Indonesian Folklore (Folklor Indonesia): Tales from Nusantara (Archipelago)

Chapter 2: Voyages Through the Sea and Other Realms

Edisi Indonesia: Penjelajahan Lautan dan Dunia Lain

Sawerigading's journey became increasingly challenging as he led his legendary ship, Welenreng, across vast oceans, facing giant waves and violent storms that tested his strength and intellect as a mighty captain. His ship sailed from one realm to another, breaking through the boundaries of human reality. The places he visited each held their own secrets, such as Taranate (Ternate), Gima (believed to be Bima or Sumbawa), Jawa Rilau' and Jawa Ritengnga (East and Central Java), and Melaka.

Not only did he explore the human world, but Sawerigading also traveled through the supernatural realms and heavens, encountering beings never before seen by ordinary men. These beings, like the *orang bunian* (spirit folk inhabiting an invisible world), dark-skinned men, and humans with hair-covered chests, became part of his entourage. They came from different corners of existence, either assisting or challenging him at every turn on his journey.

In these mystical realms, Sawerigading faced challenges far beyond mere physical storms. Each world he crossed was guarded by magical beings such as water dragons coiling in the depths of the ocean, giant fish creating dangerous whirlpools, and sea spirits who could either offer guidance or obstruct his way. These creatures guarded the mysterious portals that connected Sawerigading to the ultimate destination of his voyage.

This adventure was not just a physical exploration but also a symbol of his quest for self-discovery. The true love he sought was believed to be hidden somewhere in a world far beneath the ocean's depths. With every obstacle he overcame, Sawerigading moved closer to fulfilling his destiny as a great hero, guided by a journey filled with mystery, love, and the challenges of mystical beings.

La Galigo

Introduction

Prologue: Cosmic Beginnings

Chapter 1: The Hero’s Call to Adventure

Chapter 2: Voyages Through the Sea and Other Realms

Chapter 1: The Hero’s Call to Adventure

Edisi Indonesia: Petualangan Awal Sawerigading

In those days, in Ale Lino—the world of humans filled with life and balance between nature and spirits—lived a young man with divine blood flowing through his veins. Sawerigading, a direct descendant of the rulers of the heavens, was a hero whose destiny had been written since his birth. Behind his strong appearance and brave soul, there lay a deep longing: a yearning for true love and a thirst for an adventure that would take him beyond the boundaries of his world.

Sawerigading was the son of La Sattumpugi, the ruler of Ale Lino, and the grandson of Sang Patotoqe, the supreme god of Botting Langi. His lineage made him more than just an ordinary man; he was the bridge between the gods and humans. Yet, despite the divine blood in his veins, Sawerigading lived with the heart of a human, filled with dreams and inner conflicts that stirred deep within his soul.

From a young age, Sawerigading had heard whispers from the gods, guiding him toward his destined path. But he did not accept the call immediately. He felt bound to his family and his world. He was close to his twin sister, We Tenriabeng, who had the extraordinary ability to foresee the future. She knew that Sawerigading was destined for a grand adventure but also understood the doubt that clouded his heart.

The call to leave Ale Lino came when Sawerigading dreamt of a woman who would not only capture his heart but also be the key to his greater destiny. This woman, We Cudai, lived in a distant kingdom at the edge of the world. The dream stirred something deep within Sawerigading, forcing him to realize that his destiny was not to remain in Ale Lino forever, but to explore the vast seas and find the love he dreamed of—a love that would bring balance between the world of the gods, humans, and the underworld.

With a heavy heart, Sawerigading bid farewell to his family. We Tenriabeng gave him one final prophecy before his departure: "Your journey will be filled with challenges, but behind every obstacle, wisdom and true love await you." Armed with this prophecy, Sawerigading set off, boarding his grand ship, Welenreng, to sail across the vast oceans toward the distant kingdom, embarking on an adventure that would change the fate of the world.

Thus begins the great journey of Sawerigading, an adventure that would take him across endless seas, facing kings, mythical creatures, and even the gods. But beyond all of that, he knew this was a journey of self-discovery—a hero destined to bring peace and love to the world.