Biag ni Lam-ang (Archetypal Analysis)

                The story of biag ni Lam-ang by no definite author, shows the meaning of what archetypal criticism all about. Archetypal criticism defines, from the word  archetype – the perfect example of something. An idea that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual. This epic gives us a picture about the lifestyle before, its belief and how people lived. It has also many underlying messages about the Philippines. Lam-ang is a boy who is extraordinary. He also somehow symbolizes Filipinos in terms of bravery and perseverance that no matter what happens he continue to fight.

                Biag ni Lam-ang is a pre-historic epic story. It s about an extraordinary boy who wait so long for his father to come home and seeks revenge or justice after knowing that his father’s head was being strucked on a pole by the Igorots. His determination on his journey to find his father reflects on how Filipinos are determined enough to go through any circumstances no matter how difficult it is. After the triumph, he was bathed by the women in the Amburayan river. All the fish died because of the dirt and odor from Lam-ang’s body. He found out that there was a young woman named Ines Cannoyan and he wanted to woo. He decided to visit her so he brought along his white rooster and gray dog. On his way, he met his enemy Sumarang,who used to be Ines’ suitor, whom he fought and defeated. After he reached the house of Ines, it was surrounded by many suitors. He showed his extraordinary moves which catched attention on Ines’ parents and asked him a dowry for their daughters' hand. Lam-ang had no problem achieving the condition. He and Ines were married.

                The story shows how marriage goes before, how the people lived and fight for something they want. The story is very interesting because of Lam-ang's adventures and extraordinary powers. It reflects on the beliefs of our ancestors which is still present in some of us nowadays but we are unaware and unconscious about it.