Biag ni Lam-Ang

Biag ni Lam-Ang
by Michael Schulze-Oechtering Castaneda

The story of Lam-Ang is important because it provides Ilokanos with an Ilokano hero. In a society where it is hard to find any representations of ourselves, Lam-Ang gives us a textual context where we can look proudly upon our history and culture.

Lam-Ang from birth was born with super powers. At the age of nine months he engaged a group of Igorots that killed his father. Not only did Lam-Ang win the fight, but he slaughtered the Igorots. It was said that “Like unto the river Vigan was the blood that flowed from out the bodies of the dead Igorots.” After Lam-Ang’s return to his village he planned to bath in the Amburayan River, but before that Lam-Ang wished to test his strength against a crocidle, who was “reputed to be the biggest ever known in these regions.” Without a struggle Lam-Ang defeated the crocodile. After the battle with the crocodile Lam-Ang wished to court Dona Ines Kannoyan of the town Kalanutian. Against Lam-Ang’s mother’s wishes continued in his journey to court Kannoyan. After arriving in Kalanutian both the dog and rooster caused a scene that got Kannoyan’s attention. After Lam-Ang’s persistence Kannoyan agree’s to wed, but the stipulation that Kannoyan’s parents provide is that Lam-Ang can match the wealth of their family. This task is done and Lam-Ang and Kannoyan marry. The final task that Lam-Ang faces is the raring. While Lam-Ang is fishing for the raring a monster fish, the berkakan eats him. Lam-Ang is later brought back to life when his bones are collected. The story ends with Lam-Ang and Dona Ines Kannoyan living happily ever after.