Human Characters:
* Handiong: The main protagonist and a brave warrior. He is a symbol of courage, strength, and determination. He is also known for his wisdom and leadership. His character highlights the values of bravery, loyalty, and selflessness.
* Baltog: A giant who embodies the raw power of nature. He is a formidable opponent for Handiong, representing the challenges that humans must overcome to thrive. Baltog's character reflects the dangers and uncertainties of the natural world.
* Ginbitinan: Handiong's wife and a strong, independent woman. She is a symbol of love, loyalty, and resilience. Ginbitinan represents the importance of family and the power of love to overcome adversity.
* The People of Ibalon: They are the community that Handiong protects. They are brave, resourceful, and united. Their character highlights the importance of community, unity, and shared values.
Supernatural Characters:
* The Gods: The gods of Ibalon represent the forces of nature and destiny. They intervene in human affairs, shaping events and testing the characters' strength. Their presence introduces elements of fate and divine intervention, adding depth to the story.
* The Animals: The animals in Ibalon often serve as allies or enemies to the humans. They demonstrate the interconnectedness of humans and nature. For example, the "babaylan" (shaman) uses animals to gain wisdom and knowledge.
Analysis:
* The epic poem "Ibalon" is a story about human resilience and the struggle for survival. The characters are faced with challenges, both human and supernatural, and through their courage, strength, and wisdom, they overcome these obstacles.
* The characters in "Ibalon" are not merely representations of good and evil. They are complex individuals with flaws and strengths, reflecting the complexities of human nature.
* The poem explores the relationship between humans and nature. The characters are deeply connected to their environment, and the story shows the dangers and beauty of the natural world.
* The epic poem "Ibalon" is a rich source of cultural information. It tells us about the values, beliefs, and traditions of the people of Ibalon, offering insights into their history and their connection to the natural world.
It's important to note that there are several versions of the "Ibalon" epic, and each version might have slightly different character interpretations and motivations. However, the core values and themes remain consistent.