Summary Of Biuag And Malana – An Epic Of Cagayan
SUMMARY OF BIUAG AND MALANA – In this topic, we are going to read the full summary of Biuag and Malana, an epic of Cagayan
This Cagayan Epic is well known by the Ibanag. The summary is uplifted from the website Tripod Cagayan. Here is the summary of the story:
In Enrile, the southern part of Cagayan, lived a man named Biuag. By the time he was born, a very beautiful woman came and admired him. His mother thought that it was a goddess and begged the latter a long life for Biuag.
The goddess made no response but placed three stones on the neck of the child, giving him protection, supernatural powers, and prowess, respectively, which he gained in certain events.
Despite this, he felt troubled and unhappy. He fell in love with a maiden in Tuao town whose beauty is unparalleled. No one knew who she was or where she came from. Biuag cannot stop thinking of the beautiful maiden.
In Malaueg, there is another man named Malana who possesses similar powers to Biuag. By the time he was 18, a typhoon destroyed the town’s crops and fell under famine. Their only hope is a place called Sto. Niño but the path is deadly.
Malana volunteered to take the journey and successfully return with lots of rice to give to the people.
Upon returning, he found a bow and arrow, which he thought came from his father. The arrows had two stones similar to what is around Biuag’s neck.
Meanwhile, Biuag did not mind the admiration Malana received from the people as he is busy thinking about the beautiful woman. He decided to visit her but he found out that Malana is with her, this made Biuag furious and challenged the latter by throwing the spear at him. Malana returned it with the message that his powers were not meant for this.
Biuag took it differently and said to the lady that her suitor is strong but cowardly.
One afternoon, Biuag took a lift of the lady when he noticed that a number of people from Malaueg came, with Malana as their leader.
“Now I know why you challenged me. You covet the woman I love” says Malana.
“The gods forbid anyone from taking anything that belongs to the other but I am ready to give you a chance. If the lady allows it, we shall fight for her hand.”
At the day of the controversial duel, the two mountains were covered by the people. Biuag began by recklessly throwing the coconut tree at Malana, which he caught and threw to Yeluru, which is now filled with coconut grooves.
Biuag became more insane and threw the spear at Malana’s heart. Luckily, it missed the spot and Malana taunted Biuag.
Biuag then snatched a crocodile into the river and both men clashed, with Biuag seemingly became victorious.
However, the maiden flew into the air and held a falling Malana. The maiden revealed herself as the goddess’ daughter and called Biuag a coward for relying on a crocodile and undeserving of such gift.
She then blessed the people below and flew to the kingdom of air and clouds with Malana where she reigned.
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