Description
Ibong Adarna (Adarna Bird)
Oil on linen 32x27in 2021
Adarna is a legendary mythical bird in the Filipino epic, "Ibong Adarna." It sings seven songs that are believed to put anyone to sleep, but can also cure any type of illness. After its last song, it discharges feces, then finally sleeps. The danger however, is that its droppings can turn anyone into stone.
In the story, a king fell ill and none of the healers in the kingdom could cure him. His two sons, the kingdom's princes set out on a mission to find the mythical bird, only to fail and turn into stone.
The youngest of the three princes, Don Juan, went looking for his brothers and to capture the bird. In order to catch the Adarna, a leper advised Don Juan to stay awake to avoid its feces. To maintain his wakefulness, Don Juan cut his palm with a razor and dropped some citrus juice on its wound. When the bird finished its songs, it fell asleep and Don Juan used a golden cord to bind the Adarna.
Don Juan acquired some magical water to revive his brothers. However, during their return, pride and greed took over the story. His brothers plot a betrayal against him... and murder.
In the painting, Don Juan wears an ethnic clothing from Yakan culture in Sulu, Philippines.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons.