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Showing posts with label Central Kalimantan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Central Kalimantan. Show all posts

The Legend of Batu Banama

The Legend of Batu Banama: The Curse of Forbidden Love of Tan Kin Lin


Edisi Indonesia: Legenda Batu Banama

Folklore from Central Kalimantan

At the foot of Bukit Tangkiling, in Central Kalimantan, lived a Dayak youth named Tan Kin Lin, who was adopted by a merchant from China after a tragic incident. His story begins when he was still a child, living with his mother, a Dayak woman who was strict in raising her child. One day, due to his mischievous behavior and incessant whining, his mother lost her temper and hit Tan Kin Lin on the head with a suduk (a type of large frying spoon). The blow caused a wound on Tan Kin Lin's head, leading him to run out of the house feeling sad and betrayed.

Tan Kin Lin ran to the riverbank dock, where a ship from China was moored. Without thinking twice, he boarded the ship and hid. The ship set sail, unaware of Tan Kin Lin's presence. Over time, the ship's owner, a Chinese merchant, discovered the boy and raised him as his adopted son, naming him Tan Kin Lin.

After the departure of her son, the mother, who had long lost her husband, decided to return to living in Kuwu or Bakuwu (the process of seclusion). For this reason, in various versions of the legend of Bukit Tangkiling, this woman is often referred to as Bawi Kuwu, meaning the Secluded Woman.

Years later, Tan Kin Lin returned to his homeland as a wealthy merchant. Unaware of his origins, he fell in love with a mysterious woman who was actually his own mother, Bawi Kuwu, who also no longer recognized him after so long apart. They decided to marry, and a grand wedding celebration was held on their large boat, named Banama, which served as their honeymoon spot.

While on their honeymoon aboard the Banama, docked at the pier, Tan Kin Lin asked his wife to check for lice in his hair. As Tan Kin Lin's long hair was let down, a scar on his head was revealed. Bawi Kuwu, shocked to see the scar, immediately asked her husband how he got it.

Tan Kin Lin began to recount how he received the scar as a child—when his mother struck him with a suduk for his naughty behavior, and how he ran to the ship that took him to China, where he was adopted by the merchant.

Upon hearing this story, Bawi Kuwu recognized the scar and realized that the young man she had married was her long-lost son. She fainted after screaming that Tan Kin Lin was her child. In the chaos, Tan Kin Lin fled into the forest, feeling guilty and devastated.

Bawi Kuwu, feeling ashamed and guilty, did not dare to step down from the Banama. She remained on the boat, isolating herself from the community that might judge her for the unintentional grave sin.

However, fate did not grant them time to atone for their mistakes. Dewata, angered by this great transgression, intervened. Thunder roared fiercely, striking the sky and the Banama. In an instant, Tan Kin Lin, his mother, and their great boat turned to stone. The curse of Dewata transformed them into silent monuments that remind humanity of the laws of nature and fate that must not be violated.

The large stone known as Batu Banama, or the stone of the boat, can still be seen today by the riverbank. The Dayak people believe that the spirits of Tan Kin Lin and his mother still reside there, serving as a reminder for them to always honor blood relations and the laws of nature.






Moral Message

1. The Importance of Family Bonds: The story of Tan Kin Lin and Bawi Kuwu reminds us of the importance of valuing and maintaining family relationships. No matter how far apart we may be, the bond of blood will never disappear.

2. Consequences of Actions: This legend illustrates that actions taken in anger can have very serious consequences. A small mistake can lead to significant repercussions, so we must always think before we act.

3. Respect for Natural Laws: The story teaches that there are natural laws and destinies that must not be violated. Our adherence to values and moral principles should be upheld, and breaching these can lead to unexpected consequences.





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Sangi the Hunter

The Tale of Sangi: The Hunter Who Became a Dragon

Sangi Sang Pemburu >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia






A long time ago, deep in the heart of Central Kalimantan, there lived a skilled hunter named Sangi. He was renowned for his unmatched ability to track and capture animals, ensuring that his family and village never went hungry. Sangi lived near the banks of a great river, surrounded by the vast, untamed jungle.

One day, as he ventured into the dense forest, he spotted the footprints of a wild hog. The tracks were fresh, pressed deeply into the damp earth, leading him deeper into the jungle. Moving with the silent grace of a seasoned hunter, Sangi followed them, weaving through towering trees and thick vines. Eventually, the trail ended behind a massive tree with roots like twisted serpents.






As he prepared to strike, expecting to find the wild hog, he was met with a sight that left him frozen in shock. Just beyond the tree, a colossal dragon—scales glistening like polished bronze—was struggling to swallow the very hog he had been tracking. The hog was so large that the dragon could not devour it easily, its jaws stretching wide, its sharp fangs glinting in the dappled sunlight that pierced through the jungle canopy.

For several agonizing moments, the dragon struggled. Then, with a frustrated snort, it released the hog and turned its piercing golden eyes toward Sangi.

Sangi’s breath caught in his throat. He wanted to flee, but his legs felt as heavy as stone. The dragon’s gaze held him in place, rooting him to the earth. Slowly, the great beast slithered closer, the ground trembling beneath its weight. Just as its massive head lowered to Sangi’s level, its form dissolved into thick, swirling smoke.

When the smoke cleared, a tall and regal-looking man stood before Sangi, his sharp eyes filled with an ancient wisdom.

"You have seen what was not meant for human eyes," the man said in a deep, commanding voice. "For that, you must bear my fate."

Sangi’s heart pounded. "W-what do you mean?" he stammered.

The man gestured toward the half-eaten hog. "Eat."

Sangi’s stomach churned. "I cannot. I am a man, not a beast."

"You can," the man insisted, his voice like the rumbling of distant thunder. "For now, you are no longer just a man."

At that moment, Sangi felt a strange force coursing through his veins. His body twisted and contorted. His skin hardened into shimmering golden scales. His hands curled into claws. His legs merged, forming a long, powerful tail. He could feel his body expanding, his senses sharpening, his lungs filling with a new kind of breath.

He had become a dragon.

Overcome by an unnatural hunger, Sangi devoured the wild hog in a single bite. The taste was foreign yet oddly satisfying.

Then, as quickly as it had come, the transformation faded, and Sangi found himself standing on two feet once more, his human form restored.

"What… what have you done to me?" he gasped.

The man sighed. "The same thing happened to me many years ago. I saw a dragon eating, and then I became like this. We are now the same kind of being—half human, half dragon. We can transform at will, and as a gift, we will remain forever young. I am over a hundred years old, but look at me—I still appear the same."

Sangi was still in shock. "So, I can live forever?"

The man nodded. "That's right. However, there is one condition you must follow. Never tell anyone your true identity. If you break this rule, you will turn into a dragon forever and will never be able to return to being human."

Before Sangi could ask more, the man vanished into the jungle mist.


The Curse of the Dragon’s Secret

From that day on, Sangi lived a double life. By day, he was the same skilled hunter his village knew and respected. But in secret, he would slip into the shadows of the jungle, shed his human form, and become a magnificent dragon, gliding over rivers and feasting in the moonlit forests.

As the years passed, Sangi remained unchanged. While his friends aged and his children grew into elders, he looked the same—strong, youthful, untouched by time. Whispers spread through the village. People became suspicious. How could a man live for so long without aging a single day?

On his 150th birthday, the questions became unbearable. Villagers surrounded him, demanding to know his secret.

"Tell us, Sangi! How do you remain so young? Have you struck a deal with spirits? Are you even human?"

At first, Sangi held his tongue, remembering the warning of the dragon-man. But the pressure grew unbearable. The people he loved, the village he had protected for generations—they no longer looked at him with respect, but with fear.

Frustrated and desperate to prove himself, Sangi finally shouted, "You fools! I am not merely a man—I am a dragon!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd. They did not believe him.

But before Sangi could say another word, his body began to tremble violently. A searing pain spread through his limbs as golden scales erupted across his skin. His fingers curled into claws, his legs twisted into a powerful tail, and his back arched as massive wings burst forth.






He had transformed.

But this time, there was no going back.

The villagers screamed in terror, fleeing from the monstrous form before them. Sangi roared in anguish, his great wings beating against the sky. He had broken his vow, and now he was bound to the dragon’s form for eternity.

Realizing he could never again live among humans, Sangi spread his wings and flew toward the river. With one final, sorrowful glance at the village he once called home, he dove into its depths, vanishing beneath the waters.

From that day forward, the river became known as Sangi River—a reminder of the hunter who became a dragon and the price of revealing forbidden secrets.





Moral Message

This story teaches the importance of keeping secrets and honoring the trust given to us. Sometimes, revealing something that others are not meant to know can lead to unexpected consequences. Additionally, this tale reminds us that every person has different sides within them, and balancing those aspects is the key to living a harmonious life.










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Ambun and Rimbun

The Tale of Ambun and Rimbun: A Story of Persistence and Love



Ambun dan Rimbun >> Edisi Indonesia

Folktale from Central Kalimantan

Ambun and Rimbun were brothers, so similar in appearance that people often mistook them for twins. However, in reality, Ambun was the elder by a year. Despite their slight age difference, the two shared a deep bond, always looking out for each other and working together to ease their hardships.

They lived in a humble hut with their mother, nestled on the edge of the village. Their father had passed away when they were still young, leaving their mother to raise them alone. Though life was difficult, the brothers did everything they could to support her. Every day, they ventured into the nearby forest, collecting firewood to sell at the market. It was exhausting work, yet they never complained, knowing that their small earnings were all their mother had to sustain them.

Despite his hard work, Ambun often found himself troubled by their poverty. He longed for a better life, not just for himself, but especially for his mother, who had sacrificed so much for them. The thought of her aging hands, roughened by years of labor, pained him. Determined to change their fate, he resolved to leave the village in search of a better opportunity—somewhere he could work and earn enough to provide his mother with a more comfortable life.

One evening, as they sat together by the dim glow of a small oil lamp, Ambun finally voiced his plan. His mother listened in silence, her heart heavy with worry. She knew how strong-willed he was and feared for his safety, yet she also understood his desire to improve their lives. Before she could find the words to dissuade him, Rimbun spoke up. He, too, wished to go. Though younger, he shared the same frustration over their circumstances and refused to be left behind.

Their mother sighed, torn between concern and pride. She knew her sons were kindhearted and determined, willing to endure hardships for her sake. Though it pained her, she realized she could not hold them back. With a quiet nod, she accepted their decision, offering them her blessing and a mother’s heartfelt prayer for their safe return.

Before they set off, their mother gave them two traditional knives, each wrapped in a piece of cloth—one red and one yellow. The red one was given to Ambun, while Rimbun received the yellow. These knives were not just tools but symbols of protection, passed down through generations. As she placed them in her sons' hands, their mother’s eyes brimmed with silent prayers, hoping they would return safely.







With heavy yet determined hearts, the brothers began their journey. The road ahead was uncertain, stretching far beyond the lands they had ever known. They traveled through dense forests, where towering trees formed a thick canopy, allowing only specks of sunlight to filter through. Birds chirped in the distance, and the rustling of leaves echoed around them as they stepped carefully over the uneven ground.

But then, without warning, Rimbun stumbled and collapsed. His body went limp, his breath shallow. Ambun’s heart pounded in fear.

"Rimbun! What happened? Are you all right?" he cried, kneeling beside his brother.

Rimbun did not respond. His face had lost all color, his once bright eyes now dull and distant. Panic surged through Ambun as he lifted his brother and carried him to the base of a large tree, resting him against its sturdy trunk. He checked for signs of a wound, for a fever, for anything that could explain his sudden weakness. But there was nothing—only the slow, fading rise and fall of his brother’s chest.

Helplessness clawed at Ambun. He called Rimbun’s name again and again, shaking him gently, begging him to hold on. But his brother’s strength continued to wane. A cold, unnatural silence filled the air, wrapping around them like a shroud. Then, in a final, fleeting breath, Rimbun’s body fell still.

Ambun froze. The world around him seemed to blur, as if time itself had fractured. His hands trembled as he reached for his brother’s shoulder, hoping—praying—that he would stir. But there was no movement, no warmth left in his skin.

Tears welled up in Ambun’s eyes, spilling down his cheeks. His chest tightened with sorrow, a grief so deep it threatened to break him. He had promised to take care of Rimbun, to share this journey together. Now, his brother was gone, and he was alone.

Guilt weighed heavily upon him. He should never have let Rimbun come. He should have protected him.

With a heavy heart, Ambun dug a grave beneath the towering tree, his hands raw from clawing at the earth. As he placed Rimbun’s lifeless body into the ground, he felt as though he was burying a part of himself. When the last handful of soil was placed over the grave, he retrieved his brother’s yellow-wrapped knife and, with a solemn heart, drove it into the mound of earth—marking the final resting place of the only person who had ever truly understood him.

For a long time, he sat there in silence, staring at the blade gleaming under the dim forest light, whispering a quiet farewell.

Then, with the weight of loss pressing upon his soul, he rose and continued his journey alone.

Ambun pressed forward through the jungle, his heart still heavy with grief. The loss of Rimbun lingered in his mind, but he knew he had to keep moving. The forest was dense, and as night fell, the air grew colder. The sounds of nocturnal creatures filled the silence—crickets chirping, owls hooting, and the distant howl of a wild animal. His feet ached, and his stomach rumbled from hunger.

Just as he was beginning to despair, he spotted a faint light flickering through the trees. His hope reignited, he hurried toward it, weaving through the undergrowth until he reached a small wooden house. The warm glow of a lamp shone through the windows, casting a welcoming aura against the dark forest. Gathering his courage, he knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with kind, wrinkled eyes. She studied him for a moment, as if sensing the exhaustion in his posture.

"Who are you, young man?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.

"My name is Ambun," he said, bowing respectfully. "I have been traveling through the jungle, but I lost my brother on the way. I have nowhere to stay tonight. Please, may I rest here?"

The old woman’s expression softened. "Come in, child," she said, stepping aside.

Relieved, Ambun entered the warm little house. Inside, the scent of herbs and burning wood filled the air. A small fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The old woman prepared a bowl of hot porridge and set it before him.

"Eat, you must be tired," she said.

Ambun gratefully accepted the meal. As he ate, he told her about his mother, about how he and Rimbun used to gather firewood to make a living, and about his dream of finding work to earn money for his mother. His voice wavered slightly as he spoke of Rimbun’s death, but he pushed forward, determined to honor his brother’s memory.

The old woman listened intently, nodding as he spoke. When he finished, she smiled gently.

"You have a kind heart, young one," she said. "And perhaps fate has led you here for a reason."

Ambun looked at her curiously. "What do you mean?"

"I have heard of an opportunity," she said, leaning forward slightly. "The king of this land is searching for a worthy man to marry his daughter. Whoever succeeds will not only become the princess’s husband but will also inherit the throne."

Ambun’s eyes widened in surprise. "But… surely, many men would wish for such a chance. How can the king choose?"

The old woman chuckled. "Ah, but there is a test. The king has set a challenge. Any man who wishes to marry the princess must be able to leap from the palace courtyard onto the roof and pluck a single jasmine flower."

Ambun’s heart pounded. The task sounded impossible for an ordinary man. But he was not ordinary. Before his father had passed away, he had trained Ambun and Rimbun in various skills—jumping, climbing, and moving swiftly through the forest. Their father had believed in the importance of agility and strength, and now, that training might finally serve a purpose.

A spark of determination lit in Ambun’s chest. He clenched his fists, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

"I will do it," he declared. "I will take the challenge."

The old woman studied him for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "Very well, young one. Rest for tonight. Tomorrow, I will help you prepare."

For the first time since Rimbun’s passing, Ambun felt hope stirring in his heart. This could be his chance—not just to change his own life, but to give his mother the happiness she deserved.

As he lay down to rest, the red-wrapped knife at his side, he silently vowed to succeed—not just for himself, but for Rimbun, for their mother, and for the future that awaited him.

The next morning, Ambun and the old woman set off for the palace. The journey was long, but Ambun felt lighter, his heart filled with determination. As they arrived at the grand gates, towering guards stared at him with skeptical eyes. The courtyard was already filled with noblemen, officials, and commoners eager to witness the impossible challenge.

As soon as Ambun stepped forward, whispers spread through the crowd.

"Who is this poor boy?" one man scoffed.
"He looks nothing like a prince," another sneered.
"If the strongest warriors failed, what makes him think he can succeed?"

Laughter rippled through the audience, but Ambun remained unfazed. He stood tall, his mind focused. He was not here for their approval—he was here for his mother, for Rimbun, and for the life they all deserved.

The king, sitting on his golden throne, raised his hand to silence the crowd. Though he, too, doubted the young man, he was a fair ruler. "Let him try," he declared.

Ambun stepped forward, his heart pounding. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He thought of his father—of the lessons in strength and agility, the endless days of training in the forest. He let go of his fears.

Then… WUSSHHHH!

With a single powerful leap, Ambun soared into the air. Gasps filled the courtyard as he flew higher and higher. The jasmine flower, delicate and white, swayed in the wind. With precision, Ambun reached out and plucked it.

He landed gracefully on the ground, the flower in his hand.

Silence hung in the air for a moment. Then—cheers erupted. The crowd, once full of doubt, now roared with admiration.

"He did it!"
"Incredible!"
"Amazing!"

The king rose to his feet, his face beaming with joy. "At last, I have found the worthy one!" he declared.

Ambun was honored, but before the wedding preparations could begin, he knew there was something he had to do. He needed to return home and bring his mother to the palace.

When Ambun arrived at the small hut, his mother was waiting for him. However, instead of joy, sorrow filled her eyes.

"My son…" she said, her voice trembling. "You have succeeded, but how can I be happy knowing Rimbun is gone?" Tears streamed down her face. "There is one way to bring him back."

Ambun's heart raced. "Tell me, Mother! I will do anything!"

"You must find the Water of Life," she said. "It is hidden at the peak of the sacred mountain. Only with this water can we bring Rimbun back."

Without hesitation, Ambun set off once more. The journey was treacherous—he climbed steep cliffs, braved freezing winds, and fought exhaustion. Days passed, but he did not give up. Finally, after an arduous climb, he reached the peak.

There, in the center of a mystical spring, the Water of Life shimmered like liquid silver. Carefully, Ambun filled a small vial and hurried back home.

When he returned, his mother stood by Rimbun’s grave. "Dig," she instructed.

Ambun dug through the earth, his hands trembling with hope. When he reached Rimbun’s body, his mother took the vial and poured the water over him.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—Rimbun’s fingers twitched. His chest rose with a deep breath. His eyes fluttered open.

"Rimbun!" Ambun cried, tears of joy streaming down his face.

"Brother…" Rimbun whispered, his voice weak but alive.

Their mother wept, embracing her sons tightly. They were together again. Their family was whole.

After their joyful reunion, Ambun returned to the palace with his mother, Rimbun, and the old woman. He married the princess, just as promised, and became the new king. True to his heart, he invited the old woman to stay in the palace, honoring the kindness she had shown him.

From that day forward, Ambun ruled with wisdom and compassion. His family remained by his side, and the kingdom flourished under his leadership.

And so, they all lived happily ever after.







Persistence and Love as the Keys to Success

The moral of this story is that perseverance, determination, and love can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. Ambun's unwavering dedication to his family, his willingness to face difficulties head-on, and his deep love for his brother and mother ultimately lead to their reunion and happiness. This tale teaches us the importance of staying committed to our goals, even in the face of adversity, and the power of love and unity in overcoming hardships.










The Curse of King Mintin

Kutukan Raja Mintin | Edisi Indonesia

 Folklore from Central Kalimantan

A long time ago in Kahayan Hilir, Central Kalimantan, there was an island named Mintin. The people in the island lived peacefully. The king of the island, King Mintin, was wise. He loved his people very much.

However, soon the happiness was ended. The kingdom was mourning. The queen just passed away. The king was sad and decided to leave the palace and went to another island. He asked his twin sons, Naga and Buaya, to lead the kingdom while he was away.

At first, Naga and Buaya led the kingdom wisely. They did their father’s advice to them. Unfortunately, it did not last long.

Naga and Buaya had different personalities. Naga was ignorant to the people and loved parties, while Buaya was very caring and loving to the people. Buaya then asked Naga to stop his bad habits.

Naga was angry. He asked Buaya not to disturb him. Buaya was also angry. He reminded Naga about their father’s advice

“Father is not here! And you are not my father, why do I have listen to you?” said Naga.

Both of them were angry and could not control themselves. They were fighting. The fighting was getting bigger and it changed into a civil war. It was because the soldiers were involved. The soldiers were divided into two parts.

Some of them supported Naga and the other soldiers supported Buaya. The people of Mintin Island were suffering great pain. Because of the war, they could not live peacefully. Some of them were very hungry and suffered from illnesses. Mintin Island was in chaos!

The king finally heard the war. He decided to go back to Mintin Island. When he arrived, he immediately asked his twin sons to stop the war. The king was really angry.

“I’m very disappointed with you, sons. I trusted you to take care of this kingdom. But you have failed. I don’t care who is right or wrong. Both of you will be punished!” said the king.

He then continued.

“Buaya, I know you are a good son. You are wise and love the people. But you cannot control your emotions. Buaya, you have fewer mistakes than Naga. But I still have to punish you. I curse you into a crocodile. You can stay here in Mintin Island and your job is to take care of the people,” said the king.

He then talked to Naga.

“You have more mistakes. So, the punishment is bigger. I curse you into a dragon. You are not allowed to stay here. Go away and live in other place!” asked the king.

Right after the king finished his last words, heavy storm attacked Mintin Island. Buaya and Naga slowly changed. Buaya became a crocodile and Naga became a dragon. ***

Guardian Figure in the form of a Water Snake or Dragon
with the Wings of a Sacred Hornbill Ironwood with traces of pigment.
Ngaju Dayak, West Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Indonesia. 19th century
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Dohong and the Princess

Dohong dan Sang Putri >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from Central Kalimantan

THERE was a beautiful princess. Her name was Princess Intan. People were amazed to I see how beautiful she was. Princess Intan was a shy girl. She always felt awkward when people looked at her.

In the palace, there were some ladies-in-waiting. There was one lady-in-waiting who was really jealous with the princess. She hated when people talked about the beauty of the princess.

The lady-in-waiting wanted the princess to leave the palace! She had a bad plan. She spread bad rumor about the princess. She told the king that the princess was arrogant to people. She also told him that the princess behaved badly. To make it worse, the lady-in-waiting also told the people that the princess would do something bad to the king. The people loved their king and they hated that news.

Slowly, people hated the princess and sadly the king also believed what the lady-in-waiting said. The king could not control his emotions any longer. He asked the princess to leave the palace!

The princess was crying. She could not understand why his father and the people hated her so much. The princess walked and walked. She did not know where to go. She was lost in the jungle. While she was looking for a place to rest, she met a witch. She also heard about the princess' bad behavior. The witch cursed the princess into a bird!

"You can become a human again if you find a man who truly loves you," said the witch.

The princess was helpless. She never thought that her life would be this miserable. She immediately flew away and left the witch.

The princess was hungry. She saw some food on the branch of a tree. She perched on the branch started to eat.

When she enjoyed eating the.food, suddenly a birdcage dropped. She was locked inside the birdcage. She was asking for help but no one heard her. The princess was so tired and weak. She fell asleep.

The princess woke up. She felt the bird cage moving. She saw a handsome man shaking the birdcage. His name was Dohong. He owned that birdcage. He was so happy to see a beautiful bird inside his cage.

The princess said, "Please help me..."

Dohong was extremely surprised!

"You can talk?" asked Dohong nervously.

"Yes, I can. I'm not a real bird. My name is Princess Intan. A witch cursed me into a bird."

Dohong could not believe what she said.

He asked, "If you are really Princess Intan, why are you in the jungle?"

The princess explained all the incidents to Dohong. She told him that her father hated her. Dohong was so touched to hear the princess' bad experience. He opened the cage and let bird fly. However, the princess did not leave the man. She asked him to show her the way to the palace.

"Don't worry. I will take you to the palace. I also heard bad news about you. But unlike others, I don't believe that rumor. I'm sure you are not as bad as they said. In.fact, you are very kind to people. And honestly, I fell in love with you," said Dohong.

The princess was smiling. She just found a man who loved her. Slowly, the princess started to change back as a human again:

Dohong was speechless. The bird he caught had just turned into a beautiful woman. She was indeed the beautiful Princess Intan! Together with Dohong, the princess went to the palace. They met the king and explained everything.

The king regretted his bad decision to ask his daughter leave the palace. He started to ask people about the person who spread the rumor. People said that it was the lady-in-waiting. The king was angry! He punished the lady-in-waiting. After that Dohong and the princess got married. They lived happily. ***

The Legend of Nusa Island

The Legend of Nusa Island: A Tale of Fate and Folly

Legenda Pulau Nusa >> Edisi Indonesia

Folklore from Central Kalimantan (Central Borneo)






A long time ago, there lived a farmer named Nusa with his wife and younger brother. They were hardworking farmers who depended on their rice fields for food. However, one year, the land suffered from a long drought—no rain fell, and their crops withered. The villagers grew desperate, for without water, there would be no harvest.

Seeing no other choice, Nusa decided to lead his family in search of a better place to live. They walked for three days and three nights until they finally arrived at a new land—a fertile valley with a large, flowing river. The land was rich, green, and full of promise.


The Mysterious Egg

Excited about their new home, Nusa went to search for food. As he wandered near the riverbank, he stumbled upon a massive egg, larger than any he had ever seen. Curious and starving, he decided to take it home.







"Look what I found! Let’s cook this," he said to his wife.

His wife and brother, however, hesitated. The egg was too large—it seemed unnatural.

"I'm not sure, Brother," said his younger sibling. "What if it belongs to a dangerous creature?"

"We don’t know what it is," his wife added. "Maybe we should leave it alone."

But Nusa was too hungry to listen. Ignoring their concerns, he cooked and ate the egg all by himself. With his hunger satisfied, he fell into a deep sleep.


The Curse Takes Hold

The next morning, Nusa woke up screaming in pain. His body felt strange, as if something was changing. His wife and brother rushed to his side, only to gasp in horror—his skin had turned into hard, glistening scales. His legs had fused into a long, thick tail. His body had grown massive.

Nusa had turned into a dragon!

He looked at his reflection in the river and let out a sorrowful cry.

"This must be because of the egg! I must have eaten a dragon’s egg!"

Realizing he could no longer live as a human, he pleaded with his family.

"Please, take me to the river. I can no longer survive on land."

With great difficulty, his wife and brother dragged his heavy body into the water.

"Forgive me," he said, his voice deep and mournful. "I was careless. I ignored your warnings, and now I must live the rest of my days in this river. Tell the villagers to always be cautious of what they consume."

With one final glance at his family, Nusa disappeared beneath the water.


The Rise of the River Dragon

Nusa, now fully a dragon, roamed the river, surviving on fish. But he was no ordinary creature—his hunger was insatiable. He devoured more and more fish each day, and soon, the fish in the river began to fear him.

"We must do something, or else none of us will survive!" the fish whispered among themselves.

One day, a clever little fish came up with a plan.

"Master Dragon," the little fish swam up to Nusa, his voice full of urgency. "There is another dragon in this river! He is much bigger and stronger than you. He says you are weak and unworthy to rule the waters."

At these words, Nusa’s pride flared.

"Another dragon? How dare he challenge me! I am the mightiest in this river! Where is he? I will fight him!"

For days, Nusa obsessed over his unseen rival. He swam up and down the river, looking for the enemy that did not exist. He stopped sleeping, always on high alert. His exhaustion grew.

Then, at the perfect moment, the little fish shouted, "Master! He’s behind you!"

Nusa whipped his giant body around—so fast that he saw his own tail moving behind him. His mind clouded with exhaustion and paranoia, he mistook his tail for the enemy dragon and attacked it viciously.

He bit down with all his strength—and screamed in pain!

"Attack!" the little fish yelled, and all the fish in the river swarmed at once, biting and tearing at Nusa’s weakened body.







The Fall of the Dragon

Nusa, realizing he had been tricked, thrashed violently, trying to escape. But he was too tired. His strength faded, and his vision blurred. With one final, agonized roar, he drifted toward the riverbank.

His massive body slowly turned to stone, his scales hardening into earth. Over time, the villagers saw that his body had become an island in the middle of the river.

From that day on, they called it Nusa Island.






Moral Message:

"Be mindful of what you consume, for it may change your fate. And beware of arrogance—pride and carelessness can lead to one's downfall."

Nusa’s greed and recklessness caused his transformation. His pride blinded him to the truth, making him easy to deceive. In the end, his arrogance cost him his life. The story serves as a warning: wisdom, humility, and caution are key to survival.








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