Story Telling: myths

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The Legend of Kamandaka in Goa Jatijajar

The Legend of Kamandaka (Javan Kasarung) in Goa Jatijajar

In West Java in ancient times there was a great Hindu kingdom and strong enough, which is based in the city of Bogor. Kingdom is the Kingdom "Pajajaran", at that time the reigning king of King Siliwangi. He is old and was intended to lift his oldest son as his successor.
Prabu Siliwangi have three sons and one daughter from two Empress, consort of the first, had two sons ie: Lots and Lots Cotro Ngampar. But when Cotro and Much Much Ngampar young mother has died.
Then Prabu Siliwangi eventually married again with a second consort, namely Kumudaningsih. At the time taken to become Empress Goddess Kumuudangingsih by King Siliwangi, he entered into an agreement, that if one day he had a son of man, then that must meggantikan putranyalah became king in Pajajaran.

From his marriage with Goddess Kumudaningsih, King Silliwangi have a son and a daughter, namely: Many Blabur and Goddess Pamungkas.

One day King Siliwangi called his oldest son, and Much Much Cotro Blabur to face, the point is Siliwangi King shall appoint his son to replace a prince because he had lajut Pajajaran age.

But from the second crown prince no one would be appointed to be king in Pajajaran. As his eldest son Many Clark filed a number of reasons, among others, the reason is:
• To order the Kingdom he's not ready, because not enough science.
• To order the kingdom of a king should be there with her Consort who, while Many Cotro unmarried.

Many Cotro said that he had just married when he met with a daughter who was her face like her mother. Therefore Cotro Many requested permission to leave the kingdom Pajajaran mencaari daughter who became his dreams ..
Many Cotro departure from the Kingdom Pajajaran through thermodynamics Boat, to appear before a priest and held there. The priest is Ki Subjects Winarong, magic and know a pastor to marry the daughter of the craving-idamkannya can be achieved.
However there are several requirements that must be performed and fulfilled by many Cotro, which should remove all clothing and menaggalkan greatness of the kingdom with the only wear ordinary clothes. And he must be disguised under the pseudonym "Raden Kamandaka"
Raden Kamandaka After walking for days from Tangkuban boat toward the East, so I will Raden Kamandaka kewilayah Sand Luhur Duchy.

Coincidentally Raden Kamandaka until Luhur Sand, Sand betemu with Patih Duchy of Patih Reksonoto Luhur. Because the old Reksonoto Patih not mempuunyai children, then finally made Radenn Kamandaka foster child Patih Reksonoto feel very proud and happy to have her son Prince Kamandaka Lift the gallant and handsome, then Patih Reksonoto saangat loved him.
As for who ordered the Duchy of Sand Luhur was "Adi Pati Kanandoho". He has a daughter and a few people already married except the youngest who is a virgin goddess Ciptoroso. Ciptoroso Goddess is a daughter who has a similar face raden Kamandaka Mother, and Princess is being searched for yng oeh Kamandaka Raden.
A habit of the Duchy of Sand Luhur that every year held a ceremony to catch fish at times Logawa. At this ceremony all the family and the Duchy of Sand Luhur pejabatan government authorities and also catch fish at times Logawa.
In the time following the ceremony Patih Reksonoto go fishing at times Logawa, without knowing Raden Kamandaka secretly had followed her from behind. On this occasion Raden Kamandaka can meet with Dewi Ciptoroso, and they both fell in love.
At the request of the Goddess Ciptoroso to Raden Kamandaka at night to come see the goddess in the park Kaputren Ciptoroso Duchy Sand Goddess Ciptoroso Luhur place is located. It is true that evening Raden Kamandaka quietly without permission Resonoto governor, he went to meet Goddess Ciptoroso already miss waiting for the arrival of Raden Kamandaka.
But the existence in the Garden of Raden Kamandaka Kaputren Joint Goddess Ciptoroso not last long. Because suddenly the guardian soldiers know that in daalam Kaputren adaa thief entering the park. This was then later reported by Adipatih Kandandoho.

Responding to the report, then Adipatih very angry and ordered peencuri praajuritnya to catch them. Because the miracle of science dexterity distinction owned by Raden Kamandaka, then Raden Kamandaka can escape from the cordon of soldiers Sand Luhur.

Before Raden Kamandaka escaped daari Kaputren Park, he could say his identity. That he named the son of Raden Kamandaka Patih Reksonoto.
Case in hearing olehh inii soldiers, and to report to Adipatih Kandandoohho. Hearing this Patih Reksonoto innii then was summoned, and must surrender his son. Was conducted by Patih Perintaah Reksonoto, although in his heart is very heavy. Sehimgga with daari Patih Reksonoto ploy, it can run difference Kamandaka Raden daaripengejaran the soldiers survived.
Raden Kamandaka waterfall dive into the river and follow the flow of river water. By Patih Reksonoto, and the soldiers who pursue,, dilapoprkan that Raden Kamandaka dead inside sugai said. Hearing this news Adipatih Kandandoho felt relieved and satisfied. Nmun contrary Ciptoroso Goddess who, after hearing the news was very grim and sad.
Raden Kamandaka dive along with the flow of the river to face with a man fishing in a river. The person named Rekajaya, Raden Kamandaka Rekajaya difference then good friends and settled in the village Panagih. In this village adopted by Raden Kamandaka Kektosuro Mbok, a poor widow in the village tersebbut.

Raden Kamandaka a cockfighting enthusiast. Incidentally Mbok Reksonoto have a rooster named "Light". On each chicken Raden penyabungan Kamandaka always win in the match, then Raden Kamandaka became very famous as botoh chicken.
This empire spread saampai Sand Luhur, hear this Adipatih Kandadoho become angry and furious. He ordered his soldiers to live or die menagkap Kamandaka Raden.
At that moment, suddenly there came a handsome young man admitted that he named "Silihwarni" who will devote themselves to the Sand Luhur, so he accepted his petition, but as long as he should be able to kill Raden Kamandaka. To prove it he must take the blood and liver Kamandaka Raden.
Actually Silihwarni is a pseudonym. The name is actually a lot of kejajaan Pajajaran Ngampar Son, namely the younger brother of Prince Kamandaka.
He by her father, King Siliwangi assigned to search for siblings who have long gone yet again. To overcome the interference in the way, he supplied heirloom kris Kujang Pamungkas as a weapon. And he also disguised with Silihwarni name, and dress like ordinary people.
Because he heard the news that the brother was in the Duchy Luhur Sand, so he went there. After receiving the order daari Silihwarni Adipatih, he went with some soldiers and followed dogs to the village of Karang Luas, where penyabungan chicken.
This is the place they met. However, both of whom are not familiar anymore. Silihwari raknyat dressed as usual while Raden Kamandaka botoh dressed as chickens, and his face pale with suppressed kernduan to her lover.
Tempers persabungan Raden Kamandaka and Silihwarni epilepsy, with the unwitting by raden kamandaka Silihwrni suddenly stabbed with a dagger waist Raden Kamandaka Pamungkasnya Kujang. Because these cuts keris darahpun out by torrential. However, due to Raden Kamandaka dexterity, can escape the danger he himself is and where he can escape the village was named Brobosan, which means he can escape from danger.
Because the wound bleed more profusely, they also rest a little land somewhere, then it is called Bancran. Raden flight Kamandaka Silihwarni and continue to be pursued by soldiers. At one place a dog can catch Raden Kamandaka tracer and then place it on him the name of the village of Karang Dogs.
Raden Kamandaka kept running towards the east and arrived at an impasse, and this place he gave the village a dead end. Raden Kamandaka eventually came disebuah Goa. In this cave he was hiding from the pursuit of rest and Silihwarni. Silihwarni are constantly chasing after the cave until he lost track. Then Silihwarnipun from the mouth of the cave called Raden Kamandaka challenging.
After hearing tantagan Silihwarni, Raden Kamandaka replied he says his identity, that he was the son of the royal Cotro Many Pajajaran name.
After her identity was Silihwarnipun said that he was also the son of the Kingdom of Pajajaran, named Many Ngampar. Thus the words of recognition between Raden Kamandaka Ayang and Silihwarni that they are purta Pajajaran, then the person who hears the name of the second version, for those jatijajar cave. Then they both berpeluka and forgive each other.
However, because Silihwarni should bring proof of Raden Kamandaka liver and blood, hence the cut at last taken the dog tracking blood and heart. It is said that it was the heart and blood Kamandaka Raden had killed.
Raden Kamandaka then meditated in the cave and got a clue, that his intention to marry Dewi Ciptoroso would be achieved if he had received clothing "monkey" and he was told to get closer to the Duchy of Sand Luhur, That Agung Batur settled in the forest, southwest of the rock Raden.
A favorite of Sand Adipatih Luhur is hunting. On a day of hunting Adipatih and all his family, suddenly come face to face with a huge monkey and tame. The monkey is finally on the catch alive.

As will be brought home, it suddenly came Rekajaya admitted that it was a pet monkey, and told beredia help care for her if the monkeys would be maintained in the Duchy. And the request was granted.
Having reached the duchy the daughter fought to maintain these monkeys. During the Duchy of these monkeys will not be given to eat. Therefore ultimately by the langur Adipatih disayembarakan seoraang ie if there is one from his daughter can feed the monkeys and accepted by then he was the one who will maintain these monkeys.
It turns out the food received by the monkeys are only food of the goddess Ciporoso, the "monkey Kasarung" became domesticated goddess Ciptoroso. At night it transformed into a monkey Kamandaka Raden. So that only the Goddess Ciptoroso who know about it. By day she changed into monkeys anymore. So the situation is now very happy Goddess and happy, which is always accompanied Kasarung langur.

Once on a day of Nusa Kambangan raden Discuss King Pule told patih to woo Duchy Youngest Daughter Goddess Sand Luhur pinangannya Ciptoroso and threatened when he refused to destroy the Duchy of Sand Luhur.

At the suggestion and request of the monkey king Pule Kasarung Discuss the proposal in order to receive it. But there are some requirements that haarus Discuss Pule met by the king. One is a wedding later in the meeting should also accompany the Javan Kasarung Ciporoso Goddess.

At the time the meeting lasted bride, King Pule Discuss Kasarung always disturbed by the monkey who always accompany the Goddess Ciptoroso. Therefore the king was angry and beat Pule Discuss Kasarung monkey. However Lutung Kasarung been ready to fight against King Pule Discuss.
Discuss with the battle of King Javan Kasarung Pule happen very exciting. But because of his supernatural powers of Luung Kasarung, eventually King Pule Discuss fall strangled and bitten by a monkey Kasarung.

When King Pule Discuss the Javan Kasarung fall instantly transformed into Raden Kamandaka, and oversized clothes directly mengenkan Kejajaan Pajajaran and confess his name Many Cotro. Now Adipatih Sand Luhur knows the truth is Kamandaka and Raden Raden Kamandaka is Cotro and Much Much Lutung Kasarung Cotro is the crown prince of the kingdom Pajajaran. And finally she mated with the Goddess Ciptoroso.

But because Raden Kamandaka already disabled at the time of cockfighting with taxable Silihwarni kris Kujang Pamungkas then Raden Kamandaka can not substitute for a prince Pajajaran.

Because Pajajaran royal tradition, that will replace the crown prince who became king should not be handicapped because Kujang Pamungkas heritage. So after he was married to the Goddess Ciptoroso, Raden Kamandaka can only be in the Sand Luhur Adipatih Replacing in-law. While those who became king in Pajajaran is a lot Blabur

The Monkey and The Jelly-Fish A Folktales from Japanese

THE MONKEY AND THE JELLY-FISH
A Folktales from Japanese

Children must often have wondered why jelly-fishes have no shells, like so many of the creatures that are washed up every day on the beach. In old times this was not so; the jelly-fish had as hard a shell as any of them, but he lost it through his own fault, as may be seen in this story.

The sea-queen Otohime, whom you read of in the story of Uraschimataro, grew suddenly very ill. The swiftest messengers were sent hurrying to fetch the best doctors from every country under the sea, but it was all of no use; the queen grew rapidly worse instead of better. Everyone had almost given up hope, when one day a doctor arrived who was cleverer than the rest, and said that the only thing that would cure her was the liver of an ape. Now apes do not dwell under the sea, so a council of the wisest heads in the nation was called to consider the question how a liver could be obtained. At length it was decided that the turtle, whose prudence was well known, should swim to land and contrive to catch a living ape and bring him safely to the ocean kingdom.

It was easy enough for the council to entrust this mission to the turtle, but not at all so easy for him to fulfill it. However he swam to a part of the coast that was covered with tall trees, where he thought the apes were likely to be; for he was old, and had seen many things. It was some time before he caught sight of any monkeys, and he often grew tired with watching for them, so that one hot day he fell fast asleep, in spite of all his efforts to keep awake. By-and-by some apes, who had been peeping at him from the tops of the trees, where they had been carefully hidden from the turtle's eyes, stole noiselessly down, and stood round staring at him, for they had never seen a turtle before, and did not know what to make of it.

At last one young monkey, bolder than the rest, stooped down and stroked the shining shell that the strange new creature wore on its back. The movement, gentle though it was, woke the turtle. With one sweep he seized the monkey's hand in his mouth, and held it tight, in spite of every effort to pull it away. The other apes, seeing that the turtle was not to be trifled with, ran off, leaving their young brother to his fate.

Then the turtle said to the monkey,

"If you will be quiet, and do what I tell you, I won't hurt you. But you must get on my back and come with me."

The monkey, seeing there was no help for it, did as he was bid; indeed he could not have resisted, as his hand was still in the turtle's mouth.

Delighted at having secured his prize, the turtle hastened back to the shore and plunged quickly into the water. He swam faster than he had ever done before, and soon reached the royal palace. Shouts of joy broke forth from the attendants when he was seen approaching, and some of them ran to tell the queen that the monkey was there, and that before long she would be as well as ever she was. In fact, so great was their relief that they gave the monkey such a kind welcome, and were so anxious to make him happy and comfortable, that he soon forgot all the fears that had beset him as to his fate, and was generally quite at his ease, though every now and then a fit of home-sickness would come over him, and he would hide himself in some dark corner till it had passed away.

It was during one of these attacks of sadness that a jelly-fish happened to swim by. At that time jelly-fishes had shells. At the sight of the gay and lively monkey crouching under a tall rock, with his eyes closed and his head bent, the jelly-fish was filled with pity, and stopped, saying,

"Ah, poor fellow, no wonder you weep; a few days more, and they will come and kill you and give your liver to the queen to eat."

The monkey shrank back horrified at these words and asked the jelly-fish what crime he had committed that deserved death.

"Oh, none at all," replied the jelly-fish, "but your liver is the only thing that will cure our queen, and how can we get at it without killing you? You had better submit to your fate, and make no noise about it, for though I pity you from my heart there is no way of helping you." Then he went away, leaving the ape cold with horror.

At first he felt as if his liver was already being taken from his body, but soon he began to wonder if there was no means of escaping this terrible death, and at length he invented a plan which he thought would do. For a few days he pretended to be gay and happy as before, but when the sun went in, and rain fell in torrents, he wept and howled from dawn to dark, till the turtle, who was his head keeper, heard him, and came to see what was the matter. Then the monkey told him that before he left home he had hung his liver out on a bush to dry, and if it was always going to rain like this it would become quite useless. And the rogue made such a fuss and moaning that he would have melted a heart of stone, and nothing would content him but that somebody should carry him back to land and let him fetch his liver again.

The queen's councillors were not the wisest of people, and they decided between them that the turtle should take the monkey back to his native land and allow him to get his liver off the bush, but desired the turtle not to lose sight of his charge for a single moment. The monkey knew this, but trusted to his power of beguiling the turtle when the time came, and mounted on his back with feelings of joy, which he was, however, careful to conceal.

They set out, and in a few hours were wandering about the forest where the ape had first been caught, and when the monkey saw his family peering out from the tree tops, he swung himself up by the nearest branch, just managing to save his hind leg from being seized by the turtle. He told them all the dreadful things that had happened to him, and gave a war cry which brought the rest of the tribe from the neighbouring hills.

At a word from him they rushed in a body to the unfortunate turtle, threw him on his back, and tore off the shield that covered his body. Then with mocking words they hunted him to the shore, and into the sea, which he was only too thankful to reach alive.

Faint and exhausted he entered the queen's palace for the cold of the water struck upon his naked body, and made him feel ill and miserable. But wretched though he was, he had to appear before the queen's advisers and tell them all that had befallen him, and how he had suffered the monkey to escape. But, as sometimes happens, the turtle was allowed to go scot-free, and had his shell given back to him, and all the punishment fell on the poor jelly-fish, who was condemned by the queen to go shieldless for ever after.

The Magic Kettle Japanese Folktales

The Magic Kettle

Japanese Folktales

Once upon a time, right in the middle of Japan, high up among the mountains, an old man lived in his little house. He was very proud of it, and never tired of admiring the whiteness of his straw mats, and the pretty papered walls, which in warm weather always slid back, so that the smell of the trees and flowers might come in.

One day he was standing looking at the mountain opposite, when he heard a kind of rumbling noise in the room behind him. He turned round, and in the corner he beheld a rusty old iron kettle, which could not have seen the light of day for many years. How the kettle got there the old man did not know, but he took it up and looked it over carefully, and when he found that it was quite whole he cleaned the dust off it and carried it into his kitchen.

"That was a piece of luck," he said, smiling to himself;

"a good kettle costs money, and it is as well to have a second one at hand in case of need; mine is getting worn out, and the water is already beginning to come through its bottom."

Then he took the other kettle off the fire, filled the new one with water, and put it in its place.
No sooner was the water in the kettle getting warm than a strange thing happened, and the man, who was standing by, thought he must be dreaming. First the handle of the kettle gradually changed its shape and became a head, and the spout grew into a tail, while out of the body sprang four paws, and in a few minutes the man found himself watching, not a kettle, but a tanuki!

The creature jumped off the fire, and bounded about the room like a kitten, running up the walls and over the ceiling, till the old man was in an agony lest his pretty room should be spoilt. He cried to a neighbour for help, and between them they managed to catch the tanuki, and shut him up safely in a wooden chest. Then, quite exhausted, they sat down on the mats, and consulted together what they should do with this troublesome beast. At length they decided to sell him, and bade a child who was passing send them a certain tradesman called Jimmu.

When Jimmu arrived, the old man told him that he had something which he wished to get rid of, and lifted the lid of the wooden chest, where he had shut up the tanuki. But, to his surprise, no tanuki was there, nothing but the kettle he had found in the corner. It was certainly very odd, but the man remembered what had taken place on the fire, and did not want to keep the kettle any more, so after a little bargaining about the price, Jimmu went away carrying the kettle with him.

Now Jimmu had not gone very far before he felt that the kettle was getting heavier and heavier, and by the time he reached home he was so tired that he was thankful to put it down in the corner of his room, and then forgot all about it. In the middle of the night, however, he was awakened by a loud noise in the corner where the kettle stood, and raised himself up in bed to see what it was.

But nothing was there except the kettle, which seemed quiet enough. He thought that he must have been dreaming, and fell asleep again, only to be roused a second time by the same disturbance. He jumped up and went to the corner, and by the light of the lamp that he always kept burning he saw that the kettle had become a tanuki, which was running round after his tail. After he grew weary of that, he ran on the balcony, where he turned several somersaults, from pure gladness of heart. The tradesman was much troubled as to what to do with the animal, and it was only towards morning that he managed to get any sleep; but when he opened his eyes again there was no tanuki, only the old kettle he had left there the night before.

As soon as he had tidied his house, Jimmu set off to tell his story to a friend next door. The man listened quietly, and did not appear so surprised as Jimmu expected, for he recollected having heard, in his youth, something about a wonder-working kettle.

"Go and travel with it, and show it off, and you will become a rich man; but be careful first to ask the tanuki's leave, and also to perform some magic ceremonies to prevent him from running away at the sight of the people." he said.

Jimmu thanked his friend for his counsel, which he followed exactly. The tanuki's consent was obtained, a booth was built, and a notice was hung up outside it inviting the people to come and witness the most wonderful transformation that ever was seen.

They came in crowds, and the kettle was passed from hand to hand, and they were allowed to examine it all over, and even to look inside. Then Jimmu took it back, and setting it on the platform, commanded it to become a tanuki. In an instant the handle began to change into a head, and the spout into a tail, while the four paws appeared at the sides.

"Dance," said Jimmu,

And the tanuki did his steps, and moved first on one side and then on the other, till the people could not stand still any longer, and began to dance too. Gracefully he led the fan dance, and glided without a pause into the shadow dance and the umbrella dance, and it seemed as if he might go on dancing for ever. And so very likely he would, if Jimmu had not declared he had danced enough, and that the booth must now be closed.

Day after day the booth was so full it was hardly possible to enter it, and what the neighbour foretold had come to pass, and Jimmu was a rich man. Yet he did not feel happy. He was an honest man, and he thought that he owed some of his wealth to the man from whom he had bought the kettle. So, one morning, he put a hundred gold pieces into it, and hanging the kettle once more on his arm, he returned to the seller of it.

"I have no right to keep it any longer," he added when he had ended his tale, "so I have brought it back to you, and inside you will find a hundred gold pieces as the price of its hire."

The man thanked Jimmu, and said that few people would have been as honest as he. And the kettle brought them both luck, and everything went well with them till they died, which they did when they were very old, respected by everyone.

The Story of Yomngga and the Dragon

The Story of Yomngga and the Dragon
A Folklore from Papua, Indonesia

Long time ago there was a beautiful girl named Yomngga. She lived with her grandmother. Actually Yomngga had two sisters. But they lived in another village.

Yomngga was a kind girl. She always helped her grandmother in the field. Every morning they went to the field and they always went back home in the afternoon. Every day they took the same route. They did not know that a dragon was always looking at them when they passed by a big tree. It was the dragon's house.

The dragon was not an ordinary dragon. During the day he was a dragon, but in the evening he changed into a handsome man. A witch had curse him.

The dragon fell in love with Yomngga. However he did not know how to express his feeling. He could only stay in the trees during the days. He was afraid people would kill him if he showed himself. He wanted to visit Yomngga at night when he changed into a human. The problem was he did not know where she lived.

Finally he could not stand it anymore. When he saw Yomngga was almost passing by the big tree, the dragon got off from the tree and approached Yomngga and her grandmother.

Of course they were shocked. They got more shocked when they saw the dragon was able to talk like human.

"Don't be afraid. I will not hurt you. I just want to know where you live."

Yomngga was shacking. She did not know what to do. And after she calmed down, she told the dragon about her house. And it made the dragon happy. He then let them continue their trip.

At night the dragon came to the Yomngga's house. He came as a handsome man. At first, Yomngga was confused. But after the dragon explained about the witch, she understood.

The dragon continued to come to Yomngga's house on the following nights. Soon they fell in love and get married. Yomngga could understand that her husband always changed into a dragon during the days. The grandmother agreed with their marriage but she asked the dragon to keep on staying in the house when he became a dragon. She did not want the villagers to kill him.

Yomngga kept her marriage as their big secret. She even did not tell her two sisters.

Later Yomngga got pregnant. Her two sisters heard the news and they were very curious who her husband was. So the came to Yomngga's house. When they saw the dragon, they got very angry. And they got very angrier when they knew that the dragon was Yomngga's husband. They did not care although the dragon changed into a man at nights. They hated the dragon very much. Therefore, they planned to kill him.

One day the two sisters visited the dragon. The dragon did not know that they had prepared poisoned food. When the dragon ate the food, he died instantly.

The villagers saw the dead dragon. The two sisters told the villagers about the dragon. And when the villagers knew that the dragon was Yomngga's husband, they asked Yomngga to leave the village. Yomngga was very sad. She lost her beloved husband and she had to leave her grandmother in the village.

Yomngga left the village with a sampan (boat). She rowed it along the small river. Since then people named the river as Yomngga's river.

The Story of A Farmer and His Three Cats

The Story of A Farmer and His Three Cats
Folklore From East Java, Indonesia

THERE was a poor farmer in Madura. He lived with his wife and his children. The farmer did not have his own rice field. He worked for his neighbors' rice field. He only got small amount of money when harvest came.

The farmer really wanted to have his own rice field. However, he did not have enough money to buy a piece of land. The farmer told his wife that he wanted to go to Java. He wanted to work there and got a lot of money.

The farmer left his house with a little money. On the way of the harbor, he met an old woman. She brought three cats.

"Please help me, Sir. I'm so hungry and I don't have any money. Please buy my cats," said the old woman.

The farmer was confused. he wanted to help the woman, but if he bought her cats, he would not bring any money.

Finally, he decided to buy the cats. The woman was very happy. she gave him a small cage so the farmer could put the cats in it.

Later the farmer was on the ship. At first the cruise was good, but suddenly there was a heavy storm. The ship could not continue the cruise to Java. It harbored in Mice Island. People named it Mice Island because there were so many mice lived in the island. The nice attacked people's barn and ate their supplies. The people were hopeless. They did not know how to combat the mice.

The farmer heard about the people's problem with the mice. He remembered about his three cats. he wanted to help the people by giving them his three cats.
The people really welcomed the farmer's help. And soon the farmer released his three cats. The cats had not eaten for a long time. they were very hungry. And when the cats saw the mice, they immediately chased and ate the mice.

Slowly the number of the mice decreased. the people were very happy. They wanted to repay the farmer's kindness. They all gave him a lot of money. The farmer was extremely happy. he went back to his home in Madura.

The farmer was not poor anymore. he bought land and his own rice field. He lived happily with his family.

His neighbor was jealous with the farmer. He also wanted to have a lot of money. He heard about the Mice island. So he collected many cats and joined a ship.

Finally he arrived in Mice Island. However, the name of the island was not Mice Island anymore. Its name changed into Cat island. The three cats that the farmer brought had bred. It made the island full of cats.

And so when he offered his cats to the people, they all were laughing at him.

"What? Are you kidding?! We have too many cats here. we don't need your cats!"

He was so embarrassed. Finally he went home to Madura and brought his cats back to him.

The Legend of Nyi Banjarsari

The Legend of Nyi Banjarsari
A Folklore from Banten, Indonesia

Long time ago, there was a family, Pak Bong, his wife and his doughter named Nyi Banjarsari. They were farmers. They lived in a village.

One day, It was a rainy season. The villagers were happy, most of them were farmers. Rain would water their rice field and soon they would harvest their rice. Pak Bong was one of the farmers. He was also very happy.

He wanted to buy some clothes for himself, his wife, and his beloved daughter, Nyi Banjarsari. She was a very beautiful girl. Her parents loved her because she was very obedient. One night, Pak Bong had a terrible dream. An old man came to him and said the rain would never stop. There would be a great flood.

At first Pak Bong thought it was just a dream but he had the same dream in the following nights. He decided to tell all the villagers about his dream and asked them to evacuate on a hill not far from their village.

"Ha ha ha! You are joking, Pak Bong? How can we leave our rice field? We are going to have great harvest, remember?" Everybody was laughing at Pak Bong.

Pak Bong did not give up. He kept on asking the villagers to evacuate to the hill. Finally some villagers believed him. Together with his wife, and his daughter Nyi Banjarsari, Pak Bong and his friends went to the hill.

In the meantime, heavy rain fell days and nights. It continued until water entered the houses. The villagers were sorry they did not listen to Pak Bong and ignored his advice. Soon, the village was drowned! Pak Bong and his friends could not do anything. They were sad because their village was under water.

Then they prayed to God. They asked God how the water dried up from their village. The answer came in Pak Bong's dream. In his dream, the same old man told him how to save their village.

"If you want the water to dry up, you have to sacrifice your daughter. She has to jump into the water!" said the old man.

Pak Bong was very sad. He then told his family about his dream. His wife did not agree at all. She did not want to lose her lovely daughter.

"That's OK, Mother. If this is the only way to save our village, I would jump into the water," said Nyi Banjarsari.

Her parents could not say anything. They could not prevent their daughter from jumping into the water. Slowly, water dried up. Pak Bong and his friends then returned to their village. They built their houses and had their lives back. To show their thankfulness and gratefulness to Nyi Banjarsari, the villagers named their village into Banjarsari.

The Story of Mundus and the Snake

The Story of Mundus and the Snake
A Folklore from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Long time ago, there was a young man named Mundus. He lived alone. His parents died a long time ago. Mundus was a farmer. He worked diligently. His neighbors liked him. Mundus always helped people whenever they needed help.

Mundus and other villagers often were hunting in the jungle. They hunted the animals and shared the meat to all villagers.

It was a beautiful day. All the men were ready to go hunting. They all brought their own weapons. When they arrived in the jungle, they separated into two big teams. There was an open land and they choose that place as their base. They would meet in that place two hours later.

Mundus and his team were walking silently. Suddenly they saw a big snake. they all prepared their weapons. In just a minute, they killed the snake.

They brought the snake to the base. the other group also already arrived. Unlike Mundus' group, they were unlucky. They did not bring animals. they all were hungry. they decided to cook the snake and prepare it for their meal. After they all finished eating, they continued their hunting. This time, Mundus did not join them. He was not feeling well, so he stayed in the base.

While he was resting, suddenly a big snake came. Mundus was so scared. The snake looked the same as the snake which was killed by his friends. Mundus thought that the snake was the mate of the dead snake. Well, he was right! The snake was exactly the mate of the dead snake.

Mundus climbed a big tree. he hoped the snake would not chase him. And Mundus saw the strange thing. The snake did not chase him. The snake came to the body of the dead snake. There were not many parts left. The meat of the snake was already eaten by Mundus and his friends. There were only the skin and the head left.

Strangely, the mate was trying to rearrange the body parts of the dead snake. And after all the parts of the body were rearrange, the mate went to the bushes. Later, the snake brought some leaves in his mouth and came to the dead snake. the mate chewed the leaves then covered the skin, the head and the bones of the snake.

Amazingly, the dead snake lived! And then, the two snakes went back to the jungle. Mandus could not believe what he saw. And when his friends came back, he told them about the snakes. They also not believe him.

On the following day, Mundus came to the jungle again. He felt that that snake was giving him a lesson on how to cure the wounds. Mundus then looked for the leaves, Mundus went home.

When he arrived, his neighbor asked for his help. The neighbor fell from the tree, and broke his leg. Mundus then chewed the leaves and covered the broken leg. Amazingly, it was cured! Mundus was very grateful. Since then, every time people had problem with broken bones, Mundus always helped them. Mundus became famous. He was known as master of curing broken bones.

The Legend of Batu Hapu Cave

The Legend of Batu Hapu Cave
A Folklore from South Kalimantan, Indonesia

You know? In Tapin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, there is a tourist destination. There is a cave and people name it Batu Hapu Cave. Local people say thet there is a legend how the cave was made. Here is the story:

Long time ago, there was an old woman who lived with his only son. The woman's name was Nini Kudampai and her son's name was Angui. They were really poor Angui was still a kid. He was kind and very helpful. His father died when he was a baby. Though he was very young, he behaved like an adult. He knew he had to help his mother to earn a living. And that made his mother loved him very much.

Angui had three pets. They were a white pig, a white dog, and a white cock. He liked playing with them after helping his mother. It was a beautiful day when Angui was playing with his three pets. A rich merchant was passing Angui's house. He stopped and paid attention to the kid. He liked Angui very much. He asked some people about Angui. And when he knew that Angui came from a poor family, he wanted to adopt Angui.

The rich merchant came to Angui's house. He talked to Nini Kudampai. He told him that he wanted to adopt Angui. He promised that he would let Angui go home and live with her after Angui was was adult. And he also promised that he would give Angui a good education.

Nini Kudampai was so touched. She was in a big dilemma. She was happy that her only would get a good education, however she was also sad that she would not see son anymore. She agreed with the merchant's plan. She let him adopt her soon.

With a big ship, the merchant and Angui sailed to the city. He raised Angui very well. He sent Angui to the best school. And he also thought him how to do business. Angui was smart. He could understand everything very fast. The merchant was very happy. He slowly gave some of his business to Angui. And Angui paid the trust by giving the merchant a lot of profit.

Angui was adult, the rich merchant planned to give all his business to Angui. However the rich merchand asked Angui to get married before he could receive the entir merchant's business. And Angui agreed.

Angui had fallen in love with a girl. He knew it was time for him to get married, especially when the merchant had promised to give him all the business. He did not waste much time. Angui proposed the girl and the girl happily accepted him.

Angui and his wife were very happy. Also, they were very rich. The merchant remembered his promise to Nini Kudampai. He told Angui to go home. But Angui refused. The merchant then reminded Angui about his promised. His wife also asked Angui to go to his hometown. Angui gave up. He asked his crew to prepare his ship. They would sail to Tapin.

The news spread very fast. People were talking that Angui would go back home. His mother finally heard the news also. She brought Angui's pets, the white pig, the white dog, and the white cock.

Nini Kudampai was standing at the harbor. When she saw Angui, she called out his name. Angui saw his mother. She looked very old and shabby. He was ashamed. His wife asked him who the old woman was, but he said that he did not know her. He then asked his crew to continue sailing. The ship did not stop.
Nini Kudampai was so sad, and she was also very angry. She cursed Angui for ignoring her. She had been waiting for her son to come back. And when he arrived, he ignored and did not want to admit her as his mother.

God heard the old woman's pray. Suddenly rain fell down heavily. Thunder attacked the ship. It turned upside down! the ship finally stranded. Slowly the ship changed into a big stone. Later, the big stone slowly changed into a cave. People then named the cave as Batu Hapu Cave.

The Legend of Snake Dandaung

Once upon a time, there was a very big and famous kingdom in south Kalimantan. The kingdom was located between two mountains and passed by a very broad river. The natural resources of the kingdom are very plentiful. The kingdom was lead by a very just and wise king. He had a queen and seven beautiful daughters.
The natural resources owned by the kingdom are not used only for the king’s benefit, but for the people’s welfare. The process their fields in accordance to the rights they have. No dispute ever took place between the people. They live harmonious and peacefully.

One day, a giant bird that passed their village surprises the citizen of the kingdom.

“There’s a giant bird!” shouted villagers of the kingdom who saw the giant bird. They did not know where the giant bird that suddenly runs amuck came from. The bird was very scary; its peak is very big, shiny and sharp.

“We must fight the giant bird!” said the governor to the king. Then, the king sent thousands chosen soldiers to kill the giant bird. Many weapons aimed to the giant bird, but is was useless. Rice fields and farms were destroyed. The harmonious and peaceful country is like a country that lost a battle.

The people gather their strength and collect any weapon to fight the giant bird. Because of their solidity and cooperation between the soldiers and villagers, the giant bird was tired and stopped its attack.

The people thank God because they were avoided further damage caused by the giant bird. A couple of days later, they were surprised by a giant snake. The snake stuck out its poisonous tongue in front of the king’s family who were very afraid.

“Do not be afraid my king, I will not kill you and your family, as long as you grant my wish,” said the snake hissing. Heard what the snake said that gave sign that he will not endanger his family, the king gather some courage to speak to the snake.

“Who are you? And what do you want?” asked the king.

“My name is snake Dandaung,” the giant snake answered with respect. “I wish to take one of your daughters as my wife,” he continued.

Of course, the king, family was shocked.
Even the oldest daughter and her five sisters screamed in fright and hugged their mother. On the other hand, the king was very calm and tried to control the situation so that the condition did turn chaotic.
The king thought for a while and took his breath. He wanted the best solution for the problem, because if he took the wrong step, his life and his family will be in danger.

“I do not refuse, but I also do not accept you request,” said the king half confuse. “I must ask my daughters,” he added.

Hearing what the king answers, the snake dandaung’s eyes shone as is waiting for certainty from one of the king’s daughters. However, none of the king is daughter willing to accept snake Dandaung’s proposal.

“I do not want to marry to a disgusting snake!”

“I’d rather be dead, than to marry him,” those were the words said by the king’s daughter.

But the youngest daughter was different, not like her elder sisters.

“I am willing to be his wife,” said the youngest princes while sitting in front of his father.

Finally, youngest daughter and snake dandaung pronounced as husband and wife. The youngest daughter was mocked by her sisters, but she only replied with smile.

One night, the youngest daughter woke up from her sleep and surprised to see the one next to her was not snake dandaung, but a handsome and strong man with a king outfit.

“Do not be surprised, I am your husband. You have helped me broke the curse,” said snake Dandaung assuring.

After youngest daughter calmed down, snake Dandaung told that he was cursed because of his mistake. He would be freed from the curse if he could take a daughter’s king as his wife, and he did it. Seeing it, her six sisters regretted it. But nothing can be changed now.

Snake Dandaung was actually a very powerful person. Seeing his father in law’s kingdom destroyed he jumped into the battle himself. He searched the nest of the giant bird. There was a great battle took place.
Snake Dandaung gave all his might and finally killed the giant bird.

Since then, the village became safe and peaceful again.

Princess Kemuning

The Story of Princess Kemuning

Once upon a time, there was a rich and prosperous kingdom. The kingdom was lead by a humble king. The king was very wise. He lead the kingdom perfectly. All of the people in the kingdom admired and respected the king. But unfortunately, inspite of his prosperities and wealth, the queen passed away for a long time ago. The queen left ten beautiful daughters. The queen passed away when giving birth to the youngest daughter. ‘
The king named the daughter by the name of the colour. The eldest daughter named princess Merah Muda. Her sister was named Princess Jingga, Princess Nila, Princess Hijau, Princess Kelabu, Princess Oranye, Princess Merah Merona and Princess Kuning.

Clothes that they wore in accordance with their name. So as at will easier when king call them in accordance with the colour of clothes that were worn by them. From his ten daughters they were all pretty, but the youngest was rather different from her older sisters. She was not the spoilt and naughty girl. Like sister

The king was so busy arranging the palace and various activities. Because of this, the king did not have enough time to take care his children. The king then assigned the caretaker’s foster to take care of the daughters. But as a result, king’s daughters became spoilt and naughty. All day long they only playing in the lake and did not want to study.

The youngest daughter was always cheerful and smiled to everyone. She liked to go on a strip with the caretaker’s foster than with his older sisters.

One day, the king will go far. He gathered all of his daughters.

“I will carry out a long trip and needed time for quite a long time. What is the present that you wanted my dear daughters?" Asked the king.

“I want expensive jewellery,” said Princess Merah Muda.

“I want sparkling cloth silk,” Princess Oranye said. The king’s nine daughters asked for the gift that was luxurious and expensive to his father.

But princess kuning was different. He thought for a moment, the she held his father’s arms.

“Father, I only want you safely return,” she said. His older sisters laughed her.

“My daughter, that’s very kind of you. Of course, I will come back safely and the beautiful gift for you,” said the king.

Not long afterwards, the king then left the palace. He was accompanied by some soldiers.
During the king’s trip, the behavior of nine daughters was increasingly naughty and lazy. They often rebuked the caretaker’s foster and told the servant to do all they ordered. Because they were busy following the request from the pussy daughters, the attendant could not clean the palace garden. Seeing this, Princess Kuning was very sad, because the garden was favorite place of the king.

Then, Princess Kuning took the broom and began to clean the garden. Princess Kuning cleaned the dry leaves that fell on the ground, she also pulled out the wild grass, and she cut the tree twig. Not so long after that, the garden looked clean again. Actually, the caretaker’s foster did not allow her to do the job, but Princess Kuning continued to do the job.

Having seen her sister cleaned the garden, the older sisters ridiculed and laughed at her.

“Look! It seems we have a new servant,” said a person among them.

“Hi, the servant. The waste is still here!” said the other while throwing the waste.

Originally, the palace garden was already clean, but it was the palace garden was already clean, but it was full of the waste again because of that. Princess Kuning just quiet and cleared the wastes again. The incident happened repeatedly until Princess kuning felt tired.

“You were really excessive. Father should not bring anything for you. All you have to do was annoying!” said Princess Kuning angrily.

“By the way, I am bored. Let’s bathe in the lake then!” asked Princess Nila.

They left Princess Kuning alone. It was happened every day, until their father came home. When the king arrived in the palace, his nine daughters were still playing in the lake, while Princess Kuning was arranging the flower in the palace terrace. Knowing that, the king became very sad.

“My beautiful daughter, I could not give anything except green stone necklace, not the yellow colour, your favorite colour!” said king.

The king had indeed looked for the yellow stone necklace anywhere, but he could not get it.

“It’s allright father. This green stone was really pretty! Look, it looks really harmonious with my yellow clothes,” Princess Kuning said gracefully.

“The most important is father has come back. I will make a cup of tea for you father,” she said again.
When Princess kuning was making tea, her older sisters arrived. They still talked about the gift they got from their father. No one remembered about Princess Kuning. The next day, Princess Hijau saw Princess Kuning wore her new necklace.

“My sister, your green necklace to me, not you,” answered Princess Kuning. Having heard the answer, Princess Hijau became angry. She immediately looked for his relatives to incite them.

“That necklace belongs to me, but she took it from father’s pocket. We must punish her because of it!” said Princess Hijau.

They then agreed to seize the necklace. Not so long afterward, Princess Kuning emerged. Afterwards, her sister immediately caught and struck his head. But as a result, it was really bad. Because of the struck, Princess Kuning was unconscious and finally died.

“Oh my God! How is this? What did we do?” they panicked got nervous.

“We must bury her!” said Princess Jingga. Afterwards they held Princess Kuning’s body, and then buried her in the palace garden.

Princess Hijau was also burying the garden stone necklace, because she did not want it anymore. When the king looked for Princess Kuning, there was no one knew where she went. To cover his crime, her sister then was silent. Saw all silent the king was very angry.

“The guards! Search and find Princess Kuning!" He shouted.

After searching out in all the corners of the palace through days and months, no one succeeded in finding her. The king was very sad.

“I am not a good father,” he said. “Later, I will send my children to study and sharpen the character at a place far away from here!”

Then, the king sent his daughters to go to school in the far country.

After Princess Kuning was not in the palace, the king was often seen daydreaming in the palace garden. He was feeling sad to think about the Princess Kuning who was last and until now, she never returned.

One day, when the king sat in the garden, he was surprised by the existence of plants that emerged on the place where Princess Kuning was buried. The king surprised to see that.

“What plant is this? Its stick like a princess’ robe, its leaves round sparkled like the green stone necklace, its flower is white yellowish and very fragrant! This plant reminds me of my daughter, Princess Kuning. All right, I will give you name Kemuning!" Said the king sadly.

Since then, people called the plant the Kemuning Flower. The Kemuning Flower could be used to make hair fragrant.

Its stick was used to make beautiful boxes, where as its bark was made for the face powder.

The Legend of Pirate Alligator

The Legend of Pirate Alligator

Once upon a time, there was a River called Tulang Bawang River, which well, known for its wild alligators that live along the River. The wilderness of the alligators often disturbs the villager’s shipping activities. Often heard many people disappeared as if swallowed by earth, left without any news.

One day, people are troubled with another missing person news. The missing person name was Aminah. The strange thing was even though all villagers of the Tulang Bawang River bank were looking for her, they did not find any trace, as if she was gone swallowed by the earth.

In a far and hidden place, within a very big cave Aminah was laying. She was recovered from collapse. She was very surprised to see the cave was filled with very valuable object. There were diamond, gold, jewels and beautiful dresses. The object sparks very bright lights. Still shocked, in the corner of the cave she heard a very heavy voice that surprised her even more. Aminah dragged her body to move further from the beast.

“Do not fear me beautiful girl! Even though I appear as an alligator, I am a man like you. I was cursed to become an alligator because of my evil deeds. My name is Somad, I was once a skilled pirate in Tulang Bawang River".

The alligator continued. “Once I always robbed every merchant who passed here. I kept all my loots here in this cave. If I need food I take a little of this treasure and sell it in a village market by River. No one knows I have built a tunnel on the other side of this cave. The tunnel connects this cave with the village”.

Unrealized, the pirate alligator revealed the secret of the hidden cave where he lives. Thoroughly, Aminah listened very carefully and remember the valuable information. The alligator then gave her a present of some jewels. He hoped that Aminah will stay with him. But Aminah’s hope to be back to her village and see her family is very strong.

“Stay with me for a while. I will fulfill anything you ask for” the alligator asked.
"Look at my treasure, there is plenty of it. You can take anything you want,” he persuaded.

Afraid, Aminah said, “Sorry, alligator. I have to get back home soon, my father and mother must be looking for me if keep stay in this cave,”

On one occasion, the alligator was careless. Because his stomach was full, he was slept and forgot to close the cave door. Carefully and a little bit worried Aminah got out from the cave by walking on her tiptoes. Behind the cave, she found a dark and long hallway. After some time walking the hall, she saw a burst of light coming though. She followed the light. How happy she was to find the end of the hallway leading to a hill, and then she walked out of the hall.

Not long walking, Aminah was helped by the villagers who were looking for rattan. For compensation, Aminah gave present of jewels she has with her. Aminah then returned to her village safely.

The Legend of Ruai Bird

The Legend of Ruai Bird
A Folklore from West Kalimantan, Indonesia

A long time ago, there was a kingdom in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The King had seven daughters. The queen had passed away. The king did not want to remarry.

The seven daughters were beautiful. However, the youngest daughter was the most beautiful. She was also the kindest. She often helped other people. Her sisters were very much different. They were lazy. They also had bad attitude. They were cruel to people.

The king knew about his daughters behaviours. He often advise his older daughter to behaviours. He often advise his older daughters to behave like the youngest daughter. Sadly, they never listened to the king's advice. They hated their youngest sister because the king often praised her good behaviour.

The older daughters often did terrible things to the youngest daughter. They often hit her. She was very sad. She often cried. She could not tell it to her father because her older sisters always intimidated her. They would hit her even harder if she told their father.

One day, the king asked all her daughters to meet him.

"I'm going to the neighboring kingdom. I'll go for several months. While I'm gone, my youngest daughter will rule the kingdom. Do you understand?" asked the king.

"Yes, we do, Father, "said all the daughters.

The older daughters were angry. They very upset about their youngest sister was asked to rule the kingdom.

After the king left, they planned something bad. They wanted to get rid of their youngest sister. They pretended to be nice to her. The youngest daughter was happy. Finally, her older sisters were nice to her.

The older sisters asked her to go fishing. They asked to go to Gua Batu or a stone cave. There was a river flowing inside the cave. And there were a lot of fish in that river.

The youngest daughter was so happy when they finally arrived at the cave. She did not know that her sisters were going to do something bad to her.

"Hurry up, let's go inside the cave. You can find a lot of fish inside the cave," said the oldest daughter.

The youngest was so eager. As she went inside the cave, she did not know that her sisters stayed outside the cave. They kept on asking her to go inside the cave.

She kept on walking until she was lost! She was calling out all her sisters, but they did not respond. She then understood that her sisters did not want her to rule the kingdom anymore.

She was very sad. She cried. Suddenly an old man came. He was a holy man. He was meditating in the cave. She changed her tears into eggs.

"Don't worry, I can help you. You can go back to the kingdom but you have to change into a bird. I name you Ruai Bird. After that, Brood these eggs. After they hatch, the birds will accompany you," said the old man.

She agreed. Slowly she changed into a beautiful bird. And after all the eggs were hatched, they went back to the kingdom. They all stayed at the tree near the kingdom. They all saw how the king punished the older sisters.

The Legend of Tanjung Menangis

The Legend of Tanjung Menangis / Cape Weeps
A Folklore from Maluku, Indonesia

A long time ago, there was a great kingdom in Halmahera. The people were sad. The king just died. He was a great king. He was kind and very wise. The people loved him very much.

The king had three children, two sons and one daughter. The son were Baginda Arif and Baginda Binaut, while the daughter was Putri baginda Nuri.

The queen talked to commander of the soldiers. They were discussing about the next king. According to the rule, the first child would be the next king. Therefore, they were preparing a ceremony to inaugurate Baginda Arif to be the new king.

Baginda Binaut heard they conversation. Actually, he had an ambition. He also wanted to be the king. He had a plan. Secretly, he talked to the commander and consequently the commander had to send the queen, Baginda Arif and Baginda Nuri to jail.

The commander agreed. He send them to the jail. The queen, the prince and the princess were very sad. Baginda Binaut told the people that his mother, his brother and his sister were drowned in the sea.

"Binaut is really ungrateful. He is really a bad person," said Baginda Arif.

"Be patient, my child. God will help us," said the queen.

Then Baginda Binaut became the new king. Unlike his father, he was very cruel. He asked his people to pay high taxes. The people suffered. They complained but they could not do anything. The soldiers would hurt them.

However, not all the soldiers wanted to follow Baginda Binaut. One of the soldier decided to leave the palace. His name was Bijak. He made his own troops. He knew the queen, the prince and the princess were in jail. He wanted to set them free.

On one night, Bijak and his troops attacked the jail. He wanted to set them free.

They succeeded! Then he planed to attacked the palace. But the queen did not agree. She did not want to see her own people fighting. The queen then prayed to god.

Not long after that, the mountain erupted. The lava was flowing. It flowed to the palace. The people were running to save their life. Baginda Binaut was also running. Amazingly, wherever he was running, the lava always followed him.

Baginda Binaut was really scared. While he was running, he was thinking of his mother, brother and his sister. He screamed for help.

"Mother, please help me!" He went to the jail but they were not there. He was really panicked because the lava was getting closer to him.

"Help! Help!" screamed Baginda Bimaut but not one helped him.

Finally, Baginda Binaut could not run anymore. He was exhausted and he arrived at the sea. He could not go back to the land because it was full of lava. Then he swam to the sea.

Because he was very tired, he could not swim. He was drowned. Slowly, his body turned into a cape. The people often heard someone crying from the cape, therefore they named it the crying cape or Tanjung Menangis.

The Story of Dae La Minga

The Story of Princess Dae La Minga
A Folklore from West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful princess in Sanggar Kingdom. Her name was Dae La Minga. The king and the queen loved her very much. The people also really loved her. Dae La Minga not only a beautiful princess, but also a very kind girl. She liked to help other people.

Dae La Minga was very popular. Her beauty was spread all over the places. many men fell in love with her. Many of them were princes from other kingdoms. One by one, the princes came to Sanggar Kingdom.

Dae La Minga was kind to everyone. And that included to the princes. She was very polite and treated them nicely.

All the princes thought that they had a channce to be her husband. They all thought the princess loved them. Therefore they started to compare to one another.

"Hey, you'd better leave this kingdom now. Dae La Minga only loves me. She was very kind to me," said one prince.

"No way! She only loves me," said another prince.

However, other princes also argued that they had the best chance to marry Dae La Minga. Then the fight was unstoppable.

Since they were princes, they had soldiers. The little fight start to become worse. It started the war!

The king of Sanggar Kingdom really worried with the condition. He did not want to see the war in his kingdom. He was really concerned with his people. He knew he had to do something to solve the problem. He asked all his adviser to give him solution.

The king and the adviser knew that Dae La Minga could not choose one of the princes. Other princes could be jealous and it would started the war. Therefore they decided to ask the princess to leave the kingdom.

"My Dear Daughter, I know this is very difficult for you. This is also very difficult for me and your mother," said the king.

He continued, "We hope you understand. If you don't leave the kingdom, there will be war. Our people will suffer."

Dae La Minga was very sad. However she completely understood with the situation. She really loved her people. She did not want the people to suffer because of her.

"Where should I go, Father?" asked Dae La Minga.

"The advisor told me to put you in a place that all the princes cannot see you. The place is very far and very high. It is in the Tambora Mountain," said the king.

The king then told his people that the princess would leave the kingdom in order to avoid the war. The people were very sad. Most of them cried. They really did not want to lose her. But they knew war would happen if she still stayed in the kingdom.

Then it was time for her to leave the kingdom. Some soldiers accompanied her. They would guard her to go to Tambora Mountain.

Until now some people still believe that Dae La Minga spiritually still lives in Tambora Mountain. She often shows herself in certain occasion. Not everybody can see her, only the lucky people can see her.

The Story of Panji Semirang

The Story of Panji Semirang
A Folklore from East Java, Indonesia

Long time ago, there was a big kingdom named Kauripan Kingdom.The king had a son. His name was Raden Inu Kertapati. The prince was engaged with a princess from Daha kingdom. Her name was Dewi Candra Kirana.

One day, Raden Inu Kertapati planned to visit Daha kingdom. He wanted to meet his fiance.

Raden Inu Kertapati went to Daha kingdom with his guards. While they were riding the horses, suddenly a group of people from Asmarantaka stopped them. The leader was Panji Semirang. Upon hearing their place of origin, Raden Inu Kertapati and his guards were alert. They heard that Asmarantaka was a place of thieves.

Panji Semarang would like to meet him. Raden Inu Kertapati agreed. However, Panji Semirang greeted him nicely. Raden Inu Kertapati almost not believe it.

"Don't believe what you heard, Raden. We are not thieves," said Panji Semirang.

Raden Inu Kertapati felt so strange. He felt he already met and knew Panji Semirang for a long time. He was really familliar with Panji Semirang.

Raden Inu Kertapati then continued his trip to Daha kingdom. When he arrived, the king welcomed him nicely. The king was accompanied by his concubine. Dewi Liku, and their daughter. Her name Dewi Ajeng. However, his fiance was not there. He asked Dewi Liku,

"Where is Dewi Candra Kirana?"

"Your fience is going crazy. She left the kingdom and went to the jungle."

While talking to Raden Inu, Dewi Liku put a spell on him. She was doing black magic to him. She would make Raden Inu Kertapati forget his fience. She wanted him to marry her daughter, Dewi Ajeng.

Her planned worked. The king set a wedding party. Dewi Ajeng and Dewi Liku were extremely happy.

Suddenly people were screaming.

"Fire! Fire!"

Yes, the palace was on fire. Everybody ran for help. The soldiers were trying to extinguish the fire. And some of them were rescuing the king and his family.

While Raden Inu Kertapati was leaving the palace, his memory of Dewi Candra Kirana came back. He and his guards were looking for his fience. He then remembered something. He knew why he was so familiar with Panji Semirang. He really looked like Dewi Candra Kirana. He was so sure that Panji Semirang was Dewi Candra Kirana!

Raden Inu could not find Panji Semirang anywhere. He finally arrived in Galenggang kingdom. The people there were restless. A group of thieves were stealing their property. Raden Inu and his guards helped the people. They were fighting with the tieves.

Raden Inu and his guards won the fight. The thieves ran away.

The king of Gelanggang kingdom was happy. To honour his great help, he held a party. He asked a poet to perform. His name was Jaka Asmara. His poetry was titled A very Sad Love Story. Raden Inu was touched. He felt that the poetry was about his life.

He was looking at Raden Asmara carefully. He felt so familiar with him. Suddenly he realized that Raden Asmara was Dewi Candra Kirana. She was also under the spell. The spell broke when she met Raden Inu. They were happy. Raden Inu asked her to go to his home in Kuripan kingdom.

Later, they got married and lived happily ever after.

READ MORE » The Story of Panji Semirang

Legend of Dang Gedunai

Legend of Dang Gedunai
A Folklore from Riau, Indonesia

Obce upon a time in Riau, Indonesia, lived a kid named Dang Gedunai. He lived with his mother. His father passed away when he was a baby. Dang Gedunai was a stubborn kid. His mother was sad. He was her only child but he never made her happy.

“Mom, I want to go to the river. I want to go fishing,” said Dang Gedunai.

“It’s cloudy outside. Rain will soon fall. Why don’t you just stay at home?”

As always Dang Gedunai ignored her. He then went to the river. It was very cloudy when he arrived at the riverside. Soon it was drizzling but Dang Gedunai was still busy fishing. Later rain fell down heavily. Dang Gedunai finally gave up. However right before he left, he saw something shining in the river.

It was a very big egg. Carefully, Dang Gedunai brought the egg home. His mother was surprised to see him brought a big egg.

“What egg is that? Where did you find it?”

“In the river, Mom.”

“Be careful with the egg. You have to return it,” replied his mother.

As always, he ignored his mother’s advice. He planned to boil the egg and ate it.

In the morning, his mother was ready to go to the paddy field. Again, she advised him to put the egg back to the river. Dang Gedunai did not say anything.

When his mother left the house, he immediately boiled the egg. When it was cooked, he ate it. It was so delicious. He was so full then he fell asleep. He had a dream. A giant dragon came to him.

“You stole my egg. For the punishment, you will become a dragon!”

Dang Gedunai woke up. He felt very thirsty. Later his mother went home.

“What happened?”

“I don’t know. Suddenly I feel very thirsty. My throat is very hot.”

His mother then gave him a glass of water. It’s not enough. He drank another glass, then another glass, then another glass until there was not any water in the house. His mother asked him to go the pond. Dang Gedunai drank all the water until the pond was dried. But it was not enough. Then they went to the river.

Again it was not enough. Dang Gedunai knew his dream would come true. He would become a dragon.

“Mom, please forgive me. I ignored you. I ate the egg. It was a dragon’s egg. I will change as a dragon. I cannot live with you anymore. I will live in the sea. If you see big waves in the sea, that means I’m eating. But if the waves are calmed, then I’m sleeping,” said Dang Gedunai.

His mother cried. Then slowly Dang Gedunai left her. His mother then told the villagers not to go to the sea when the waves were big. Her son was eating.

Until now fishermen do not want to go fishing in the sea when the waves are big. They know the dragon is eating. They just wait until the dragon is finished eating and the waves are calmed.

The Origin of Bali Strait

Manik Angkeran, The Origin of Bali Strait

A Folklore from Bali, Indonesia

A long time ago, lived a very rich family in Bali. The father was Sidi Mantra. He was very famous for his supernatural power. He lived happily with his wife and his only child Manik Angkeran. Manik Angkeran was a spoiled son. He also had a bad habit. He liked to gamble.

Because of his bad habit, his parents soon became poor. They always advised Manik Angkeran to stop his bad habit, but he never listened to them. Instead he kept on begging to his parents to give him a lot of money.

The parents then did not have the heart to see him begging. Sidi Mantra then went to Agung Mountain. There lived a mighty dragon with his great supernatural power. He could provide jewelries to those who could say the right prayers and ring the bell. Sidi Mantra had the bell and he also knew the prayers.

"My name is Sidi Mantra. I have a problem. My son likes to gamble. He made me poor. And now he asks a lot of money. I want to give him some, but now I want him to promise to stop his bad behavior," explained Sidi Mantra after he met the dragon.

Sidi Mantra then said the prayers and rang the bell. Suddenly, jewelries came out from the dragon's body. He was very happy and immediately brought the jewelries home. This time Sidi Mantra wanted Manik Angkeran really to stop gambling.

The son then promised. But soon he broke the promise and he did not have some money again. He heard that his father got the jewelries from the dragon living in Mount Agung. So he stole his father's bell then went there.

After arrived in Mount Agung. Manik Angkeran rang the bell. The dragon knew him.

"I will give you anything you want but you have to promise to stop gambling. Remember the karma!" then the dragon gave him the jewelries.

Manik Angkeran was very happy. Suddenly he had a bad idea. He wanted to kill the dragon and stole all his jewelries. The dragon knew his plan and with his great power he killed Manik Angkeran. Sidi Mantra was very sad. He asked the dragon to bring his son back to life. The dragon agreed but they had to live in different places.

After few moments, Manik Angkeran lived again. Then Sidi Mantra used a stick to make a big line between them on the ground.

From the line, water flowed. Soon it became a river. Finally it became a strait. It separated Java and Bali. People then named the strait as Bali Strait.

2 Angels Tortured Due To Violation of God’s Command

2 Angels Tortured Due To Violation of God’s Command

Among the creatures that God has created, the angels get the very first rank in having the nickname of being the most obedient ones to their Creator. Their lifes are inseparable from praise and glorify the greatness of God. And they always do their duties. But behind all of this, there are 2 Angels Tortured Due to Violation of His command.

Those story began with the hostility of the angels over the humans’ behavior, the behavior of one of creatures created on the face of the earth, for example unceasing in doing munkar, kill each other, and destroy the livelihood that is undue done. There are even many of them who do not acknowledge the existence of God so the angles’ anger and hatred over humans’ behavior became raging. And they stated that humans did not deserve to be a leader on earth. In such situation, Allah SWT asked to the angels in volunteering to be human beings. Thus the two angels arose to agreed that they will guarantee themselves to stay faithful to Allah SWT.
Upon the greatness of Allah SWT, then the two angels was sent down to earth and became humans.They both got a job as a judge, they judged every human who complained to them so that all matters delegated to them were done well. Many of the people amazed by their presence because every decisions they made was so fair and wise. No one was disappointed with their decisions. And they forbid them not to do things forbidden by the religion, likes drinking wine, adultery and other unjust acts.

One day, they were met by a woman who complained of her problem. Both responded it well and resolved her issues. Those woman often complained all her problems. And from that, they knew who she is. But incidentally, their instincts as a normal man were slowly emerged. Every time they stared at her face, it brought beautiful impression in their minds. Even her shadows were always remembered. Millions of indescribable beauty were captured in their senses of feelings they never had since being an angel. Sense of wanting to do strange things to her flared up in their inner soul and tortured their hearts.

In order not to get lost in the disobedience, then they met the woman, hoping to make her as their wife. When she was asked about it, she would to be a wife but there is a requirement that they must return. They should go with the religion which she hold. Apparently, when she was asked about her religion, she was a pagan.

Then both angels rejected her and left the woman. But, her beautiful face was still looming on their eyes, and even continued to torment their mind. Because they could not resist their hot feelings, they took the decision to see the woman again and asked her to provide her another requirements.

The woman offered wine to them. At first they refused it, because those act is also forbidden. But because it was her last bid filed by the woman, they did not want to let that occasion. Their feeling to her had burned their hearts, and it had caused they forgot about themselves and their God.

Coupled with the assumption that drinking a wine is a minor sin, they’d made themselves more fall. Their conditions became worse due to drink wine. Both were drunk and they did not remember everything that had happened. They did not even regognize themselves. They saw the figure of a very beautiful woman. At once, their raging lust were added. Could no longer with standing the flames of a burning desire, they took turns to intercourse with her. After they satisfied to do so, then they thought that she would be a source of harm to them before the public. So they killed the woman.

After they came out of their drinking, then they marveled that there was a body of women that they knew were laying in front of them. Both of them were wept uncontrollably. And they hoped that God forgave the sins they had done. But all was in vain, the doors of heaven were shut for them and their eyes could no longer penetrate. Their tears flowed endlessly. All the angels in the sky also cried for them.

Both angels went to meet the Prophet Idris in order to pray for forgiveness for them. Because of the prophet’s praying, Allah SWT sent down an angel named Gabriel to meet them. Angel Gabriel also cried when he met them, he said

“what was the ordeal that befell you both this time?"

Hearing the words of the Angel Gabriel, their crying became uncontrollable.

"Verily, Allah ordered you to choose between two punishment, the world or the hereafter one" then two angels chose the world punisment. Both were chained with iron, in state of dependent. Their head was under and their feet was above. They were tortured constinously every day, their groaning voices was jarring to endure the pains. That was suffered by the two angels until the end of the world.

All the angels were amazed by these adam descents, for those who can resist the desires and remain obedient to Allah SWT. even though surrounded by worldly pleasures and enjoyment.

The Legend of Lake Toba

The Legend of Lake Toba

A Folklore from Medan North Sumatra, Indonesia

Once upon a time, there was a young man named Toba. He lived alone and had no wife. He decided being single and didn’t get married, although his age was mature enough to a family.

He had a narrow farm and a small hut not far from a lake. If the day was getting dark, he would go to the lake for fishing. He liked fishing and he could do this activity until night has come.

One day, after worked on his small farm, he decided to go fishing. He wanted to look for some fish for his dinner. He waited for a long time, but his hook didn’t catch any fish. He waited and waited patiently.

Suddenly, his fish bait made some movement. He was sure he would get a fish for his dinner. And that was true, a pretty big fish stuck on his bait. He took the fish and then put it on a fish basket. Then, he went home.
He was so happy to get a fish for his dinner. He imagined that his dinner tonight would be nice because the fish was pretty big and fresh.

Arriving at home, he put his fish basket beside the fire place. And then, he set fire of the fire place. But, he realized that he forgot to look for some woods for his fire place. Without the woods, of course he couldn’t cook the fish for his dinner.

He went out to look for some woods. He left the fish in the kitchen. He didn’t worry about the fish because he was sure that the fish was safe in the place.

After getting some woods, he went back home, but, he was to surprised as the fish basket was empty. The fish was gone, he just found some scales which in the form of gold pieces. Toba was confused. He convinced himself that the gold pieces he hold was the scales of the fish he caught this afternoon.

He stepped to his room. But, again he was shocked as he saw a beautiful girl with long hair in his room. The girl sat in toba’s bed. Toba didn’t make any movement. He was so shock and wondered who the girl was.

Suddenly the girl turn her head and looked at toba. Toba was so amazed with the girl’s beauty. He looked at the girl and admired her beauty. For some moments, they looked each other. Was that a possibility that this beautiful girl is an angel? toba thought.

Toba was so speechless and couldn’t say anything. For breaking the ice, the girl said something. She approached toba and said.

“Hi, toba. It was getting dark, could you turn on the lamp” the girl asked.

“Ooo… hhhiii… Alright, I will turn the lamp on,” Toba said, his body was trmebled because of fear.

“Don’t be afraid, Toba. I will not hurt you,” said the girl.

“But, who are you ? are you kind of genie or something ?”

The girl smiled and said.

“I am the incarnation of the fish you caught this afternoon,” the girl answered.

“Really, Oh.. God. Is that true?” toba was so surprised.

“Yes, but you don’t have to be afraid. I will help you to do some house hold activity. I will cook for you and prepare your daily meal, ” the girl offered.

Toba was so happy to hear that.

“By the way, the gold pieces is my scales,” the girl said.

“Ooo.. well.. that’s why I didn’t found my fish in the basket,” toba said.

And then the girl went to the kitchen and cooked dinner for toba.

Everyday toba was accompanied by the girl. Toba was happy for that. Until one day, he asked the girl to get married. But, the girl gave a requiretmen.

“I am agree to be your wife, but don’t ever tell my secret, my condition that I was a fish,” said the girl.

Toba agreed the girl’s requiretmen. And then they got married. Toba was happy to have such a beautiful wife. They lived happily because they loved each other.

Years gone by. Toba’s wife was pregnant and then not so long after that she gave birth. Toba was so happy. The baby was a boy. Named Samosir. They took care their only child. They showered the boy with love. It seemed that they were happy family.

7 years later

The mother spoiled the boy too much. No wonder, samosir became spoiled child. He didn’t want to help his father to work on farm. He only stayed at home doing nothing. He was a very lazy boy.

One day the mother asked samosir to bring lunch for his father who worked in a farm. Usually the mother did his job. But, because she was very busy, she didn’t have time to bring the lunch for his husband.

“Samosir my dear, please take this lunch for your father in the farm. He must be very hungry now. I can’t bring it for him, there is something else I want to do!” asked the mother.

“No, I can’t!” samosir refused.

“Why, don’t you want ho help me?” asked the mother.

“I want to play with my frieds, mother!” said samosir.

Mother was angry to hear this. She was so upset and threatened samosir if he didn’t do what she’s asked. She wouldn’t give samosir lunch.

Because of his mother’s anger, he felt forced to do what his mother’s request.

“All right, mom. I will bring it to my father,” samosir said. Samosir went to his father’s farm. But he grumbled continuosly as she wanted to play with his friends.

On the way to his father’s farm, he ate the lunch little by little. He felt hungry, too. Because of this, there’s just a little lunch left. Meanwhile, the day was getting hot. Toba decided to rest under the tree. He felt thirsty and hungry. He asked himself why his wife didn’t bring lunch for him.

Waiting in a hungry was such a terrible thing for Toba. He got angry that time. Finally he saw somebody in a distance. He hoped the somebody was his wife who brought lunch for him.

But, he was surprised to see samosir, his son, who came to the farm.

“What do you do here, my son. Where is your mother? Why she didn’t bring my lunch?” Toba said angrily.

“Mother is busy to do other things. So, she asked me to bring this lunch for you” said Samosir while gave the lunch to his father.

Toba took the lunch quickly as he couldn’t bear his hunger anymore. But, when he saw the lunch box, he was surprised. The lunch was no more left.

“What? Where is the lunch ? Why this box is empty ?” Toba said angrily.

“I am sorry, father. On the way here, I ate your lunch little by little. I am so hungry.” Samosir answered with anxiety.

“You’re really a bad boy. Why are you doing this ? I am really hungry, you know ? ” Toba snapped at Samosir.

“I am sorry, dad. I am really sorry for that!” Samosir said apologize.

“You are rebellious child. You are lazy, useless!!!” Toba got angry.

He felt really upset whit his son. And, suddenly he said something rude that actually was forbidden.

“Your manner is like a little animal. It is because your mother spoiled you. You are so naughty. Well, it is because your mother is a fish. So you are like her. Go away from here” Toba didn’t realize that what he said was so rude. He was forbidden to tell about Samosir’s mother’s origin.

Samosir was so sad to hear what his father’s said. He was badly hurt. He cried continuosly. His mother asked why Samosir cried. Samosir said that his father was angry to him. It’s because he ate his father’s lunch. Samosir also told what his father had said to him.
“Father said that I was a little animal because I didn’t obey his advice and he also said that mother is a fish.”
Samosir said this to his mother.

“What ??? How excessive he is! He was not supposed to tell that to you. You are his son. I will tell him.” The beautiful girl was so angry.

“Why he’s so rude to his own child. He promised that he wouldn’t tell my origin. Why he did this to me.” The beautiful girl said sadly.

“Calm down, Samosir. Don’t cry anymore. Now, all you have to do is climb the highest tree and stay there. There will be a huge flood and this velley will be sink and disappear. There will be great disaster here,” the beautiful girl said.

“Really, mother ! How do you know ?” Samosir asked.

“Well, you must obey my advice without complaining ” the beautiful girl told his son.

After that, Samosir went away and climbed the highest tree in the village. He stayed there, obeyed his mother’s instruction. He still didn’t know why his mother told him to do this. He just waited what happened next.

The beautiful girl was really sad. He thought that Toba didn’t love her anymore. Toba was changed. He broke his promise to her. So, the girl thought there was no use she lived. She decided to do suicide by jumping to a lake.

Suddenly, the sky was getting dark upon the valley. Not so long after that, the rain poured the earth. It was a huge rain. The thunder and the lightning were so scary.

The rain was so heavy and make a huge flood. The valley was like a sea. Just as the girl said, there was a great disaster in that village.

Meanwhile, Toba, who was still in his farm shocked with this disaster. He couldn’t save himself. He was drown by the flood and finally died.

And, the spoiled child, Samosir, although he climbed the highest tree, he still couldn’t save himself from this great disaster. He died as his parents. His body was floating. And then baceme small island which now was called Samosir Island.

And, the village was sink and became a huge lake. This lake was named as Toba’s name, that is Lake Toba.

Lake toba is located in North Sumatra.

A Story from Roti Island

A Story from Roti Island

Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia

Once upon a time, there were a grandmother and her grand daughter lived in Roti Island, Nusa Tenggara Timur. They had a field and grew some vegetables. The grandmother sold them at the market.

One day in the morning, the grandmother would go to the market. Before she left, she asked her granddaughter to cook.

“Please cook some rice for lunch. But just cook one grain of rice. It’s enough for both of us.”

“Why, Grandma?” asked the girl.

“Just do what I said.”

The grandmother then left for the market.

Later, the girl started to cook.

However, she felt a grain of rice would not be enough for them.

“I think it’s not enough for me and my grandmother.”

Then she took two handful of rice. Suddenly, something bad happened to the rice pot.

“Oh, no! The rice flowed out of the pot!” shouted the girl.

“What should I do?” The rice became porridge.

It flowed and flowed until it covered the kitchen. Suddenly, the grandmother came home. The girl explained what happened.

“You are a naughty girl! Why didn’t you listen to me?” the grandmother was so angry. She hit the girl with a wooden stick.

“ Please forgive me, Grandma!” the little girl cried and cried. But the grandmother kept hitting her.

Then, an incredible thing happened! The girl turned into a monkey. The monkey then ran away and climbed a tree. The grandmother chased the monkey. From the tree, the monkey said.

“Grandmother, I’m a monkey now. I cannot live with you anymore. You are all alone."

Then the monkey climbed up and disappeared. The grandmother was very sad. She regretted what she done to her beloved grand daughter.

“ Please come back to me. Please forgive me, my grand daughter!’ but it was too late.

The little girl has turned into a monkey and never came home. The people of Roti Island believe this story. And that is why until now; people in Roti Island never hit their children or other people’s child. They are afraid that the child would turn into a monkey.

The Legend of Snake Dandaung

The Story of Princess Kemuning

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