, a courageous quest,

Tamaraws tamed, the land at rest.

Creatures rebelled, Sarimao's fight,

Warriors blessed, wielding moonlight.

Buaya slain, with arrows' might,

Rivers ran red, nature's final night.

Asuang, lord of monsters, watched the play,

Gugurang favored men, a new day.

Oryol, a demigoddess, beauty rare,

A serpent's form, in moonlit air.

Traps set by Handyong's cunning art,

Oryol, intelligent, played her part.

Vicious mermaids joined her side,

Handyong's men in battle died.

Sealed within a cave, mermaids' plight,

Handyong sought Oryol, a moonlit night.

Battle fierce, respect earned in strife,

Love blossomed, transcending life.

Oryol shared the gods' sacred lore,

Handyong cleansed Ibalong's core.

Years passed, a land bountiful and rich,

Handyong's legacy, a fruitful pitch.

Towns rose, inventions flourished,

Laws set, equality nourished.

All was well until the gods' decree,

Onos, storm god, caused the sea.

Takay, fair maiden, love entwined,

Onos' desire, love maligned.

Kamaway turned to stone, a tragic fate,

Onos wreaked havoc, sealing their state.

Volcanoes erupted, waters rose,

Pasacao emerged, nature's throes.

Deluge, floods, Onos' rage,

Bulan and Haliya descended from their stage.

In Lake Buhi, where waters sway,

Takay transformed, flowers in array.

Spurned love, Ibalong's doom,

Rabot emerged, a harbinger's gloom.

Half-human, half-monster, Rabot's might,

Bantong rose to end the blight.

Observing, waiting for sleep's embrace,

A single stab, peace in the space.

Yet, Handyong mourned, a passing age,

Men more vicious than a monster's rage.

Free will and the hunt, a change profound,

Subjugation's whispers, a foreboding sound.

The epic of Ibalong, with its tales of creation, conquest, and tragedy, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and mythical heritage of the Bikol region. It celebrates the bravery of heroes, the intervention of gods, and the inevitable transformations that shape the destiny of a land and its people. The epic reflects the complexities of human existence, exploring themes of conquest, love, and the passage of time, all wrapped in the captivating storytelling tradition of the Kadunung.