-

-

Theme: The epic centers on themes of bravery, jealousy, resilience, and redemption. It explores the destructive nature of envy, as exhibited by King Madali’s jealousy of his brother Bantugan, and the triumph of love, unity, and heroism. It also reflects the importance of loyalty, family ties, and the power of resurrection to restore balance and justice.

Plot: Prince Bantugan, the hero, is known for his strength and valor but is envied by his brother King Madali, who forbids anyone from talking to him. Bantugan leaves the kingdom and eventually dies in a distant land. His death causes turmoil, but through supernatural intervention, including Bantugan’s soul journey and resurrection facilitated by a parrot messenger and Princess Datimbang, Bantugan returns to save his kingdom. The epic concludes with Bantugan's victory over enemies and his restoration as a beloved leader, marrying multiple princesses to symbolize unity.

Setting:The story is set in the kingdom of Bumbaran, ruled by King Madali, and other mystical places such as the Kingdom Between Two Seas and the Region of the Dead. Bumbaran is portrayed as prosperous and grand, near rivers and seas. The settings are rich in magical and ritualistic elements typical of epic storytelling.

-

Characters

• Prince Bantugan – The protagonist; a brave and charismatic warrior prince.

• King Madali – Bantugan’s jealous brother and king, who initially creates conflict by isolating Bantugan.

• Princess Datimbang – A key female character who aids in Bantugan’s resurrection.

• Loro (Parrot) – A messenger that plays a crucial role in communicating news of Bantugan’s death and resurrection.

• Miskoyaw – The antagonist who attacks the kingdom when Bantugan is believed dead.

Diction & Style: The epic uses formal and poetic language with a rhythmic, chant-like quality as it was traditionally narrated orally with musical accompaniment. The diction reflects the grandeur and solemnity of epic tales, incorporating symbolic and figurative expressions that elevate the heroic stature of characters and events.

-

Literary Devices

• Symbolism – Characters and events symbolize broader issues like jealousy, heroism, death, and resurrection.

• Imagery – Vivid descriptions of battle scenes, royal courts, and supernatural realms enhance the epic’s dramatic effect.

• Allegory – The story functions as an allegory of the struggle between good and evil, and life's cyclical nature.

• Repetition and Rhythm – Used in the oral tradition to enhance memorability and dramatic tension.

Point of View: The epic is narrated from a third-person omniscient perspective allowing insight into the motivations of multiple characters, the unfolding of events, and the cultural and moral undertones.

Context: "Bantugan" is part of the Darangen, a Maranao epic poem from Mindanao, Philippines, recognized as a National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. It reflects the rich oral tradition, social customs, and values of the Maranao people before the 14th-century Islamization, blending mythology, history, and cultural identity through poetic storytelling and ritual performance.

-