Cupak Ajak Gerantang

Pursuing Justice: The Tale of Honesty and Destiny in Cupak Invites Gerantang

Edisi Bahasa Indonesia: Cupak Ajak Gerantang

Folklore from Bali, East Java, and Lombok

In a small village in Kediri, there lived two brothers named I Cupak and I Grantang. They had very different personalities, even though they grew up in the same environment. I Cupak was less diligent and tended to spend his time playing and having fun, while I Grantang, the older brother, was known as a hardworking, enthusiastic young man who always put in the effort. I Grantang's success in everything he did was a result of his dedication and perseverance, while I Cupak often relied on luck and avoided hard work. The contrast between them reflected how attitudes and actions can shape a person's destiny.

One day, when it was time to plow the fields, I Grantang diligently prepared his cows and began plowing the land. He worked tirelessly throughout the day, striving to ensure that their fields were fertile and ready for harvest. On the other hand, I Cupak chose to have fun and ignored his responsibilities. He played all day, paying no attention to the tasks that needed to be done. However, when it was time to go home, I Cupak cunningly pretended that he had finished his work first, leaving I Grantang still busy cleaning his cows. Although this was a small act, he was already beginning to make a habit of deceiving for personal gain.

Not long after, bad news arrived in their village. Rumors spread about I Benaru, a terrifying monster that threatened the safety of the village. According to local folklore, I Benaru was a creature not only frightening but also possessed extraordinary powers, capable of destroying the village with a single strike. The king heard of this and sent out a call for heroes to fight the creature. This was an opportunity for anyone to demonstrate true courage.

I Grantang, always ready to protect his village, immediately volunteered to fight the monster. With courage and determination, he set off for the cave where I Benaru lived. I Cupak, despite lacking true bravery, saw this opportunity as a way to gain fame. Cunningly, he began spreading false stories about his involvement in the battle against the monster, claiming that he had defeated I Benaru, even though he had never participated in the fight.

However, as in many tales, the truth eventually came to light. The true bravery of I Grantang, who fought the monster, could not be hidden by I Cupak's lies. The villagers soon realized that it was I Grantang who had saved them, while I Cupak could only hide behind his false stories. In life, honesty is always more valuable than deceit.

I Grantang, with all his goodness and bravery, was rewarded with protection from the king and unexpected happiness. He was seen as a true hero, who valued goodness above all else. On the other hand, I Cupak, who had relied on lies and deceit, had to face the consequences of his actions. He was left without support and became an example to anyone who sought success through shortcuts and dishonesty.

Balinese Hero: Confrontation of Legends

Moral Emphasis: Honesty and Attitudinal Differences Shaping Destiny

From the story of I Cupak and I Grantang, we learn that a person’s attitude can greatly influence their fate. Honesty, courage, and hard work are values that not only lead to better outcomes but also shape the direction of one’s life. In this story, I Grantang demonstrates consistent bravery and hard work, which eventually lead him to happiness and recognition as a hero. On the other hand, I Cupak, who chose the path of deceit and temporary comfort, faces the consequences of his lies.

The lesson to be learned from this story is that although deceit may offer temporary gain, in the end, goodness and courage will always be more highly valued. Honesty brings peace and true happiness, while lies and trickery only lead to destruction. Honesty is not just about speaking the truth, but also about actions that align with good values, which ultimately lead to a more meaningful and respected life.