Folklore from East Kalimantan
The Village Raid
"HELP! Please help me!" screamed an old man, his frail voice trembling with desperation. His hands clutched the wooden railing of his small stilt house, his eyes wide with fear as he watched a group of strangers ransacking the village.
"Ha ha ha! Who can help you, old man?" sneered a beggar, his face twisted with cruelty. The ragged-clothed men laughed as they overturned baskets of rice, snatched woven fabrics, and tore down bamboo fences in their path.
A chilling sense of dread gripped the villagers. These were no ordinary beggars—they were thieves armed with crude machetes, bamboo spears, and iron rods. Anyone who dared to resist would face their wrath. The people of the village, mostly farmers and craftsmen, had no way to fight back. Their only choice was to watch in helpless silence as their hard-earned possessions were taken away.
A young mother clutched her child tightly, her heart pounding as she hid behind the wooden pillars of her home. An elder trembled as his precious heirloom—a hand-carved statue passed down through generations—was snatched from his grasp. The village, once a place of peace, was now filled with the sounds of destruction—baskets being ripped open, livestock wailing, and footsteps trampling over fallen belongings.
Then, as suddenly as they arrived, the beggars left. With their stolen goods slung over their backs, they disappeared into the dense jungle, laughing as if they had merely played a game.
The village was left in silence, broken only by the soft sobs of those who had lost everything.
A New Beginning
The night was restless in the village. Fear lingered in the air like a thick mist, wrapping around the hearts of the villagers. Inside the largest stilt house, a gathering of worried faces illuminated by flickering oil lamps sat in a tight circle. The murmurs of despair filled the wooden walls.
"We cannot stay here," Nyapu, a strong-willed man with weathered hands and determined eyes, finally spoke. His voice carried the weight of reality. "The beggars will return. And next time, they may not just take our belongings—they might take our lives. We must leave and find a safer place."
A heavy silence followed. Some villagers exchanged glances, their faces lined with doubt. Finally, an older man shook his head and crossed his arms. "I don’t agree," he said firmly. "This is our home. My ancestors built this village. I will not abandon it."
Nyapu sighed, understanding the reluctance in the man’s voice. He had hoped they would all leave together. But he also knew that staying was too dangerous. "It’s up to you," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "But my wife and I will leave at sunrise. If anyone wishes to join us, we will welcome you."
That night, the village remained divided—some preparing to leave, others clinging to the place they had always known.
The Journey
At dawn, the sky was painted with soft strokes of orange and pink as Nyapu and his wife stood at the village’s edge, their few belongings packed tightly in woven baskets. To his relief, several villagers stepped forward, their eyes filled with both sorrow and hope.
"We’re coming with you," a young woman said, holding her child close. "We can’t live in fear anymore."
Nyapu nodded and turned to those who remained. "May the spirits of the land protect you," he said, his voice filled with both farewell and concern. Then, without looking back, he led the group forward.
The journey was harsh. They walked through thick jungles, their feet sinking into damp soil. They crossed rivers, sometimes wading through waist-deep water. The sun burned their backs during the day, and the cold bit their skin at night. Hunger gnawed at their stomachs, but Nyapu never wavered.
"Keep moving," he encouraged them whenever exhaustion threatened to stop them. "We will find a safe place."
Days passed, stretching into weeks. Just when it seemed like hope was fading, they stumbled upon a clearing—a land surrounded by hills, with a river flowing gently through its heart. The soil was rich, and the air smelled fresh, untouched.
"This is the place," Nyapu finally said, a smile breaking across his face. "This will be our new home."
A New Life
With renewed strength, the villagers set to work. They built new homes, their hands weaving bamboo and wood into sturdy structures. They tilled the land, planting rice and vegetables. They nurtured fruit trees, ensuring that future generations would have shade and sustenance.
For the first time in a long while, laughter returned to their lives. Children ran freely, playing among the trees. The people worked together, no longer afraid. They had left behind the shadows of fear and built a new home filled with hope.
Nyapu stood at the riverbank one evening, watching the golden hues of the setting sun reflect on the water. His heart swelled with gratitude. They had found safety, and at last, they could live in peace.
A Community Reunited
Months passed, and the village flourished under Nyapu’s leadership. Lush green fields stretched across the land, crops swayed gently in the breeze, and the sound of laughter filled the air. Life was peaceful.
One afternoon, as the sun dipped toward the horizon, a group of weary travelers arrived at the village’s entrance. Their clothes were torn, their faces sunken with exhaustion, and their eyes carried the weight of sorrow.
Nyapu’s heart clenched when he recognized them—they were the villagers who had chosen to stay behind.
“What happened?” he asked, stepping forward.
An elderly man, his voice shaking, spoke up. "Not long after you left, the beggars returned. But this time, they were crueler. They didn’t just steal… they hurt people. They destroyed homes. We tried to resist, but we were no match for them."
Another villager, a woman clutching a small child, wiped tears from her face. "We lost everything, Nyapu. We should have listened to you."
Nyapu looked at their tired, broken faces and felt a deep sense of sorrow. But he did not blame them. Instead, he smiled warmly. "You are here now. And that is all that matters. This village is your home, too. We will rebuild together."
With open arms, the villagers welcomed their old friends and family. They shared food, offered shelter, and helped them settle in. The once-small settlement grew into a thriving community, bound by shared struggles and a newfound strength.
A New Chapter Begins
Under Nyapu’s leadership, the village became even more prosperous. They worked together to fortify their homes, ensuring that no outsider could easily harm them again. They expanded their farmlands, planted more fruit trees, and built new homes.
The villagers admired Nyapu’s wisdom and kindness. They saw how he put their safety and well-being above all else, and soon, they made a unanimous decision—Nyapu should be their leader.
"You guided us to safety," one elder said. "You care for us like family. We would be honored if you led our village."
Nyapu was surprised but deeply moved. "I do not seek power," he said humbly. "But if my leadership brings peace and happiness, I will gladly serve our people."
From that moment on, Nyapu was not just a villager—he was the heart of the community.
A Joyful Blessing
Life continued peacefully, and Nyapu’s happiness grew even more when his wife shared wonderful news—she was expecting a child.
The entire village rejoiced at the announcement. They showered Nyapu’s wife with gifts—woven blankets, clay pots, and baskets of fruits. The women of the village sang lullabies as they prepared herbs to ensure a safe birth.
Then, on a beautiful night, under a sky filled with twinkling stars, the cries of a newborn filled the air. A healthy baby girl had been born.
Nyapu held his daughter in his arms, his eyes filled with tears of joy. He looked at his wife, who smiled despite her exhaustion. "She is beautiful," he whispered.
The villagers gathered outside their home, eager to hear the baby’s name.
"Her name will be Moret," Nyapu declared proudly. "She is the light of our village, the promise of a bright future."
The people cheered, celebrating not just the birth of Moret, but the strength, resilience, and love that had brought them all together.
Under the moonlight, as the village celebrated, Nyapu realized something—this place, once a refuge, was now a home. A home where people were safe, where families thrived, and where hope would always shine.
A New Leader and a Test of Strength
Moret grew into a graceful and wise young woman. With her father’s guidance, she learned not only how to farm but also how to lead with compassion and wisdom. She was deeply grateful for Nyapu’s teachings, knowing that he had built their village from nothing into a thriving home for many.
As the years passed, Nyapu grew older. His hair turned silver, and his steps became slower, but his heart remained strong. He knew it was time to pass on his leadership. Gathering the villagers one evening, he made his announcement.
“My time as your leader is coming to an end,” he said, his voice steady but full of warmth. “It is time for the next generation to guide this village forward. I have no doubt that Moret is ready. She will be your new leader.”
The villagers cheered, for they had watched Moret grow into a capable and kind-hearted woman. She had her father’s wisdom and strength, and they trusted her.
Though honored, Moret felt a deep sense of responsibility. She did not want to disappoint her beloved father or her people. She vowed to lead them justly and to protect the home her father had built.
The Village Faces Hardship
Not long after Moret became the leader, the village faced an unexpected disaster—a long and merciless drought.
The once-green fields turned dry and cracked. The rivers shrank into thin trickles, and the villagers struggled to find enough water. Day by day, the crops withered, and their food supply dwindled. The people, who had once lived in peace and comfort, now suffered under the scorching sun.
Moret did everything she could to help, rationing food and sending villagers to search for water sources. But no matter how hard they tried, the drought only worsened.
One evening, as Moret stood at the edge of the village, looking at the parched land with worry in her heart, a stranger arrived.
A Stranger with a Proposal
The young man was strong and handsome, his dark eyes sharp with confidence. He rode a magnificent black horse, and his clothes were embroidered with golden patterns. There was something mysterious about him, something powerful.
“I am Karang,” he introduced himself, his voice deep and smooth. “I have traveled far and wide, and I have heard tales of the beautiful and wise leader of this village. I have come to see her for myself.”
Moret met his gaze with calm composure. “If you have come only for that, then you should leave. My people are suffering, and I have no time for flattery.”
But Karang was not discouraged. He had been enchanted by Moret’s beauty and strength. He stepped forward and declared, “Then allow me to help. I wish to marry you, Moret.”
A hush fell over the villagers who had gathered to watch. Some were surprised, others whispered among themselves. Moret, however, did not flinch.
“I will not marry for beauty or status,” she said firmly. “I will only marry a man who can bring safety and prosperity to my people.” She lifted her chin, her voice steady. “If you truly wish to be my husband, then prove your worth. Bring the rain and end this drought.”
A Miracle in the Drought
What Moret did not know was that Karang was no ordinary man—he possessed supernatural powers. He had mastered great skills in martial arts, and his connection with the elements was strong.
Karang closed his eyes, raised his hands toward the sky, and began to chant in an ancient tongue. The wind shifted, the air thickened with energy, and dark clouds gathered above them. A distant rumble of thunder echoed through the valley.
Then, as the villagers watched in awe, the skies opened.
Heavy raindrops poured down, drenching the dry earth. The villagers erupted into cheers, dancing in the rain, their faces lit with joy. The rivers swelled, the crops absorbed the life-giving water, and the land, once lifeless, came alive again.
Moret stood still, watching the miracle unfold. She had tested Karang, and he had proven himself. He was not just a man of words—he had the strength to protect her people.
Smiling, she turned to him. “You have kept your promise. You have brought rain to my people. I will keep mine—I will marry you.”
A New Beginning
The entire village celebrated the union of Moret and Karang. They feasted, sang songs, and danced beneath the night sky. Their love was not just a tale of romance but a symbol of resilience, strength, and hope for the future.
With Karang’s strength and Moret’s wisdom, the village flourished once more. They continued to thrive, safe from hardships and misfortune. And from that day forward, rain always blessed their lands, as if nature itself rejoiced in their love.
Moret and Karang lived happily ever after—not just as husband and wife, but as the guardians of a village built on courage, love, and unity.
The Power of Bravery, Community, and Caution in Overcoming Adversity
This story teaches us the importance of courage—the bravery to step out of our comfort zone to seek a better, safer life. Nyapu and some villagers take a bold step, leaving behind an unsafe village in search of a more secure home. Despite the hardships they face on their journey, their perseverance leads them to a place where they can live in peace.
It also highlights the power of kindness and cooperation. The villagers who left first did not close their doors to those who followed later. Instead, they welcomed them warmly, forming a strong and united community where people protected and supported one another.
At the same time, the story warns us to remain cautious and aware of those who might take advantage of kindness. The villagers learned that not all who appear in need are innocent, as some may disguise their true intentions. This serves as a reminder to balance generosity with wisdom, ensuring that compassion does not make us vulnerable to harm.
Moret, as the new leader, embodies both courage and responsibility. She upholds strong values, refusing to marry someone who cannot bring safety and prosperity to her village. Her decisions show that true leadership means prioritizing the well-being of the community over personal gain.
Lastly, the story reminds us of the power of faith and hope. Even in the face of a severe drought, Moret and her people do not lose heart. The arrival of Karang, with his supernatural abilities, brings rain and saves their village, proving that even in the darkest times, hope can lead to transformation and happiness.
