Onak Berduri Sungsang

Sungsang Thorny Thistles: Seeking Peace in Conflict

Edisi Indonesia: Onak Berduri Sungsang

Folklore from Bengkulu

Two mighty warlords, Serunting Sakti and Rio Tabing, lived in ancient times in the Bengkulu region, a land rich in history and heroic traditions. These two leaders were not merely rulers of their respective territories but also figures revered for their strength and bravery. Serunting Sakti was known for his extraordinary mystical powers, while Rio Tabing possessed sharp war strategies and a loyal army.

Each of them ruled vast lands, with people who lived under their command in unwavering loyalty. However, despite their grandeur, harmony never existed between them. Their rivalry grew more intense by the day—not only over territory but also over honor and supremacy. Both believed that only one of them deserved to be the ultimate ruler, turning what began as minor disputes into an endless conflict.

This hostility did not only affect them but also their people and the natural world around them. Tension seeped into society, dividing the people into two factions—those loyal to Serunting Sakti and those who supported Rio Tabing. Even nature seemed to bear the consequences of their feud, with trembling earth and a sky often cloaked in darkness as their battles raged on.

Their battles were frequent, culminating in fierce clashes that shook the lands of Bengkulu. Both factions fought with unwavering determination, wielding sharp weapons and powerful magic they believed would secure their victory. The forces of Serunting Sakti and Rio Tabing clashed across various terrains, from dense forests to echoing hills, where the clash of steel and the cries of war filled the air.

At first, only their warriors fought on the front lines, but as time passed, innocent civilians were drawn into the vortex of conflict. Villages were reduced to ruins, fields were set ablaze, and rivers that once flowed crystal clear now ran red with blood. Neither side held a decisive advantage, as every small victory was swiftly countered by an even fiercer retaliation.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, yet the war showed no signs of ending. Whenever the possibility of peace arose, the flames of anger between the two leaders reignited, thwarting any attempt at negotiation. Even nature itself seemed to rage against the destruction they caused—dark clouds loomed, fierce winds howled, and the earth trembled with every great battle they waged.

Amid the growing exhaustion felt by both sides, the soldiers began to question, "How long will this war last? Will there ever be an end, or is only destruction awaiting us?" Yet, for Serunting Sakti and Rio Tabing, there was only one way to settle their dispute—through a one-on-one duel, free from the interference of their armies.

"It is better that we fight one-on-one," Serunting Sakti declared, his voice echoing across the war-torn battlefield.

"Who’s afraid?!" Rio Tabing shot back, his eyes burning with determination.

The two warriors stood tall upon the land that had been scarred by their prolonged war. The air was thick with tension as their troops watched from a distance, holding their breath, knowing that this battle would decide the fate of their lands.

With solemn focus, they prepared themselves, uttering prayers to Dewa Tenaga, the divine source of their strength. Each of them sought to harness their energy, aligning their body and spirit for the impending duel. The once-gloomy sky suddenly flickered with light, streaked with crackling flashes, as if the heavens themselves were answering their call. A surge of power erupted in the sky as their forces collided at a single point, unleashing a tremor so intense that the very earth beneath them quaked.

Not wanting to lose momentum, Rio Tabing raised his hands high, his eyes fixed on the sky with unwavering hope. "O Great One, grant me more strength!" he cried out boldly.  

His plea was answered. Dewa Tenaga bestowed upon him an even greater power, causing the earth around him to surge and shift. Hills rose in an instant, towering between them like colossal walls dividing two realms. With every step Rio Tabing took, the land transformed—becoming rugged and harsh, filled with jagged thorns and upturned brambles, creating a natural barrier that was nearly impossible to cross.  

Serunting Sakti observed the scene with keen eyes, realizing that their battle had transcended mere physical strength. This was no longer just a duel to prove who was stronger—it was an effort to carve a new boundary in the world they inhabited.  

Then, with resolute determination, Rio Tabing drove his spear into the ground, his voice ringing out like thunder across the land. "This is the boundary of my dominion! Any descendant of Serunting Sakti who dares to cross it shall perish!" he declared.

As if heeding his oath, nature suddenly fell silent. The raging winds calmed, and the heavy gray clouds that had loomed over the sky slowly thinned. The battle that had raged for so long had finally come to an end. Yet, there was no true victor in this clash.

Both warriors stood amidst the ruin they had wrought. Their lands lay in devastation, once-fertile soil now transformed into an inhospitable terrain. At that moment, they realized that their war had not only cost them dearly but had also brought suffering to the very people they had sworn to protect.

From that day forward, the boundary set by Rio Tabing became known as Onak Berduri Sungsang, a land filled with obstacles and perils—a stark reminder to future generations that power upheld through conflict would only lead to ruin. To this day, the region remains guarded, not just by those who dwell there, but by the legend itself, passed down from one generation to the next.

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Moral Message: Seek Peaceful Solutions in Conflict

The story of Sungsang Thorny Thistles emphasizes the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions in conflicts. Unresolved battles bring losses to both sides. Additionally, considering the repercussions of our actions is crucial as our decisions can profoundly impact ourselves and others. Lastly, it teaches that establishing boundaries and wielding power should be done judiciously, avoiding unnecessary losses.