Saturday, 1 August 2020

Batu Ajuang Batu Peti: Minangkabau Legend of the Stone Ship

Batu Ajuang Batu Peti Minangkabau Legend of the Stone Ship

Chapter 1: The Kingdom at the Foot of the Hill

Once upon a time, in the District of Pauh in Padang, West Sumatra, there was a small and peaceful kingdom called the Kingdom of Bukit Perasapan. It lay at the foot of Perasapan Hill, deep inland in Nagari Pauh Limo. The kingdom was ruled by a kind and wise king named Raja Tuo.

King Tuo had a daughter named Princess Lenggogeni. She was as beautiful as the morning sun, and she was clever too! Whenever the king had trouble with the kingdom or its people, he would ask his daughter for advice.

King Tuo: "My dear daughter, the villagers are quarreling over the rice fields again. What do you think I should do?"

Princess Lenggogeni: "Father, please listen to both sides first. Then share the water and the land fairly, so that everyone is happy."

King Tuo: "Ah, how wise you are, my child. You are the pride of our kingdom!"

Many young men fell in love with the princess. But not one of them dared to propose, for they all knew that Princess Lenggogeni would only accept the proposal of a true crown prince.

Chapter 2: A Rich Merchant Hears the News

Now, at that same time, a wealthy merchant named Mr. Hendrik came from the land of Rupit. He was trading near Perasapan Hill. Two of his helpers, Rajo Anggang and Magek Labu, heard about the beautiful princess. Quickly they hurried to Mirror Island, where their master was waiting.

Rajo Anggang: "Dear Mr. Hendrik, we have wonderful news! In the Kingdom of Bukit Perasapan, there is a princess who is both beautiful and clever. Her name is Lenggogeni, and she is King Tuo's daughter."

Mr. Hendrik: "Is that really true?"

Magek Labu: "It is, Master! Everyone speaks of her. Perhaps you would like to propose to her?"

Mr. Hendrik thought for a long while. Then a big smile spread across his face.

Mr. Hendrik: "Very well. I will ask for her hand!"

Rajo Anggang: "But, Master, there is one problem. The princess will only accept a crown prince. So you must pretend to be one."

Mr. Hendrik did not stop to think that lying is wrong. He nodded happily.

Chapter 3: A Big Lie

Mr. Hendrik and his helpers got ready at once. They carried a heavy chest filled with shining gold jewelry and set off for the Kingdom of Bukit Perasapan. When they arrived, they bowed low before King Tuo.

Mr. Hendrik: "O wise King, I am Hendrik, the crown prince of the Portuguese kingdom. I have come to ask for the princess's hand. I beg you, please accept my proposal."

King Tuo stroked his beard and looked at the visitor carefully.

King Tuo: "Welcome, Mr. Hendrik. I am happy to see you. But tell me, is it truly so? Are you really the crown prince of the Portuguese kingdom?"

Mr. Hendrik: "Your Majesty, I swear it is true! If I am lying, may my ship and everything in it sink, be smashed by the waves, and turn into stone!"

Behind him, the two helpers held their breath. But the king only nodded slowly.

King Tuo: "Very well. We shall wait for three full moons to see whether your oath is true."

Chapter 4: The Oath Comes True

The days passed, and the moon grew round three times. Nothing strange happened. Mr. Hendrik's ship was still safe, and so was everything inside it.

Mr. Hendrik: "Ha ha ha! You see? Nothing has happened! The princess will soon be mine!"

Feeling very pleased, he set sail again for the Kingdom of Bukit Perasapan. He wanted to hear the king's answer. But on the way, the sky suddenly turned dark. The wind howled, and the lightning flashed again and again.

Rajo Anggang: "Master, look at the sky! A terrible storm is coming!"

Magek Labu: "Master, the waves are too big! We cannot hold the ship!"

Mr. Hendrik: "What is happening? Somebody help me!"

A huge wave crashed down upon the ship. It sank at Bukit Koto Nan Tinggi, and not long afterward, the ship and everything inside it turned into stone, just as Mr. Hendrik had sworn. A lie never stays hidden for long, and Mr. Hendrik paid the price for his own words.

Chapter 5: The Stones That Remain

Today, people still talk about those strange stones. They are called Batu Ajuang and Batu Peti, the stone ship and its stone chest. The elders tell the story to remind children of one important lesson: always tell the truth, and never make promises you do not mean.

The story of Batu Ajuang Batu Peti is a folktale from West Sumatra. Would you like to find out more about the stones? Follow the trail of Mr. Hendrik's broken oath and discover the legend behind them!
  

More Folklore on West Sumatra:
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