The Encounter in the Jungle
In the heart of the jungle, Bujang Enok was collecting firewood to sell at the market. As he worked, a serpent suddenly slithered onto his path, blocking his way. Without hesitation, he grabbed a thick branch and struck the snake, killing it instantly.
Just then, he heard the soft murmuring of women’s voices.
"The snake is dead… We are safe now."
The voices came from the river nearby, but Bujang Enok saw no one. Shrugging off the strange event, he continued his work and eventually returned home.
Upon arriving, he was startled to find his house spotless and a warm meal waiting for him. Confused but grateful, he ate the food and went to bed.
The next day, the same thing happened—his house was cleaned, and food was ready upon his return. Determined to uncover the mystery, he decided to hide in the bushes outside his home on the third day.
The Seven Celestial Maidens
As he watched from his hiding place, seven breathtakingly beautiful maidens arrived, their colorful shawls shimmering under the sunlight. He peeked through the window as they gracefully moved about, sweeping the floors, cooking, and tidying up his humble home.
Curiosity turned to determination—he had to find out who they were. He followed them in silence as they left, trailing behind them until they reached the riverbank.
The maidens laughed and chatted as they waded into the water, laying their shawls carefully on the grass. As they bathed, a realization struck Bujang Enok—these were the same voices he had heard in the jungle.
A mischievous idea formed in his mind. Quietly, he crept forward and took one of the shawls before hiding behind a tree.
When the maidens finished bathing, they reached for their shawls. One of them, however, found hers missing.
"Sisters, I cannot find my shawl!" the maiden cried.
Her sisters looked at her with sympathy.
"We must return home now. Stay and search for your shawl, but do not linger for too long," one of them said before they donned their shawls and soared into the sky.
Bujang Enok's heart pounded—these were no ordinary maidens. They were celestial beings.
A Love Born from a Secret
Tears welled up in the maiden’s eyes as she searched for her shawl. That was when Bujang Enok stepped forward, holding the delicate fabric.
"Is this what you are looking for?" he asked.
Relief and hope shone in her eyes. "Yes! Please return it to me."
Bujang Enok hesitated before making his request. "I will, but only if you agree to be my wife."
The maiden, realizing she had no other option, sighed deeply. "My name is Putri Mambang Linau. I will be your wife, but you must promise me one thing—never ask me to dance. If I dance, I will have to leave you forever."
Bujang Enok eagerly agreed, and they were soon married.
The Rise of Bujang Enok
With Putri Mambang Linau by his side, Bujang Enok’s life flourished. His home became warm and lively, and fortune smiled upon him. His kindness and generosity spread throughout the land, earning him great respect.
One day, word of his wealth and virtue reached the ears of the King. Impressed, the King invited Bujang Enok and his wife to a grand royal celebration.
The Dance That Changed Everything
At the palace, the celebration was filled with music, feasting, and merriment. Then came the highlight of the event—the dance of the noblewomen.
A court official approached Bujang Enok. "Your wife must dance," he declared.
Bujang Enok’s heart clenched. He remembered his vow, but how could he refuse the King? Torn between his loyalty to the crown and his promise to his beloved wife, he hesitated—then nodded.
Putri Mambang Linau’s eyes filled with sorrow. Yet, she understood. She loved Bujang Enok deeply, and she knew he had only given in out of duty.
She stepped forward, draped her shimmering shawl around her shoulders, and began to dance. Her arms fluttered like the wings of a great bird, her movements light as the wind.
Then, as if lifted by an unseen force, her feet left the ground. Slowly, she rose higher and higher, her body glowing like the stars above.
Gasps filled the palace.
"Who is she?" the King asked in awe.
With a heavy heart, Bujang Enok told the truth.
Putri Mambang Linau looked down one last time, her gaze filled with love and sadness. Then, with one final movement, she ascended into the sky, disappearing beyond the clouds.
The Legacy of the Olang-Olang Dance
Overcome with emotion, the King decreed that Putri Mambang Linau’s dance should never be forgotten.
From that day on, the people of the land performed the Elang-Elang Dance, its graceful, sweeping movements mirroring the flight of an eagle—just like the celestial maiden who once danced among them.
Over generations, the name evolved into Olang-Olang Dance, yet its essence remained unchanged—a tribute to love, sacrifice, and the consequences of promises made.
And in the heavens, Putri Mambang Linau watched, her spirit forever carried by the wind.
Moral Lessons
🌿 The Weight of Promises – A vow is not to be taken lightly. Words hold power, and breaking a promise can bring irreversible consequences.
🦅 Love and Sacrifice – Putri Mambang Linau sacrificed her celestial life for love, while Bujang Enok sacrificed his happiness for duty. True love often comes with difficult choices.
⚖️ Respect for Free Will – Bujang Enok’s love for Putri Mambang Linau was real, but his initial deception led to an outcome neither of them could change. Love should be given freely, not through conditions.
🌠 Legacy and Remembrance – Though Putri Mambang Linau could not stay, her presence was never forgotten. The dance that bears her name ensures that her story—and her love—lives on.
This tale serves as a reminder that our choices shape our fate, and that love, when tested, reveals the true depth of our hearts. 🌿✨
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