Sang Piatu and the Benevolent King

The Orphan's Journey: Kindness, Persistence, and Unexpected Blessings

Edisi Indoneia: Sang Piatu dan Raja yang Baik Hati

Folklore from Bengkulu

In a serene hamlet by the riverside nestled an elderly grandmother and her grandson, Sang Piatu. Their humble abode, a bamboo hut, bore witness to their simple yet contented existence. Each day, they scoured the forest for sustenance and firewood.

Sang Piatu harbored a fervent desire to learn the sacred teachings across the river, under the tutelage of the esteemed King. However, the grandmother, concerned by Sang Piatu's threadbare attire, hesitated. Yet, Sang Piatu, resolute in his pursuit, secured permission to attend the lessons outside the mosque.

Arriving at the mosque, Sang Piatu was startled when the King denied him entry due to his tattered clothing. Pleading to join the lessons from beyond the mosque's walls, the King relented under the condition that Sang Piatu wouldn't disrupt the other pupils.

Seated outside the mosque, Sang Piatu ardently absorbed the teachings by discreetly peering through the window daily. He always assured his grandmother that he was welcomed warmly by the King.

One fateful day, the King asked his students to bring offerings for a thanksgiving ceremony. Sang Piatu and his grandmother ventured into the woods, discovering a ripe but small jackfruit. Convinced it held ten seeds, they found only nine upon counting. Perplexed, the King consoled Sang Piatu by offering a special lesson.

Gratefully receiving the instruction, Sang Piatu joyously recited it on the journey home. Unbeknownst to him, the final enchanting words transformed a stone into gold. Selling the gold, Sang Piatu became prosperous.

Days later, Sang Piatu returned to the village to fetch his grandmother, inviting her to reside with him in the city. This folklore extols the virtues of perseverance and kindness, rewarded by the Divine. The tale of Sang Piatu and the Benevolent King teaches us to persevere and aspire despite limitations, fostering a sincere and kind heart, as that alone shall sow the seeds of fortune and happiness in the future.

Moral Lesson: Tenacity, Compassion, and Divine Providence

The tale of the Orphan and the King underscores the significance of perseverance when confronted with adversity. Despite being denied entry to the surau due to his ragged attire, the Orphan persisted, seeking knowledge through any means available. This resilience afforded him the chance to acquire wisdom and evolve.

Furthermore, the narrative conveys a message of compassion. The King's bestowing of special lessons as an act of kindness served to console the Orphan, ultimately ushering blessings into both their lives.

Equally significant is the theme of divine providence. Unintentionally, the Orphan's parting words brought forth a blessing—a stone transmuted into gold. This serves as a testament that fortune often arises from unexpected sources, and a genuinely kind heart serves as the catalyst to its acquisition.

This narrative imparts the importance of not succumbing to hardships but rather persisting with unwavering determination. Kindness and perseverance can yield unforeseen fortunes, as illuminated in the tale of the Orphan.