I've been receiving a lot of request to feature the story of Ibang Adarna. Here you go. I'm putting it now, so it will be easy for you to have a grasped of the story even before watching the animated version.
Ibong Adarna is a mythical story, formed in a narrative song and poetry called corrido, considered a big part of Philippine literature, usually used as part of the secondary curriculum in the country.
The author of this fantastic story remains unknown. Some said the author may have been Spanish because it has already been written when the Spaniards ruled the Philippines. During those times, Ibong Adarna was known as Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magcacapatid na Anac nang Haring Fernando at nang Reina Valeriana sa Cahariang Berbania.
Other speculated - it has been written by Jose Dela Cruz, a great poet also known as Huseng Sisiw. This amazing folklore is about love, sacrifice, and fantasy. The story is basically about the adventures of the three princes in catching the mythical bird that possesses magical powers. The Adarna is a beautiful bird and could change in different captivating forms and knows a total of seven enchanting songs that by listening to it will put you into sleep. But like any adventure stories, catching it, is no easy feat.
Here's the summary.
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom named, Berbania. Ruled by King Fernando and Queen Valeriana who had three sons – Don Pedro (firstborn), Don Diego (second), and Don Juan (the youngest).
One night, King Fernando had a bad dream. In his dream, he saw that his youngest - apparently his favorite too, Don Juan was thrown away into a creepy deep well. Due to that, the King started getting weak resulted in an unexplained sickness which his medical advisor said that the only cure is a lullaby from a magical bird called Adarna.
King Fernando tasked his three sons to hunt the magical bird. Don Pedro went first but he failed. He may have reached Mount Tabor and the tree called Piedras Platas where the Adarna bird nested but the prince fell asleep the moment hearing the bird sing a hypnotizing tune and turning him into a stone when the lovely bird poop right into his head. The second prince, Don Diego went hunting next. Unfortunately, he had the same fate as his older brother. This time, the kingdom was counting on Don Juan.
The youngest prince went to Mount Tabor where on his way he met a very old sick man whom he gave some food and help him gain his strength who in turn - as a gesture of appreciation gave Don Juan tips about the magical tree of Piedras Platas and how to capture the enchanted bird, Adarna. Don Juan successfully caught the bird and helped his two brothers back to their human form. Because of envy and greed, the two joined forces to scheme Don Juan to put him to death by throwing him in a deep well. The two then returned home with the Adarna. However, the king’s illness went worse because the bird is reluctant to sing a single tune.
Luckily, Don Juan’s strength returned. He has been healed by the poor old man he helped in the mountain. He came back to the Kingdom of Berbania. And it was only then when the bird started singing after seeing Don Juan. The King's health immediately went back to his stronger self upon hearing it. He uncovered the truth about the evil things the older brothers had done to Don Juan. He wanted to punish his two sons but Don Juan asked his father to just forgive them. The King granted his request and asked the three princes to guard the Adarna. Because of Don Pedro, the bird flew away and escaped. Realizing what happened, Don Juan went away from the kingdom so the king won’t punish his brother.
King Fernando asked the two princes to look for Don Juan. They found him in the kingdom of Armenia. They decided to live there. One day they found an intriguing well. It was only Don Juan who have successfully entered the well. From there, he found two lovely princesses, Donya Juana and Donya Leonora being held captive by a giant serpent. Because of his skills in fighting, the mighty prince has killed the serpent and saved the princesses. Don Pedro envied the young prince. On their way to Berbania, Donya Leonora realized that her ring was missing, so Don Juan volunteered to go back to the well to retrieve it but Don Pedro cut the rope when the prince was inside the well. The four of them went back to the Kingdom leaving Don Juan. Don Diego falls in love with Donya Juana so he asked the King to marry her. While Don Pedro is having a hard time pursuing Donya Leonora whom his heart desires.
Going back to Don Juan, an enchanted fox helped him healed his injuries. Suddenly, the magical bird (Adarna) appeared and told him about the princess of Reyno Delos Cristales - his love destiny. He immediately searched for the princess and found out about the cruel King Salermo. Despite the obstacles the cruel king has given to him, he faced them all and succeeded with the help of Maria Blanca - the daughter of King Salermo. Because of the selfish king, the two tried to escape. Maria Blanca was cursed to be crawling like a snail and be forgotten by prince Don Juan.
Don Juan has returned to Berbania where he was welcomed by his mother, Queen Valeriana, and Donya Leonora. He has forgotten everything about Maria Blanca after reunited with Donya Leonora. Don Juan and Donya Leonora were about to get marry but on the day of the wedding, Maria Blanca appeared wearing the emperatris. She tried to bringing back the memories of Don Juan about their love. In the end, Don Juan was able to remember everything happened in Reyno Delos Cristales - and got married with Maria Blanca - Donya Leonora was betrothed to Don Pedro. Don Pedro succeeded his father and became the new king of Berbania while Don Juan became the king of Reyno Delos Cristales with Maria Blanca as the queen.
Now, if you want to compare with the animated version. See it for yourselves.