Chicken and Mackerel Tuna

Hasty Promises: A Tale of Truth and Loyalty

Edisi Indonesia: Ayam dan Ikan Tongkol

Folklore from Riau Islands

Once upon a time, in the enchanting islands of Riau, there existed a deep friendship between a mackerel tuna and a chicken. They were known to assist each other in various ways. One day, the Chicken King informed the Mackerel Tuna King about a fisherman's family planning to celebrate their child's wedding with a grand feast.

"Don't forget, my dear friend, Mackerel Tuna King, you must come with your subjects to the feast tomorrow night. You will surely enjoy it," said the Chicken King.

"Alright, we will gladly attend the celebration. But I need your help, my dear friend, Chicken King," replied the Mackerel Tuna King.

"What kind of help do you need? I will assist you gladly."

"We will come later at high tide. But we must return before sunrise when the tide recedes. So, please don't forget to crow to signal the time for us," explained the Mackerel Tuna King.

"Of course, we will do it," agreed the Chicken King.

The next day, the festivities began. The full moon illuminated the night brightly, and the sea began to rise. That's when the anchovy party arrived. They hid among the rocks not far from the main stage.

Everyone was absorbed in the beautiful celebration accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the drums. The mackerel tunas were thoroughly enjoying themselves. As the night progressed, they were reluctant to leave the party. Unfortunately, the coastal residents and the chickens fell asleep, including the Chicken King and his subjects.

Disaster! The sea began to recede, but not a single rooster crowed! As the sun rose, the fish slowly woke up. They were shocked to see the shore drying up.

"Oh no! The sea has receded! Where are the roosters that were supposed to crow to signal us?" the anchovies panicked. They were trapped on the dry rocks. Some leaped and flopped, trying to return to the watery shore. Among them was the Mackerel Tuna King, who managed to make it back.

When the warm rays of the sun pierced through, the Chicken King finally woke up, followed by the other chickens. "Oh my! It's already morning. What about the fate of the anchovy folk?" thought the Chicken King, bewildered and panicked.

Soon, the villagers living near the shore began waking up. They were astounded to see a multitude of anchovies floundering on the dry rocks along the shore. They hurriedly captured the fish and collected them in buckets to take home.

Seeing his people being captured, the Mackerel Tuna King was furious. He swore an oath to the Chicken King and his subjects. "Our friendship is over, Chicken King! From now on, we anchovies will eat all the chicken folk, especially you, roosters!" declared the Mackerel Tuna King.

Since then, the mackerel tunas and the chickens became eternal enemies. Consequently, the fishermen around the Riau coast often used chicken feathers as bait to catch mackerel tunas.

Moral Message: The Importance of Keeping Promises

Moral of the story: The importance of fulfilling promises and the consequences of forgetting responsibilities to others.