| Character | Role | Symbolism | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | The sick king | Authority, vulnerability, need for healing | | Don Pedro | Eldest prince | Pride, envy, failure | | Don Diego | Middle prince | Weakness, jealousy, lack of resolve | | Don Juan | Youngest prince | Humility, kindness, the hero archetype | | Ibong Adarna | The magical bird | Divine intervention, healing, truth | | Maria Blanca | The enchanted princess | True love, magical aid, feminine power | | Ermitanyo (Hermit) | The wise old man | Guidance, sacrifice, wisdom |
Ibong Adarna is a famous epic poem or korido written in Tagalog during the Spanish period. It tells the story of a magical bird whose song has the power to heal the sick and turn people into stone. It is a staple in the Philippine high school curriculum, often studied in Grade 7 or 8 Filipino subjects. ibong adarna buong kwento pdf