King Fernando is the king of Berbanya. He is the benevolent ruler of the Kingdom of Berbanya, sharing his reign with his wife, Queen Valeriana.
About King Fernando and His Kingdom
King Fernando is a central figure in the epic tale of Ibong Adarna, a narrative deeply rooted in Philippine folklore. His character is portrayed as a loving husband and father whose well-being is critical to the stability of his kingdom.
The royal family of Berbanya includes:
- Queen Valeriana: King Fernando's devoted consort.
- Don Pedro: The eldest of their three sons.
- Don Diego: Their second son.
- Don Juan: Their youngest and most cherished son.
The events of the story are set in motion when King Fernando falls gravely ill after experiencing a disturbing dream in which his youngest son, Don Juan, is tragically murdered. Desperate for a cure, he learns of the magical Ibong Adarna, a bird whose enchanting songs are believed to possess powerful healing abilities. This critical need for a remedy leads him to dispatch his sons, starting with Don Pedro, on a perilous quest to find the mystical bird. King Fernando's illness and the subsequent search for a cure form the core conflict that drives the narrative of the Ibong Adarna.