The Tales of Tikum Kadlum

INTERLUDE: BAGANI SAGA 2

THE RULERS, WARRIORS, PRIESTESS, AND SERVANTS OF THE VAST LAND OF VIJAYAS

FIRST and foremost among the rulers of the land was the Makaporos nga Datuk, the chief of chiefs, the guilded one, who held the golden throne in the grandest city-state in the Great archipelago, Madia-as.

Chosen by other lesser chieftains in dire times, the Makaporos nga Datuk held the land together in unity against those who threaten its borders from the north and from the far south...

Next, were the enumerable noble Datu and Rajah class, the rulers of the tribes in the region. They were also the war-chiefs, whose red-colored head-wrap proudly proclaim the valor in their veins.

Leading the raids on far seas and neighboring lands, pillaging treasures for their tribes, the datu was the epitomy of conquest, bravery and honor, tracing their bloodline to the nobility, the blue-clad Tumao, the purebloods.

And greatest among the warriors of the datus of the region were the Bagani or the heroes of old, known for their fighting prowess and cunning, tasked to fight other baganis belonging to rival tribes.

Marching with honor and glory on their hearts, the baganis were accompanied by scores of Timawas, the warrior serfs, called upon by their chieftain to protect their tribe in times of tribal war and raids. They were free men who were only beholden to the nobles they pledge their lives to.

Then, there were the tellers of fate, the conjurers of magic, the mysterious
shamans who equalled the datu in influence, the Babaylanons - a prominent class of wizened women who served as the bridge to our realm and to their patron Devatas, the many gods and goddesses of the vast land of Vijayas.

Lastly, were the Uripons, the slaves, the loyal servants sashed in bright yellow whose dedication to their rulers shall not be denied...

-Chronicles of the Bagani Saga

Translations by Lamberto Aguilar (A Study of Our Baganis pages 20-28)