The Legend of Kemuning Flower
Folklore from Riau
ONCE upon a time there was a wise king. He had ten beautiful daughters. His wife died a long time ago. All his daughters were named with colors.
Their name were Princess Jambon (pink), Princess Jingga (orange), Princess Biru (blue), Princess Hijau (green), Princess Kelabu (grey), etc. And the youngest was Princess Kemuning (yellow).
The king loved all his daughters. However he was too busy with his jobs as the king. He asked the servant to take care of his daughters.
His daughter became spoiled. But the youngest daughter was different. She was not spoiled. She often helped the servants. They loved her very much.
One day the king planned to go a very far place. He asked what the gifts of the daughters wanted to have. They all said great things, like jewelries or beautiful dress. However Princess Kemuning did not say anything.
"How about you, dear? Do you want anything?" asked the king.
"I just want you to come home safely, Father," said Princess Kemuning.
The king smiled. He knew his youngest daughter had good personality.
After the king went, all the daughters were fully take care by the servants. They had problems controlling the princess. All the princess became more naughty and spoiled. They often asked the servants to do anything.
The servants could not do anything. Consequently they did not have time to take care of the garden. It was messy. Leaves were every where. The garden was dirty.
Princess Kemuning was sad to see the condition of the garden. She knew her father loved the garden. So she started to clean the garden. She swept the leaves.
"Hey, look, we have a new servant," said Princess Jingga. And they all were laughing at her. But Princess Kemuning ignored them.
Later the king came home. He brought all the gifts.
"Princess Kemuning, this green stone necklace is for you. I'm sorry, I could not find the yellow one. I have tried to look for it but I did not find it," explained the king.
"That is all right, Father. I love it," said Princess Kemuning.
Princess Kemuning often wore the necklace. It was very beautiful. It was matching with her yellow dress. Unfortunately, Princess Hijau were jealous.
"Kemuning, the necklace is mine. The color is green right?" said Princess Hijau.
But Princess Kemuning refused to give it to her. She knew Princess Hijau already got her gift. But Princess Hijau still insisted to get it. She talked to the other sisters that they planned to do something bad.
Princess Hijau asked Princess Kemuning to play in the garden. While they were playing, suddenly suddenly she grabbed Putri Kemuning's necklace. The other sisters hit Princess Kemuning's head. They hit so hard and it made Putri Kemuning died. They all very confused, They then buried her in the garden.
Meanwhile the king was looking for all his daughter.s. He did not see Princess Kemuning. The daughters said that Princess Kemuning ran away. But the king did not belive them. He asked all the soldiers to find her. But they never found her.
The king was sad. He often thought about her. One day the king was in the garden . There was a tree growing. The leaves were like green stone necklace and the flowers were yellow. The flowers reminded him of Princess kemuning. He named it Bunga Kemuning or yellow flower. ***
ONCE upon a time there was a wise king. He had ten beautiful daughters. His wife died a long time ago. All his daughters were named with colors.
Their name were Princess Jambon (pink), Princess Jingga (orange), Princess Biru (blue), Princess Hijau (green), Princess Kelabu (grey), etc. And the youngest was Princess Kemuning (yellow).
The king loved all his daughters. However he was too busy with his jobs as the king. He asked the servant to take care of his daughters.
His daughter became spoiled. But the youngest daughter was different. She was not spoiled. She often helped the servants. They loved her very much.
One day the king planned to go a very far place. He asked what the gifts of the daughters wanted to have. They all said great things, like jewelries or beautiful dress. However Princess Kemuning did not say anything.
"How about you, dear? Do you want anything?" asked the king.
"I just want you to come home safely, Father," said Princess Kemuning.
The king smiled. He knew his youngest daughter had good personality.
After the king went, all the daughters were fully take care by the servants. They had problems controlling the princess. All the princess became more naughty and spoiled. They often asked the servants to do anything.
The servants could not do anything. Consequently they did not have time to take care of the garden. It was messy. Leaves were every where. The garden was dirty.
Princess Kemuning was sad to see the condition of the garden. She knew her father loved the garden. So she started to clean the garden. She swept the leaves.
"Hey, look, we have a new servant," said Princess Jingga. And they all were laughing at her. But Princess Kemuning ignored them.
Later the king came home. He brought all the gifts.
"Princess Kemuning, this green stone necklace is for you. I'm sorry, I could not find the yellow one. I have tried to look for it but I did not find it," explained the king.
"That is all right, Father. I love it," said Princess Kemuning.
Princess Kemuning often wore the necklace. It was very beautiful. It was matching with her yellow dress. Unfortunately, Princess Hijau were jealous.
"Kemuning, the necklace is mine. The color is green right?" said Princess Hijau.
But Princess Kemuning refused to give it to her. She knew Princess Hijau already got her gift. But Princess Hijau still insisted to get it. She talked to the other sisters that they planned to do something bad.
Princess Hijau asked Princess Kemuning to play in the garden. While they were playing, suddenly suddenly she grabbed Putri Kemuning's necklace. The other sisters hit Princess Kemuning's head. They hit so hard and it made Putri Kemuning died. They all very confused, They then buried her in the garden.
Meanwhile the king was looking for all his daughter.s. He did not see Princess Kemuning. The daughters said that Princess Kemuning ran away. But the king did not belive them. He asked all the soldiers to find her. But they never found her.
The king was sad. He often thought about her. One day the king was in the garden . There was a tree growing. The leaves were like green stone necklace and the flowers were yellow. The flowers reminded him of Princess kemuning. He named it Bunga Kemuning or yellow flower. ***
Awang Garang
Folklore from Riau
A long time ago, there was a young fisherman in Riau. His name was Awang Garang. His job was not only fishing but he also often helped people building a new ship. Awang Garang was very skillful, that's why people always asked for his help.
One day the Sultan of Riau asked his soldiers to make him one ship. They were working days and nights. However the ship was not finished yet. The ship was always broken. The soldiers were scared. They were worried that the Sultan would be angry. They then asked Awang Garang to help them. He knew the problem. He said, "You have to use three different kinds of woods."
He was right! The ship was strong. All the soldiers were very eager to finish the ship. Unfortunately, an accident happened. Awang Garang's right eye was hit by a hammer. He was so angry. He cursed the ship.
"I curse you not to able to sail in the sea," cursed Awang Garang.
Then he went home. His right eye was blind. Therefore he covered his eye with a black bandage.
Finally the ship was finished. Strangely it could not go to the sea. It was still stranded on the beach. All the soldiers pushed the ship to the sea but it did not move at all. One of them remembered about Awang Garang's curse. Later they went to Awang Garang's house.
"You have to help us. You cursed the ship right? Now you have to make the ship sail in the sea!" said the soldier.
"I will help you. But I need 37 young men along with their equipment. Besides that you also have to prepare seven pregnant woman wearing different colors of clothing. And remember, you all have to close your eyes when I'm working with those 37 men."
They agreed. Later 37 young men and seven pregnant women were standing beside the ship. Awang Garang ordered the 37 seven men to find some big trees. They cut down the trees and peeled the skin. Then they put the trees under the ship. Awang Garang asked the 37 men to be ready to push the ship. He asked the seven pregnant woman to pray.
Awang Garang then screamed, "Everybody, on three then you all push the ship. OK, one.. two.. three.. push!"
Slowly the ship moved and it finally went to the sea. Everybody was happy. They all thanked Awang Garang.
Not long after that the seven pregnant woman delivered their baby boys. The babies grew as great soldiers. And together with Awang Garang they fought against the pirates. Because they already helped the kingdom, then the Sultan gave titles as panglima or chief. Awang Garang became Panglima Hitam Elang and the seven soldiers had titles after the name of Awang Garang and the color of the cloth their mothers were wearing. They were Panglima Awang Merah (red), Panglima Awang Jingga (orange), Panglima Awang Kuning (yellow), Panglima Awang Ungu (purple), Panglima Awang Hijau (green), Panglima Awang Biru (blue) and Panglima Awang Nila (indigo). ***
A long time ago, there was a young fisherman in Riau. His name was Awang Garang. His job was not only fishing but he also often helped people building a new ship. Awang Garang was very skillful, that's why people always asked for his help.
One day the Sultan of Riau asked his soldiers to make him one ship. They were working days and nights. However the ship was not finished yet. The ship was always broken. The soldiers were scared. They were worried that the Sultan would be angry. They then asked Awang Garang to help them. He knew the problem. He said, "You have to use three different kinds of woods."
He was right! The ship was strong. All the soldiers were very eager to finish the ship. Unfortunately, an accident happened. Awang Garang's right eye was hit by a hammer. He was so angry. He cursed the ship.
"I curse you not to able to sail in the sea," cursed Awang Garang.
Then he went home. His right eye was blind. Therefore he covered his eye with a black bandage.
Finally the ship was finished. Strangely it could not go to the sea. It was still stranded on the beach. All the soldiers pushed the ship to the sea but it did not move at all. One of them remembered about Awang Garang's curse. Later they went to Awang Garang's house.
"You have to help us. You cursed the ship right? Now you have to make the ship sail in the sea!" said the soldier.
"I will help you. But I need 37 young men along with their equipment. Besides that you also have to prepare seven pregnant woman wearing different colors of clothing. And remember, you all have to close your eyes when I'm working with those 37 men."
They agreed. Later 37 young men and seven pregnant women were standing beside the ship. Awang Garang ordered the 37 seven men to find some big trees. They cut down the trees and peeled the skin. Then they put the trees under the ship. Awang Garang asked the 37 men to be ready to push the ship. He asked the seven pregnant woman to pray.
Awang Garang then screamed, "Everybody, on three then you all push the ship. OK, one.. two.. three.. push!"
Slowly the ship moved and it finally went to the sea. Everybody was happy. They all thanked Awang Garang.
Not long after that the seven pregnant woman delivered their baby boys. The babies grew as great soldiers. And together with Awang Garang they fought against the pirates. Because they already helped the kingdom, then the Sultan gave titles as panglima or chief. Awang Garang became Panglima Hitam Elang and the seven soldiers had titles after the name of Awang Garang and the color of the cloth their mothers were wearing. They were Panglima Awang Merah (red), Panglima Awang Jingga (orange), Panglima Awang Kuning (yellow), Panglima Awang Ungu (purple), Panglima Awang Hijau (green), Panglima Awang Biru (blue) and Panglima Awang Nila (indigo). ***
The Legend of Senua Island
Folklore From Riau
ONCE upon a time, there lived a poor fisherman. His name was Baitusen.
His wife's name was Mai Lamah. They lived in Natuna, Riau. They were so poor and they were not satisfied with their lives. They decided to go to another island. They planned to go to Benguran Island. The island was rich with the natural resources. They hoped they lives would be better. They wanted to be rich.
When they arrived in Bunuran Island, they were so happy. The people were very nice. They were kind and helped each other, They also helped Baitusen build his house.
Baitusen and Mai Lamah were also happy to live in Bunguran Island. They were so grateful. The people did not treat them differently although they were new comers on the island. One of the people in Bungutan island was Mak Semah. She was a midwife. He helped pregnant women in childbirth. Besides that, she also helped sick people.
"Remember. Whenever you are not feeling well, do not hesitate to call me," said Mak Semah to Mai Lalmah.
Baitusen worked very hard. He really wanted to be rich. He never complained. His work hard finally gave him plained. His work hard finally gave him great wealth. Slowly he became very rich. He build bigger house. His wife also started to buy jewelries.
Mai Lamah changed her appearances. She wanted to look like rich woman.
She did not want to look dirty and poor. Sadly, it was not only her appearance that changed. Her attitude also changed. Previously, she was a nice and kind woman. But after she was rich, she became arrogant. She did not want to get along with her neighbors.
In one night, Mah Semah went to Baitusen's house. She wanted to ask for some rice to cook. She was poor. She hoped that Baitusen could help her.
"Please help me. May I have some rice? I'm so hungry and I don't have any money to buy rice," said Mak Semah.
Mai lamah was upset. "What? If you want to have some rice, you have to buy. And if you don't have any money, you have to work. No, I don't want to help you."
"But, I really don't have any money. And I'm too old to work." said Mak Semah.
"I don't care. Now go away!"
May Lamah's bad behaviour made the people hate her. However, she did not care. Indeed, she felt very happy when the people did not talk to them. So, they did not disturb her anymore.
Mai Lamah and Baitusen were happy. Mai Lamah was pregnant. They soon would have a baby. And finally it was time for Mai Lamah to deliver her baby.
She was in great pain. Baitusen asked Mak Semah to help his wife. But she refused to help. He asked other neighbors to help, but they also refuse to help.
"Don't worry. Let's go another island. I'm sure the people there will help us," said Baitusen to Mai Lamah.
His wife's name was Mai Lamah. They lived in Natuna, Riau. They were so poor and they were not satisfied with their lives. They decided to go to another island. They planned to go to Benguran Island. The island was rich with the natural resources. They hoped they lives would be better. They wanted to be rich.
When they arrived in Bunuran Island, they were so happy. The people were very nice. They were kind and helped each other, They also helped Baitusen build his house.
Baitusen and Mai Lamah were also happy to live in Bunguran Island. They were so grateful. The people did not treat them differently although they were new comers on the island. One of the people in Bungutan island was Mak Semah. She was a midwife. He helped pregnant women in childbirth. Besides that, she also helped sick people.
"Remember. Whenever you are not feeling well, do not hesitate to call me," said Mak Semah to Mai Lalmah.
Baitusen worked very hard. He really wanted to be rich. He never complained. His work hard finally gave him plained. His work hard finally gave him great wealth. Slowly he became very rich. He build bigger house. His wife also started to buy jewelries.
Mai Lamah changed her appearances. She wanted to look like rich woman.
She did not want to look dirty and poor. Sadly, it was not only her appearance that changed. Her attitude also changed. Previously, she was a nice and kind woman. But after she was rich, she became arrogant. She did not want to get along with her neighbors.
In one night, Mah Semah went to Baitusen's house. She wanted to ask for some rice to cook. She was poor. She hoped that Baitusen could help her.
"Please help me. May I have some rice? I'm so hungry and I don't have any money to buy rice," said Mak Semah.
Mai lamah was upset. "What? If you want to have some rice, you have to buy. And if you don't have any money, you have to work. No, I don't want to help you."
"But, I really don't have any money. And I'm too old to work." said Mak Semah.
"I don't care. Now go away!"
May Lamah's bad behaviour made the people hate her. However, she did not care. Indeed, she felt very happy when the people did not talk to them. So, they did not disturb her anymore.
Mai Lamah and Baitusen were happy. Mai Lamah was pregnant. They soon would have a baby. And finally it was time for Mai Lamah to deliver her baby.
She was in great pain. Baitusen asked Mak Semah to help his wife. But she refused to help. He asked other neighbors to help, but they also refuse to help.
"Don't worry. Let's go another island. I'm sure the people there will help us," said Baitusen to Mai Lamah.
"Okay, but don't forget to bring our jeweleries," said Mak Lemah.
Then, they were sailing in their ship. It was loaded with their wealth.
Unfortunately, their journey was not in the good condition. There was a great storm. Thunder attacked their ship. they asked for help. But no one helped them. Slowly their ship was
sinking.
Mai Lmah's body turned into a big stone. Slowly the stone turned into an island. People named it Sanua Island. Sanua mean one person with two bodies. Meanwhile her jewelries turned into swallow birds. Until now, Bunguran island is known as home for swallow birds.***
Then, they were sailing in their ship. It was loaded with their wealth.
Unfortunately, their journey was not in the good condition. There was a great storm. Thunder attacked their ship. they asked for help. But no one helped them. Slowly their ship was
sinking.Mai Lmah's body turned into a big stone. Slowly the stone turned into an island. People named it Sanua Island. Sanua mean one person with two bodies. Meanwhile her jewelries turned into swallow birds. Until now, Bunguran island is known as home for swallow birds.***
Dayang Kumunah
Folklore from Riau
Once upon a time, lived an old fisherman.
His name was Awang Gading and he lived alone. His wife died a long time ago and he did not have any child.
In one morning, Awang Gading was fishing. He hoped he could catch some fish
today. Sadly, he was not lucky. It was almost dark but he still did not catch a fish yet. He
planned to go home and rowed his sampan to the riverside.
When he reached the riverside, he heard a baby cry. He was surprised. It was almost dark and he did not see anyone there.
However, he still tried to find the baby.
Finally he found the baby! It was a baby girl and she was very beautiful.
Carefully, Awing held the baby and brought her home.
In the morning, he told the head of the village about the baby.
When the head of the village saw the baby, he said, “You are
lucky. The baby is the child of the spirit of the river. Please take care of her.”
Awing Gading was very happy. He named the baby girl Dayang Kumunah.
He took care of her with great love. Dayang Kumunah grew as a very
beautiful and diligent girl. However, there was
something strange about her. She never laughed.
Dayang Kumunah was so famous for her beauty.
One of the young men who fell in love with her was Awangku Usop. He was a handsome and rich man. He proposed Dayang Kumunah to be his wife.
Dayang Kumuna agreed, but he had to promise one thing. He never asked Dayang Kumunah to laugh.
Though he felt very strange, Awangku Usop agreed to promise. Then, they got married. Sadly,
after they got married, Awing Gading died.
Dayang Kumunah was very sad. He loved his father very much.
Days passed bu, now Dayang Kumunah and Awangku Usop had five children.
Awangku Usop actually wanted to know why Dayang Kumunah never laughed.
However, he did not want to break his promise.
Their youngest child was still a toddler. He just learned how to walk. One day, the whole family gathered in the house.
They saw the youngest child tried to walk. Everybody was laughing because the child was so funny. Everybody was laughing except Dayang Kumunah.
This time Awangku Usop could not hold it anymore. And he broke his promise, he asked his wife to laugh. “I have told you not to ask me to laugh, why did you break your promise?” Said Dayang Kumunah.
“I am really curious. We have been married for years but I never see you laugh,” said Awangku Usop.
Then Dayang Kumunah did it, she laughed. And when she laughed people could see her fish gills. Dayang Kumunah was so sad. She ran to the river and swam.
Awangku Usop and the children followed her. They saw Dayang Kumunah slowly changed into a fish.
Awangku Usop was really sad. He already broke his promise.
“Please take care of our children. I am not a human. I am from the river and I
will live here,” said Dayang Kumunah. She then changed into a fish. People named the fish as Patin Fish.***
Once upon a time, lived an old fisherman.
His name was Awang Gading and he lived alone. His wife died a long time ago and he did not have any child.
In one morning, Awang Gading was fishing. He hoped he could catch some fish
today. Sadly, he was not lucky. It was almost dark but he still did not catch a fish yet. He
planned to go home and rowed his sampan to the riverside.
When he reached the riverside, he heard a baby cry. He was surprised. It was almost dark and he did not see anyone there.
However, he still tried to find the baby.
Finally he found the baby! It was a baby girl and she was very beautiful.
Carefully, Awing held the baby and brought her home.
In the morning, he told the head of the village about the baby.
When the head of the village saw the baby, he said, “You are
lucky. The baby is the child of the spirit of the river. Please take care of her.”
Awing Gading was very happy. He named the baby girl Dayang Kumunah.
He took care of her with great love. Dayang Kumunah grew as a very
beautiful and diligent girl. However, there was
something strange about her. She never laughed.
Dayang Kumunah was so famous for her beauty.
One of the young men who fell in love with her was Awangku Usop. He was a handsome and rich man. He proposed Dayang Kumunah to be his wife.
Dayang Kumuna agreed, but he had to promise one thing. He never asked Dayang Kumunah to laugh.
Though he felt very strange, Awangku Usop agreed to promise. Then, they got married. Sadly,
after they got married, Awing Gading died.
Dayang Kumunah was very sad. He loved his father very much.
Days passed bu, now Dayang Kumunah and Awangku Usop had five children.
Awangku Usop actually wanted to know why Dayang Kumunah never laughed.
However, he did not want to break his promise.
Their youngest child was still a toddler. He just learned how to walk. One day, the whole family gathered in the house.
They saw the youngest child tried to walk. Everybody was laughing because the child was so funny. Everybody was laughing except Dayang Kumunah.
This time Awangku Usop could not hold it anymore. And he broke his promise, he asked his wife to laugh. “I have told you not to ask me to laugh, why did you break your promise?” Said Dayang Kumunah.
“I am really curious. We have been married for years but I never see you laugh,” said Awangku Usop.
Then Dayang Kumunah did it, she laughed. And when she laughed people could see her fish gills. Dayang Kumunah was so sad. She ran to the river and swam.
Awangku Usop and the children followed her. They saw Dayang Kumunah slowly changed into a fish.
Awangku Usop was really sad. He already broke his promise.
“Please take care of our children. I am not a human. I am from the river and I
will live here,” said Dayang Kumunah. She then changed into a fish. People named the fish as Patin Fish.***
The Legend of Putri Mambang Linau
Folklore from Riau
BUJANG Enok was collecting fire woods in the jungle.
He wanted to sell them in the market. Suddenly, a snake was in front of him. He tried to kill the snake with the woods. And he did it! The snake died.
Then he heard a voice of women talking. “The snake is dead, we are safe now.”
The voice was from the river not far from the jungle. He ignored the voice. It was noon, Bujang Enok went home.
When he arrived, he saw the house was clean and neat. The food was also served! He was
really confused.
On the following day, it happened again. The house was clean and he had food on the table. He wanted to know who did it. So, on the next day he was hiding in the bushes in front of his house.
After waiting, then he saw seven beautiful girls were entering his house. They all were wearing colorful shawl.
Bujang Enok was peeping through the window. He saw all the seven girls were doing the household chores. Later, they left the house. Bujang Enok followed
them.
The girls went to the river, they were talking. Bujang Enok remembered the voice when he was collecting the woods.
It was their voice.
The girls were taking a bath. They put their shawls on the river side. Bujang Enok took one of them. After they finished, the girls wore their shawls.
However, one of them could not find her shawl.
“I’m sorry, we have to go home now.
Find your shawl and go back home immediately after you find it,” said a girl.
The girl who lost the shawl was really sad. Her sisters were wearing the shawl then they were flying.
They were angels.
Bujang Enok saw the girls flying and he was surprised. Then he came to the girl.
She asked, “Do you see my shawl? If you give it to me, I’ll do anything for you.”
“Yes, I do. And I will give it to you if you marry me,” said Bujang Enok. He fell in love with this beautiful angel.
“Alright, my name is Putri Mambang Linau. I will marry you, but please don’t ask me to dance. If I dance, I will leave you and I will go back home in the sky.”
After that Bujang Enok and Putri Mambang Linau were married. They had happy life, and soon Bujang Enok became a rich man. He was very generous.
He always helped the needy. He became famous.
The king heard the news about Bujang Enok. He invited Bujang Enok and his wife to the palace. There was a ceremony there. In the ceremony all the women had to dance. Bujang Enok was very confused. He already promised his wife not to ask her to dance, but he had to respect the King. Then he decided to ask her to dance.
Putri Mambang Linau was sad. Actually she loved Bujang Enok, but she knew her husband really respected the king.
Then Putri Mambang Linau danced. She wore her shawl. She moved her hands like an eagle fl uttering it’s wings. Slowly her body was going up. She was flying.
Everybody was surprised. The king asked Bujang Enok who she was. Bujang Enok explained all about it.
The king was really touched. He was very impressed with his sacrifice. To honor him, he asked the girls to dance like Putri Mambang Linau’s dance.
Because the movement was like a flying eagle, then the dance was named elang-elang dance. Until now, people still do the dance. However, the name is gradually changed into olang-olang dance.***
BUJANG Enok was collecting fire woods in the jungle.
He wanted to sell them in the market. Suddenly, a snake was in front of him. He tried to kill the snake with the woods. And he did it! The snake died.
Then he heard a voice of women talking. “The snake is dead, we are safe now.”
The voice was from the river not far from the jungle. He ignored the voice. It was noon, Bujang Enok went home.
When he arrived, he saw the house was clean and neat. The food was also served! He was
really confused.
On the following day, it happened again. The house was clean and he had food on the table. He wanted to know who did it. So, on the next day he was hiding in the bushes in front of his house.
After waiting, then he saw seven beautiful girls were entering his house. They all were wearing colorful shawl.
Bujang Enok was peeping through the window. He saw all the seven girls were doing the household chores. Later, they left the house. Bujang Enok followed
them.
The girls went to the river, they were talking. Bujang Enok remembered the voice when he was collecting the woods.
It was their voice.
The girls were taking a bath. They put their shawls on the river side. Bujang Enok took one of them. After they finished, the girls wore their shawls.
However, one of them could not find her shawl.
“I’m sorry, we have to go home now.
Find your shawl and go back home immediately after you find it,” said a girl.
The girl who lost the shawl was really sad. Her sisters were wearing the shawl then they were flying.
They were angels.
Bujang Enok saw the girls flying and he was surprised. Then he came to the girl.
She asked, “Do you see my shawl? If you give it to me, I’ll do anything for you.”
“Yes, I do. And I will give it to you if you marry me,” said Bujang Enok. He fell in love with this beautiful angel.
“Alright, my name is Putri Mambang Linau. I will marry you, but please don’t ask me to dance. If I dance, I will leave you and I will go back home in the sky.”
After that Bujang Enok and Putri Mambang Linau were married. They had happy life, and soon Bujang Enok became a rich man. He was very generous.
He always helped the needy. He became famous.
The king heard the news about Bujang Enok. He invited Bujang Enok and his wife to the palace. There was a ceremony there. In the ceremony all the women had to dance. Bujang Enok was very confused. He already promised his wife not to ask her to dance, but he had to respect the King. Then he decided to ask her to dance.
Putri Mambang Linau was sad. Actually she loved Bujang Enok, but she knew her husband really respected the king.
Then Putri Mambang Linau danced. She wore her shawl. She moved her hands like an eagle fl uttering it’s wings. Slowly her body was going up. She was flying.
Everybody was surprised. The king asked Bujang Enok who she was. Bujang Enok explained all about it.
The king was really touched. He was very impressed with his sacrifice. To honor him, he asked the girls to dance like Putri Mambang Linau’s dance.
Because the movement was like a flying eagle, then the dance was named elang-elang dance. Until now, people still do the dance. However, the name is gradually changed into olang-olang dance.***
Prince Suta and King Bayang
Folklore from Riau
SULTAN Hasan Salehuddin Kemaramtsyah was the king of Indragiri Kingdom in Riau. The King was very wise. He was also very kind to his people. The people lived happily and peacefully. The King had a beautiful daughter. Her name was Princess Halimah. She was very famous.
Many young men fell in love with her.
The peaceful life in Indragiri Kingdom was disturbed. A king from a neighboring kingdom came. His name was King Bayang. The King brought his soldiers. They stole and robbed people’s house. Sultan Hasan immediately sent his soldiers to fi ght King Bayang’s soldiers.
Sadly, Sultan Hasan’s soldiers lost the fight. King Bayan came to the palace. He wanted to meet Sultan Hasan.
“Why did you do terrible things to our people?” asked Sultan Hasan.
“Ha ha ha… Sorry if I make you angry. Actually, I’m here because I heard you have a beautiful daughter. I want to marry her,” said King Bayang.
“Impossible. I’m sure my daughter doesn’t want to marry a bad king like you!”
“What?! You refused my proposal?! You will be sorry, Sultan Hasan!!”
King Bayang was very angry.
He left the palace and later came back with more soldiers. They attacked the palace.
Sultan Hasan fought bravely. However he did not have many soldiers.
They lost the fi ght. Sultan Hasan, his daughter, and some loyal soldiers escaped.
Finally they arrived in a small village. Sultan Hasan and his soldiers set a new strategy.
“Your Majesty, we need to get some help. With the soldiers we have right now, we cannot win our kingdom back,” said one soldier.
“Do you have any ideas? Who can help us?” asked Sultan Hasan.
“I heard there is a great prince. His name is Prince Suta. He is from eastern area. He is very kind. He already helped Jambi Kingdom from bad people.”
“Alright then… fi nd Prince Suta. Tell him about King Bayang and also tell him that we need his help to win our kingdom back,” said Sultan Hasan.
The soldier immediately left. Luckily he found Prince Suta. The soldiers told him about Sultan Hasan’s messages.
“I’ve heard about King Bayang before. He is a bad king. He disturbed many people. Tell Sultan Hasan, I will help him. I will go to Indragiri now,” said Prince Suta.
When he arrived in Indragiri, he immediately went to the palace.
He challenged King Bayang to fight.
“Ha ha ha…. Why do you want fi ght me, young man?” asked King Bayang.
“Because this is not your kingdom, you have to go back!”
“Alright, if I win I will stay. And if I lose, I will go back home.”
Prince Suta and King Bayang were fi ghting! Both of them were very powerful. Luckily, Prince Suta was younger. He had more power than King Bayang. Soon, King Bayang lost the fi ght.
King Bayang and his soldiers left Indragiri Kingdom. Later, Sultan Hasan and Princess Halimah went back home. The people were so happy. To express his gratitude, Sultan Hasan asked Prince Suta to marry his beautiful daughter. Prince Suta agreed.
Prince Suta and Princess Halimah were very happy. Since then Indragiri Kingdom was always safe from bad people. ***
SULTAN Hasan Salehuddin Kemaramtsyah was the king of Indragiri Kingdom in Riau. The King was very wise. He was also very kind to his people. The people lived happily and peacefully. The King had a beautiful daughter. Her name was Princess Halimah. She was very famous.
Many young men fell in love with her.
The peaceful life in Indragiri Kingdom was disturbed. A king from a neighboring kingdom came. His name was King Bayang. The King brought his soldiers. They stole and robbed people’s house. Sultan Hasan immediately sent his soldiers to fi ght King Bayang’s soldiers.
Sadly, Sultan Hasan’s soldiers lost the fight. King Bayan came to the palace. He wanted to meet Sultan Hasan.
“Why did you do terrible things to our people?” asked Sultan Hasan.
“Ha ha ha… Sorry if I make you angry. Actually, I’m here because I heard you have a beautiful daughter. I want to marry her,” said King Bayang.
“Impossible. I’m sure my daughter doesn’t want to marry a bad king like you!”
“What?! You refused my proposal?! You will be sorry, Sultan Hasan!!”
King Bayang was very angry.
He left the palace and later came back with more soldiers. They attacked the palace.
Sultan Hasan fought bravely. However he did not have many soldiers.
They lost the fi ght. Sultan Hasan, his daughter, and some loyal soldiers escaped.
Finally they arrived in a small village. Sultan Hasan and his soldiers set a new strategy.
“Your Majesty, we need to get some help. With the soldiers we have right now, we cannot win our kingdom back,” said one soldier.
“Do you have any ideas? Who can help us?” asked Sultan Hasan.
“I heard there is a great prince. His name is Prince Suta. He is from eastern area. He is very kind. He already helped Jambi Kingdom from bad people.”
“Alright then… fi nd Prince Suta. Tell him about King Bayang and also tell him that we need his help to win our kingdom back,” said Sultan Hasan.
The soldier immediately left. Luckily he found Prince Suta. The soldiers told him about Sultan Hasan’s messages.
“I’ve heard about King Bayang before. He is a bad king. He disturbed many people. Tell Sultan Hasan, I will help him. I will go to Indragiri now,” said Prince Suta.
When he arrived in Indragiri, he immediately went to the palace.
He challenged King Bayang to fight.
“Ha ha ha…. Why do you want fi ght me, young man?” asked King Bayang.
“Because this is not your kingdom, you have to go back!”
“Alright, if I win I will stay. And if I lose, I will go back home.”
Prince Suta and King Bayang were fi ghting! Both of them were very powerful. Luckily, Prince Suta was younger. He had more power than King Bayang. Soon, King Bayang lost the fi ght.
King Bayang and his soldiers left Indragiri Kingdom. Later, Sultan Hasan and Princess Halimah went back home. The people were so happy. To express his gratitude, Sultan Hasan asked Prince Suta to marry his beautiful daughter. Prince Suta agreed.
Prince Suta and Princess Halimah were very happy. Since then Indragiri Kingdom was always safe from bad people. ***
The Ungrateful Student
Folklore from Riau
A long time ago in Riau, the people in Daik Lingga kingdom lived happily. It was peaceful and no criminals would dare to do bad things there. The criminals were afraid of Apek Huang Tai. He was a master of martial arts. He was old and had many students. They learned martial arts from him. One of the students was Mahmud.
Mahmud was an intelligent student. In a very short time he already mastered all the skills and techniques of martial arts.
Apek Huang Tai felt that it was time for Mahmud to stop learning from him. He suggested Mahmud to go to other place. Before he left, Apek Huang Tai gave him an advice.
“Remember, wherever you go, use your martial arts skills wisely. Use it only when it is necessary, because it can hurt people,” said Apek Huang Tai.
Mahmud did not have any place to go.
He just listened to his heart.
He finally arrived in Palembang.
It was in mid day, he heard a cock crowing.
He was curious.
Normally, cocks crowed in the morning. He then had funny idea, he imitated the crow.
Suddenly, some soldiers were in front of him and cornered him.
“Because you have just crowed, then you have to fight my Commander.”
“I don’t understand. What do you mean? I am new here,” said Mahmud.
“You heard a cock crowing right? Well, it was not a cock. The crow was made the Commander of the palace. His nick name is Commander Cock Crowing. He always challenges people to fight him. If someone responds to his crow, he has to fight him. You respond, then you have to fight him!”
Mahmud knew he just made a mistake.
However, he did not want to run away. He wanted to be responsible. The soldiers later brought him to the open field. The commander was waiting for him. Without waiting any longer, the commander attacked him. Mahmud was bleeding. He remembered his teacher’s advice. He thought he had to use his martial art skills, otherwise he would be killed!
Mahmud fought back. He used all the skills he mastered. He attacked the commander. The commander gave up!
He asked Mahmud to stop attacking him. The king saw the fight. He knew that Mahmud was more powerful than the commander. The king then asked Mahmud to be the new commander.
Right after Mahmud was appointed to be the new commander, he stayed in the palace. The new life in palace changed
Mahmud. He was now arrogant.
Nobody dared to remind him, and that included the king.
Mahmud did whatever he wanted. The king finally met Mahmud’s teacher. The king asked him to talk to Mahmud to do good things.
“Why are you here, old man? I don’t need you anymore. I am the commander here. I can ask my soldiers to get rid of you!” said Mahmud to Apek Huang Tai.
“You have changed. Remember my advice, I’ve told you to use the skills wisely.”
The fight could not be avoided.
Mahmud and Apek Huang Tai fought courageously. Mahmud thought he could beat Apek Huang Tai. He was wrong. Even though Apek Huang Tai was old, he still had a lot of energy. And he knew Mahmud’s weaknesses. And Mahmud gave up! He apologized to his teacher. He knew he was wrong and he promised to be good again. ***
A long time ago in Riau, the people in Daik Lingga kingdom lived happily. It was peaceful and no criminals would dare to do bad things there. The criminals were afraid of Apek Huang Tai. He was a master of martial arts. He was old and had many students. They learned martial arts from him. One of the students was Mahmud.
Mahmud was an intelligent student. In a very short time he already mastered all the skills and techniques of martial arts.
Apek Huang Tai felt that it was time for Mahmud to stop learning from him. He suggested Mahmud to go to other place. Before he left, Apek Huang Tai gave him an advice.
“Remember, wherever you go, use your martial arts skills wisely. Use it only when it is necessary, because it can hurt people,” said Apek Huang Tai.
Mahmud did not have any place to go.
He just listened to his heart.
He finally arrived in Palembang.
It was in mid day, he heard a cock crowing.
He was curious.
Normally, cocks crowed in the morning. He then had funny idea, he imitated the crow.
Suddenly, some soldiers were in front of him and cornered him.
“Because you have just crowed, then you have to fight my Commander.”
“I don’t understand. What do you mean? I am new here,” said Mahmud.
“You heard a cock crowing right? Well, it was not a cock. The crow was made the Commander of the palace. His nick name is Commander Cock Crowing. He always challenges people to fight him. If someone responds to his crow, he has to fight him. You respond, then you have to fight him!”
Mahmud knew he just made a mistake.
However, he did not want to run away. He wanted to be responsible. The soldiers later brought him to the open field. The commander was waiting for him. Without waiting any longer, the commander attacked him. Mahmud was bleeding. He remembered his teacher’s advice. He thought he had to use his martial art skills, otherwise he would be killed!
Mahmud fought back. He used all the skills he mastered. He attacked the commander. The commander gave up!
He asked Mahmud to stop attacking him. The king saw the fight. He knew that Mahmud was more powerful than the commander. The king then asked Mahmud to be the new commander.
Right after Mahmud was appointed to be the new commander, he stayed in the palace. The new life in palace changed
Mahmud. He was now arrogant.
Nobody dared to remind him, and that included the king.
Mahmud did whatever he wanted. The king finally met Mahmud’s teacher. The king asked him to talk to Mahmud to do good things.
“Why are you here, old man? I don’t need you anymore. I am the commander here. I can ask my soldiers to get rid of you!” said Mahmud to Apek Huang Tai.
“You have changed. Remember my advice, I’ve told you to use the skills wisely.”
The fight could not be avoided.
Mahmud and Apek Huang Tai fought courageously. Mahmud thought he could beat Apek Huang Tai. He was wrong. Even though Apek Huang Tai was old, he still had a lot of energy. And he knew Mahmud’s weaknesses. And Mahmud gave up! He apologized to his teacher. He knew he was wrong and he promised to be good again. ***
Batangkup Stone
Folklore from Riau
ONCE upon a time, there was a village in Indragiri Hilir, Riau. There lived a widow named Mak Minah. She had three children, two sons, and a daughter.
Her son s names were Utuh and Ucin. And her youngest child’s name was Diang. Everyday Mak Minah always went to the jungle to collect some fire woods. She sold the woods in the market and used the money for their daily needs. She always worked alone. Her three children were lazy and only liked to play. They never helped her.
It was already late in the evening. Mak Minah did not feel well. After selling the woods in the market, she wanted to go to bed immediately.
However dinner was not ready yet. So she asked her three children to help her. "Utuh, Ucin, and Diang... please help me prepare the dinner", asked Mak Minah. Those three children ignored their mother and continued playing in the front yard. Mak Minah then forced herself to prepare the dinner.
When it was ready, she called her children to have dinner. This time they listened to Mak Minah. Sadly after they finished eating, the children did not help their mother clean the dishes. Instead, they played again. Mak Minah cried. She was so sad. It was not the first time her children did not help her and ignored her. She was so sick that she went to bed immediately.
In the morning, Mak Minah went to the riverside. There was a magical stone called Batangkup Stone. The stone had magical power. It could open and close its body like a sea shell. The stone could also talk to humans. "Batangkup Stone, please help me. I cannot hold the pains anymore. I'm so sick and my children did not want to help me. They always ignored me. "Please swallow my body", asked Mak Minah. "Well, if that s what you want.. get inside". I will open my body now. Batangkup Stone then opened its body. Mak Minah later went inside. Her long hair was still outside of the stone. In the meantime, Utuh, Ucin, and Diang woke up and felt hungry. Breakfast was not ready so they were looking for their mother. The children went here and there to find their mother. Finally they were in front of the Batangkup Stone. They saw their mother s hair. They knew their mother was inside Batangkup Stone s body. Please open your body. Let my mother go outside, scr eam Diang. "No, I won't! You are not good children. You always ignored your mother and never helped her", said Batangkup Stone. "But we need her now", said Utuh. "Yes, you need her now because you are hungry. You only listed to her when you want to eat. But you never help her. You will never see your mother again!" said Batangkup Stone. Those three children were crying very loud. They knew they were wrong. But it was too late to regret. They would never see their mother again. ***
Bujang Buta
Folklore from Riau
ONCE upon a time in Riau, lived a mother with her three sons. The oldest was Bujang Perotan, the middle child was Bujang Pengail, and the youngest child was Bujang Buta. He was named Bujang Buta, because he was blind.
Those three children had different personalities. Although he was blind, Bujang Buta was the kindest child.
While his older brothers were busy playing, Bujang Buta always helped his mother.
One day, their mother asked them to go to the jungle to collect some fire woods. Bujang Perotan and Bujang Pengail agreed to help. The mother and Bujang Buta did not know that Bujang Perotan and Bujang Pengail planned something bad. They wanted to leave Bujang Buta alone in the jungle!
“Bujang Buta, stay here under this tree. Bujang Pengail and I will look for the woods in other areas. Wait for us and we’ll go home together,” said Bujang Perotan.
Then, Bujang Buta waited and waited for hours.
His brothers did not show up!
Bujang Buta was so scared. He tried to walk. He could not find his stick. His brothers had hid it. Suddenly, he stepped on something.
“What is this? I think this is a fruit.
Hmm..it’s mango. Yummy!”
Bujang Buta then enjoyed the fruit.
He was really happy to eat the mango.
He was very hungry. He ate the mango very fast until he made a mistake. He accidentally swallowed the pip fruit! His eyes were wide open. Amazingly the incident made his eyes able to see. He was no longer blind!
However, his happiness soon ended after he saw there were a monkey and a tiger in font of him. He was so scared. He wanted to run away.
“Don’t be afraid, my friend. We’re not going to hurt you,” said the tiger.
“We know everything. We know you are a good kid. We want to help you.
Take these ropes and stick. You will need them someday to help you,” said the monkey.
Bujang Buta received those things. After saying thank you, Bujang Buta then continued walking. He wanted to go home.
On the way home, he met some people. They told him that the king’s daughter was arrested by the king of elephants. Nobody dared to release her because the king had big elephants as his soldiers, which are why he was named as king of elephants.
Bujang Buta wanted to release the princess. With the ropes and the stick, he was fighting bravely against the elephants. He won! He then released the princess and brought her back to the palace.
The king was so happy, he then asked Bujang Buta to stay in the palace and marry his daughter. Bujang Buta was so happy; he immediately went home to ask his mother to stay with him in the palace.
Bujang Buta did not have a hard feeling towards his brothers. He forgave them and also asked them to stay in the palace. His brothers really regretted their bad behaviours. They promised to be nice. ***
ONCE upon a time in Riau, lived a mother with her three sons. The oldest was Bujang Perotan, the middle child was Bujang Pengail, and the youngest child was Bujang Buta. He was named Bujang Buta, because he was blind.
Those three children had different personalities. Although he was blind, Bujang Buta was the kindest child.
While his older brothers were busy playing, Bujang Buta always helped his mother.
One day, their mother asked them to go to the jungle to collect some fire woods. Bujang Perotan and Bujang Pengail agreed to help. The mother and Bujang Buta did not know that Bujang Perotan and Bujang Pengail planned something bad. They wanted to leave Bujang Buta alone in the jungle!
“Bujang Buta, stay here under this tree. Bujang Pengail and I will look for the woods in other areas. Wait for us and we’ll go home together,” said Bujang Perotan.
Then, Bujang Buta waited and waited for hours.
His brothers did not show up!
Bujang Buta was so scared. He tried to walk. He could not find his stick. His brothers had hid it. Suddenly, he stepped on something.
“What is this? I think this is a fruit.
Hmm..it’s mango. Yummy!”
Bujang Buta then enjoyed the fruit.
He was really happy to eat the mango.
He was very hungry. He ate the mango very fast until he made a mistake. He accidentally swallowed the pip fruit! His eyes were wide open. Amazingly the incident made his eyes able to see. He was no longer blind!
However, his happiness soon ended after he saw there were a monkey and a tiger in font of him. He was so scared. He wanted to run away.
“Don’t be afraid, my friend. We’re not going to hurt you,” said the tiger.
“We know everything. We know you are a good kid. We want to help you.
Take these ropes and stick. You will need them someday to help you,” said the monkey.
Bujang Buta received those things. After saying thank you, Bujang Buta then continued walking. He wanted to go home.
On the way home, he met some people. They told him that the king’s daughter was arrested by the king of elephants. Nobody dared to release her because the king had big elephants as his soldiers, which are why he was named as king of elephants.
Bujang Buta wanted to release the princess. With the ropes and the stick, he was fighting bravely against the elephants. He won! He then released the princess and brought her back to the palace.
The king was so happy, he then asked Bujang Buta to stay in the palace and marry his daughter. Bujang Buta was so happy; he immediately went home to ask his mother to stay with him in the palace.
Bujang Buta did not have a hard feeling towards his brothers. He forgave them and also asked them to stay in the palace. His brothers really regretted their bad behaviours. They promised to be nice. ***
Dang Gedunai
Folklore from Riau
ONCE upon a time in Riau, lived a kid named Dang Gedunai. He lived with his mother. His father passed away when he was a baby. Dang Gedunai was a stubborn kid. His mother was sad. He was her only child but he never made her happy.
“Mother, I want to go to the river. I want to go fishing,” said Dang Gedunai.
“It’s cloudy outside. Rain will soon fall. Why don’t you just stay at home?”
As always Dang Gedunai ignored her. He then went to the river.
It was very cloudy when he arrived at the riverside. Soon it was drizzling but Dang Gedunai was still busy fishing. Later rain fell down heavily. Dang Gedunai finally gave up. However right before he left, he saw something shining in the river.
It was a very big egg. Carefully, Dang Gedunai brought the egg home.
His mother was surprised to see him brought a big egg.
“What egg is that? Where did you find it?”
“In the river, Mother.”
“Be careful with the egg. You have to return it,” replied his mother.
As always, he ignored his mother’s advice. He planned to boil the egg and ate it.
In the morning, his mother was ready to go to the paddy field.
Again, she advised him to put the egg back to the river. Dang Gedunai did not say anything.
When his mother left the house, he immediately boiled the egg. When it was cooked, he ate it. It was so delicious. He was so full then he fell asleep. He had a dream. A giant dragon came to him.
“You stole my egg. For the punishment, you will become a dragon!”
Dang Gedunai woke up. He felt very thirsty. Later his mother went home.
“What happened?”
“I don’t know. Suddenly I feel very thirsty. My throat is very hot.”
His mother then gave him a glass of water. It’s not enough. He drank another glass, then another glass, then another glass until there was not any water in the house. His mother asked him to go the pond. Dang Gedunai drank all the water until the pond was dried. But it was not enough. Then they went to the river.
Again it was not enough. Dang
Gedunai knew his dream would come true. He would become a dragon.
“Mother, please forgive me. I ignored you. I ate the egg. It was a dragon’s egg. I will change as a dragon. I cannot live with you anymore. I will live in the sea. If you see big waves in the sea, that means I’m eating. But if the waves are calmed, then I’m sleeping,” said Dang Gedunai.
His mother cried. Then slowly Dang Gedunai left her. His mother then told the villagers not to go to the sea when the waves were big. Her son was eating.
Until now fishermen do not want to go fishing in the sea when the waves are big. They know the dragon is eating. They just wait until the dragon is finished eating and the waves are calmed.***
The Greedy Poor Man
Once upon a time in Negeri Rantau Baru, Pelalawan, Riau, lived husband and wife. They were very poor. Their clothes were the ones they wore everyday. They were not able to eat everyday. One day they ate, on the following day they did not eat.
The wife always asked the husband to work hard. But he was lazy. He just slept and slept everyday. He did not want to help his wife to earn a living. The wife was helpless, she often prayed to God to help her husband.
One night the husband had a dream. In his dream, an old man came to him. He told the husband to take his sampan and went to Sepunjung River.
"Just go to the middle of the river and wait until a rope appears from the river. Take the rope slowly then you will find a golden chain. Cut the golden chain, but don't take the chain too long," said the old man.
The poor husband then woke up from his dream. He thought about his dream and wanted to do the old man's advice. So he took his sampan and went to Sepunjung River.
"Where are you going?" asked the wife. She was so surprised to see her husband was busy preparing the sampan.
"I want to go fishing. See you later!" the husband did not want to tell about his dream. He knew his wife would think he was crazy by following up a dream.
After arrived in the river, slowly he rowed his sampan. He wanted to make sure he would be right in the middle of the river. Then he waited and waited. Suddenly a rope appeared from the river.
"The old man is right!" said the husband. He then pulled out the rope. Slowly he pulled out and later at the end of the rope he saw a golden chain! The chain was sparkling and glowing. It was made by real gold.
"Yippee!" said the husband. He pulled the chain again and again. He forgot the old man's advice to take only short chain because it was enough for him. The poor man became a greedy man. He wanted to take the golden chain as long as possible. He wanted to sell the golden chain and had a lot of money.
While he was busy pulling out the golden chain, a bird came to him. He talked, "Hey poor man, remember the old man's advice. Take only a short golden chain."
But the poor man ignored the bird and kept on pulling out the chain. Slow but sure, his sampan was full of the golden chain. It was so full that finally the sampan could not hold the weights any more.
The sampan was drowned. The golden chain was sinking and went to the bottom of the river. It created big waves and the waves almost swallowed the poor man. He was so panicked and swam fast to the river side.
When he arrived on the river side, he felt sorry to himself. He blamed himself for being a greedy man. But it was too late and it was useless for feeling sorry. But then he realized that it was a lesson for him to work hard if he wanted to have a lot of money. ***
