Ibong Adarna: Corrido and its Background

Background of Ibong Adarna

• Originally titled "Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magcacapatid na Anac ng Haring Fernando at ng Reina Valeriana sa Cahariang Berbania."
• "Corrido" comes from the Mexican word meaning "a current narrative" or "occurido" - "an event that has occurred".
• It’s a narrative poem with measured lines and rhymes from Spain that arrived to the Philippines through Mexico.
• It is a type of metrical romance, a story of adventure, love, and chivalry

Differences Between Awit (Song) and Corrido (Narrative Poem)

• Awit:
  • 12 syllables per line
  • Slow tempo (andante)
  • About heroes, warriors, life
  • Characters without supernatural powers (Bayani, Mandirigma, Larawan ng Buhay)
  • Ex: Florante at Laura, Pitong Infantes de Lara, Doce pares ng Pransya, Haring Patay
• Corrido:
  • 8 syllables per line
  • Fast tempo (allegro)
  • About faith, legends, the supernatural
  • Characters with over the top abilities (Pananampalataya, Alamat, Kababalaghan)
  • Ex: Ibong Adarna, Kabayong Tabla, Ang Dama Ines, Principe Florinio

Synopsis and Themes

• The tale revolves around faith, legends, and the supernatural.
• Every eight-syllable verse is an act containing four lines.
• The characters embark on journeys, face challenges, and discover the value of perseverance.
• It highlights the importance of family, obedience, and kindness.

Symbolic Elements

• Kahariang Berbanya: A fictional kingdom.
• Adarna: A mythical bird whose song can cure any illness.
• Bundok Tabor: Resembles Mount Tabor, a significant site in biblical history.
• Piedras Platas: Referred to as "silver stones" in Tagalog

Key Characters

• Ibong Adarna: A magical bird residing in Piedras Platas tree on Mount Tabor whose song can cure Haring Fernando.
• Haring Fernando: King of Berbanya who suffers from a mysterious illness.
• Reyna Valeriana: Wife of Haring Fernando and mother to Don Juan, Don Pedro, and Don Diego.
• Don Pedro: The eldest son who first tries to capture the Adarna; the first infant.
• Don Diego: The second son who also fails to catch the Adarna.
• Don Juan: The youngest son who ultimately captures the Adarna on Mount Tabor.
• Donya Maria Blanca: The daughter of Haring Salermo with magical powers; one of Don Juan's loves.
• Haring Salermo: King of Reyno de los Cristales who tests Don Juan's resolve.
• Donya Leonora: A princess from the Kingdom of Armenia who falls for Don Juan.
• Donya Juana: Sister of Donya Leonora.
• Donya Isabel: Sister of Donya Maria Blanca.
• Ermitanyo: An old hermit living on Mount Tabor assists Don Juan.
• Matandang Uugod-ugod: An old man helps restore Don Juan.
• Lobo: Donya Leonora’s pet heals Don Juan in Armenia.
• Ang Higante: Holds Donya Juana captive.
• Ang Serpyente: Defeated in battle and guards Donya Leonora.
• Matandang Leproso: An old leper asks for help and the last of Don Juan's bread offers assistance.

Seven Trials of Don Juan

• Turning wheat into bread
• Retrieving small black people in a vial
• Moving a mountain
• Relocating the mountain into the sea and transforming it into a castle
• Returning a mountain to the window
• Finding Haring Salermo's ring in the sea
• Taming a wild horse (Haring Salermo)