Indonesian Folklore (Folklor Indonesia): Tales from Nusantara (Archipelago): The Legend of Aji Bonar

The Legend of Aji Bonar: A King's Betrayal and a Prince's Victory

Edisi bahasa Indonesia: Raja yang Culas

Folklore from Riau

Once upon a time, in the grand kingdom of Tiangkerarasen, peace and prosperity flourished under the wise and just rule of its king. He was blessed with several sons and daughters from his beloved queen, and together, they upheld a harmonious reign.

But this serenity would not last forever. One fateful day, while riding his favorite horse through the countryside, the king’s gaze fell upon a young maiden unlike any he had ever seen before. She was strikingly beautiful, her presence radiating a quiet grace. Entranced by her charm, he approached her, and after a brief introduction, he made a rash decision—he would bring her back to the palace.

The young woman was not only fair in appearance but also soft-spoken and gentle in her manner. Her elegance captivated the king, and before long, he took her as his new wife. However, this sudden marriage stirred unrest within the palace. The queen and her children resented the maiden’s presence, seeing her as an intruder who had stolen the king’s affections. Their once-unbreakable family bond began to fracture, but the king was blinded by his infatuation.

Months passed, and the young wife bore news of her pregnancy. Instead of joy, the announcement fueled even deeper resentment within the royal household. The queen and the king’s children could no longer contain their bitterness. Tensions escalated until whispers of rebellion spread within the palace walls. The king, once confident in his authority, now felt the weight of his divided family pressing down on him.

Fearful of losing control over his kingdom, the king devised a cruel plan to rid himself of the problem he had created.

One morning, under the guise of a leisurely outing, he invited his young wife for a boat ride along the kingdom’s great river. The scenery was breathtaking—the towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, their reflections shimmering on the water's surface. The young wife, unaware of her husband’s intentions, smiled as she gazed upon the beauty around her.

Then, without warning, the king lunged forward and pushed her overboard.

The maiden's joyous laughter turned into a piercing scream as she plunged into the river’s depths. She fought desperately against the current, crying out for help, but the king did not look back. His heart was heavy, yet he convinced himself that this was the only way to restore peace within his family.

Downstream, fate intervened. A humble fisherman, hearing the woman’s desperate cries, rushed to her aid. He pulled her from the water, shivering and breathless, unaware that he had just rescued the discarded wife of the King of Tiangkerarasen.

The Rise of Aji Bonar

Years passed, and the woman’s son grew into a strong and intelligent young man named Aji Bonar. He inherited his mother’s resilience and his father’s strategic mind. He spent his days fishing and playing gasing—a traditional spinning top game. Over time, he became exceptionally skilled, mastering the game to an almost unbeatable level.

One day, Aji Bonar heard tales of a prince from the royal palace who was infamous for his love of gasing and his reckless gambling. Seeing an opportunity to test his skills—and perhaps uncover his own destiny—Aji Bonar set out for Tiangkerarasen.

Upon his arrival, he wasted no time challenging the prince to a match. The stakes started small, but as Aji Bonar won round after round, the wagers grew increasingly extravagant. First, the prince bet a prized rooster, then gold coins, and then an entire house filled with treasures. No matter how much the prince risked, Aji Bonar never lost.

Despite suffering repeated losses, the prince’s pride would not allow him to admit defeat. He became desperate to reclaim his honor and prove his superiority.

Then, on a day that would change the kingdom’s fate forever, the prince gathered the entire royal court and its citizens for a final match. He stood before the crowd and declared:

"Today, I stake my greatest bet. If Aji Bonar wins, he shall claim the entire kingdom. But if he loses, he must return all his winnings and leave Tiangkerarasen forever!"

A murmur spread through the audience. The people turned to the king, awaiting his verdict. After a tense silence, the king nodded his approval. The match was set.

The Kingdom’s Fate Spins

The arena was packed with eager spectators. The tension was palpable as the prince and Aji Bonar faced each other. The spinning tops were released, and the battle began.

The prince’s gasing spun fiercely, its movements fueled by desperation. But Aji Bonar’s top was superior—swift, steady, and unyielding. Within moments, his spinning top struck the prince’s, shattering it into pieces.

The crowd erupted in shock. The match was over. Aji Bonar had won the kingdom.

As the realization sank in, the former prince fell to his knees, his face pale with disbelief. The king, too, stood motionless, shame washing over him like an unstoppable tide. His own son—his legitimate heir—had gambled away everything.

A Son’s Return

Days later, Aji Bonar, now the rightful ruler, set out with his royal entourage to fetch his mother.

The people of Tiangkerarasen gathered along the streets, watching in stunned silence as the new king passed by. Among the crowd stood the former prince, still unable to comprehend his downfall. Beside him, the exiled king—once mighty, now disgraced—lowered his gaze.

The father and son locked eyes.

The man who had once cast away his wife and unborn child now stood powerless before the son he had abandoned.

And so, with justice served and destiny fulfilled, Aji Bonar took his place upon the throne, while the former king and prince faded into the shadows of history.

Moral message: Loyalty, justice, and thoughtful decision-making.

The story highlights the significance of loyalty to one's partner or family, notably seen in the King's decision to abandon his young wife amidst the turmoil with her family. This underscores the lesson of staying loyal in relationships despite challenges and conflicts. Additionally, it reflects on the repercussions of hasty and deceitful actions. It serves as a reminder of the vital role played by honesty and fairness in relationships and cautions against impulsive decisions made without considering their consequences. Here’s the additional perspectives included:

Loyalty and Responsibility
– This story teaches that loyalty is not just about love, but also about responsibility to those entrusted to us. The king failed to remain loyal to his family and ultimately lost everything.
The Consequences of Reckless Decisions
– Every decision has long-term consequences. The king, who rashly took a new wife without considering the impact on his family, ended up creating division and turmoil.
– The prince, blinded by arrogance and reckless gambling, also suffered great loss.
Justice Will Always Find Its Way
– Aji Bonar, who was once abandoned and considered insignificant, eventually reclaimed what was rightfully his. This teaches that justice may not come immediately, but in the end, it prevails.
Humility and Wisdom
– Aji Bonar did not seize the kingdom by force but through skill, intelligence, and patience. This shows that victory does not always come through war but can be achieved through wisdom and perseverance.

Thus, the moral lesson of this story is not just about loyalty and justice, but also about responsibility, the wisdom in decision-making, and the idea that justice will always find its way.