Nyai Anteh and the Moon: A Tale of Love and Courage
Nyai Anteh dan Bulan Purnama >> Edisi Indonesia
Folklore from West Java
True beauty comes from the heart, and we must be brave in protecting ourselves from unhealthy love. When faced with difficult situations, it is important to seek refuge and guidance from a higher power.
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Folklore from West Java
In a grand palace in West Java, two girls lived together: Princess Endahwarni, the daughter of the king and queen, and Anteh, the daughter of a lady-in-waiting. Anteh's mother had passed away when she was a baby, and the queen, feeling pity for her, raised Anteh as her own.
Anteh was known for her extraordinary beauty, even more so than Princess Endahwarni. Despite her jealousy, Endahwarni loved Anteh like a sister. When it was time for the princess to marry Prince Anantakusuma from a neighboring kingdom, she felt anxious, for she had never met him.
A week before the wedding, Prince Anantakusuma visited the palace to discuss the ceremony. As he wandered through the garden, he heard a beautiful song and followed it to find Anteh singing. Enchanted by her beauty and voice, he thought she was the princess.
The wedding proceeded, but during the ceremony, Princess Endahwarni noticed Anantakusuma gazing at Anteh. Her heart sank as she realized he was captivated by Anteh. Angry and hurt, she confronted Anteh.
“Why does he look at you like that?” she demanded, her voice trembling. “You must leave the palace at once!”
Anteh, taken aback by the princess's words, replied softly, “I have never wished for his affection. I only want to serve and support you.”
Despite her innocence, Anteh left the palace and went to her mother’s hometown to stay with her uncle. Time passed, and Anteh married and had two children. She became a skilled tailor known as Nyai Anteh for her exquisite creations, gaining fame throughout the land.
One day, Princess Endahwarni, feeling guilty for her actions, sought out Nyai Anteh to apologize. “I was wrong to ask you to leave. I should have cherished our bond instead of letting jealousy cloud my judgment,” she said, tears in her eyes.
Anteh, touched by the princess’s sincerity, replied, “I have always considered you a sister. I will return, but I ask that my family be allowed to stay with me.”
Endahwarni nodded, grateful for Anteh’s forgiveness. “Of course! You are always welcome in the palace.”
Back in the palace, Nyai Anteh found joy in her work, accompanied by her beloved cat. However, she was unaware that Prince Anantakusuma still held feelings for her, often watching her from afar. Although time had passed, Anteh remained beautiful and spirited.
One enchanting evening under the full moon, Nyai Anteh was in the garden weaving a dress when the prince approached her. “Anteh, I must be honest,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I still have feelings for you, and I wish things were different.”
Nyai Anteh turned to him, her expression serious. “But that cannot be. We are both married now, and my heart belongs to my family.”
Feeling a wave of fear, she stepped back. “You must understand, I cannot entertain this. Please respect my life and my choices.”
Realizing he had overstepped, the prince felt remorse wash over him. “I am sorry, Anteh. I did not mean to cause you distress.”
Desperate for help, Nyai Anteh closed her eyes and prayed, “Oh God, please help me. I wish to be free from this situation. Protect me and guide me.”
Suddenly, a soft, divine light enveloped her and her cat, lifting them gently into the night sky. The prince watched in astonishment as they ascended.
“I regret my actions,” he whispered, tears streaming down his face. “I should have honored your heart.”
From that day on, people say that on nights when the moon is full, one can see Nyai Anteh weaving in its soft light, a symbol of her courage and independence, forever woven into the fabric of the night sky.
Moral Message
This story teaches us that true love must be based on mutual respect and understanding. When someone loves us, it is important not to disregard the feelings of others. Injustice and jealousy can destroy relationships, as seen in the experiences of Princess Endahwarni and Nyai Anteh. We also learn that sometimes, to find peace, we must distance ourselves from painful situations, as Nyai Anteh found happiness on the moon after escaping from an unwanted love.
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