Putri Hijau (Green Princess)

Echoes of the Verdant Monarch

Edisi Bahasa Indonsia: Putri Hijau

Malay Folklore

In ancient times, amidst the conflicts in the Malacca Strait, the tale of the Green Princess emerged along the Deli River's banks. This captivating legend endures in two versions, each championed by distinct tribes, striving to uphold their pride.

In the oral Malay rendition, a stunning princess hailed from Siberaya village, near the Panggang River. Her breathtaking beauty, radiating a lush green hue, garnered widespread acclaim, echoing her name from Aceh to Malacca and even to the northern shores of Java. Known as the Green Princess, she had two siblings: a dragon named Snake Simangombus and a cannon called Meriam Puntung.

As the people of Siberaya struggled to satiate the insatiable dragon's appetite, the Princess and her kin migrated to Deli Tua. Here, they erected formidable fortresses, fostering prosperity within their realm.

The allure of the Green Princess reached the ears of the Acehnese King, who sought her hand in marriage. However, her rejection of the proposal stoked the king's fury. Despite the Acehnese troops' failed attempts to breach the Green Princess's fortress, they employed a cunning tactic: showering the fort guards with gold. While the guards were distracted, the Acehnese troops infiltrated the fortress.

Even the final line of defense, Cannon Puntung, succumbed to the assault. Subsequently, the Simangombus snake whisked away the Green Princess, fleeing to the Malacca Strait, believed in some versions to be the realm beneath the sea around Berhala Island.

Yet another legend contends that the Green Princess was held captive by the Acehnese King until her rescue by her sibling. They then vanished into the depths of the sea, becoming a legend perpetuated through oral tradition. Allegedly, upon the King of Aceh's return, he brought neither treasures nor his chosen soldiers.

This enduring legend inspires various intriguing interpretations and tales, forming an integral part of our rich cultural heritage.

Moral message:

From the legend of the Green Princess, several moral messages emerge:

1. Courage and Sacrifice: The Green Princess and her siblings exemplify courage and sacrifice, demonstrating their readiness to protect their beloved people and homeland.
2. Resilience in Adversity: Despite facing onslaughts and sieges, they exhibit unwavering resilience, emphasizing the significance of perseverance amidst trials.
3. Strength in Unity: The narrative underscores the potency of unity in confronting formidable adversaries.
4. Respect for Nature: It portrays a profound connection between humans and nature, showcasing their reverence and safeguarding of the natural world, including their kin as part of nature.
5. Empathy and Consideration: The Green Princess's plea for special treatment amidst captivity reveals her empathy for basic needs even in dire circumstances.

These values of bravery, resilience, unity, and the harmony between humanity and the environment resonate from this captivating story.

Putri Hijau