The Tale of Dayang Bandir and Sandean Raja: A Story of Loyalty, Sacrifice, and Justice Between Two Kingdoms of North Sumatra
Once upon a time, in the lush, mountainous region of North Sumatra, there were two grand kingdoms: the Eastern Kingdom and the Western Kingdom. Although these two realms had a long history of rivalry, a union formed when the Eastern King married the Western King’s beloved sister. Their marriage brought a temporary peace, and soon, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, whom they named Dayang Bandir. Seven years later, they welcomed a son, Sandean Raja.
For many years, peace reigned in the Eastern Kingdom. However, the joy was not to last. When Sandean Raja was still a child, his father, the wise and honorable Eastern King, passed away suddenly. According to the kingdom’s laws, Sandean Raja, as the king's only son, was the rightful heir. However, he was still too young to assume the throne. Until he was of age, the kingdom needed a regent, and the council elders appointed Uncle Kareang, the king’s younger brother, to temporarily rule.
Uncle Kareang accepted the role, but deep down, he coveted more than just temporary power. He knew of a magical sword owned by the late king, a symbol of the rightful ruler's strength. Whoever wielded this sword could claim the throne, but he could not find it anywhere. Uncle Kareang grew increasingly bitter, suspecting that Dayang Bandir, now a young girl of considerable wit and courage, had hidden the sword to protect her brother’s future. Her loyalty infuriated him, for as long as she kept the sword from him, he could only rule as a steward.
One dark evening, consumed by anger and ambition, Uncle Kareang devised a plan. He commanded his soldiers to seize Dayang Bandir and Sandean Raja, banishing them to the depths of the jungle, where he believed they would eventually perish, leaving him free to rule without threat.
The soldiers obeyed, leading the siblings deep into the forest. Dayang Bandir was tied to the top of a tall, towering tree, her voice carrying through the silent woods as she shouted, refusing to reveal the sword’s location. Sandean Raja, left helpless at the base of the tree, wept for his sister, powerless to climb up to her. Days turned into nights, and though Sandean tried tirelessly to reach her, he stumbled and fell each time. Dayang Bandir’s voice grew weaker with each passing day until, finally, silence fell over the forest as she took her last breath.
Even in death, Dayang Bandir’s spirit remained close to her brother. Though invisible to others, she often spoke to Sandean Raja, guiding him through the dangers of the forest and offering him comfort during his years of solitude. Her spirit strengthened his resolve and kept him focused on their shared dream of reclaiming the throne.
Years passed, and Sandean Raja grew into a strong, powerful young man. With his sister’s spirit always by his side, he survived the perils of the jungle, learning to fend for himself. When he felt ready, Sandean journeyed to the Western Kingdom, seeking justice. His uncle, King Sorma, ruled there, and he hoped to confide in him about the cruel betrayal he had endured.
Upon his arrival, King Sorma was stunned. He had long believed his nephew was lost to the wilderness, as Uncle Kareang had spread rumors of their death. Uncertain, King Sorma tested Sandean Raja, asking him to uproot a massive tree as proof of his strength and heritage.
With ease, Sandean Raja gripped the tree’s roots and lifted it from the ground, a feat that shocked the court. But King Sorma was still cautious and wanted one final test. He directed Sandean Raja toward a dark chamber where several young women stood, including his own daughter.
“If you are truly my nephew, you will find my daughter among them,” said King Sorma.
In the shadows, Sandean hesitated, but a familiar voice whispered in his ear. It was his sister’s spirit, guiding him once more. "Do not fear, my brother. I will help you find her."
Following her guidance, Sandean Raja moved confidently among the young women, choosing the correct girl without hesitation. King Sorma, now fully convinced, embraced his nephew, finally understanding the truth behind the boy’s tragic past.
Sandean Raja recounted the years of hardship and his sister’s sacrifice to protect his right to the throne. Enraged by Uncle Kareang’s betrayal, King Sorma gathered his soldiers, vowing to bring justice to the Eastern Kingdom.
A fierce battle followed, and the armies of the Western Kingdom stormed the Eastern Kingdom, defeating Uncle Kareang and his loyalists. With the kingdom liberated, Sandean Raja ascended to his rightful place as king. Grateful for his sister’s unwavering loyalty, he ordered that her memory be honored throughout the kingdom.
One day, his sister’s spirit appeared to him one last time. She revealed the location of their father’s magical sword, hidden carefully where no one would suspect. With the sword now in his possession, Sandean Raja ruled wisely, forever guided by the love and wisdom of his sister, Dayang Bandir.
Moral Message
The story teaches the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience. Dayang Bandir's unwavering love and dedication to her brother demonstrate the importance of family bonds and selflessness, while Sandean Raja's journey reflects perseverance and courage in facing adversity. The story also highlights the consequences of greed and the virtue of fighting for justice.
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| Piso Gading |
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