Tadulako Bulili: A Central Sulawesi Folktale of Courage

Chapter 1: The King and the Girl from Bulili

Once upon a time, in the land of Central Sulawesi, there lived a king named King Sigi. One day, he met a lovely girl from the village of Bulili. Her kindness and beauty made his heart glow, and soon he married her.

For a few happy days, the king stayed in Bulili village with his new wife. But the time came for him to go home.

King Sigi: "My dear, I cannot stay here much longer. I must return to take care of my kingdom."

The Queen: "But I am going to have a baby, my husband. Won't you wait until our little one is born?"

King Sigi: "I am sorry, my dear. The work of a king cannot wait."

The queen's heart felt heavy, but she did not argue. She watched sadly as the king rode away. Then she stayed behind in Bulili village, all alone with the baby in her tummy.

Chapter 2: A Mother Alone

Soon, the queen gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She waited and waited for her husband to come. But King Sigi never came to see his daughter, and he never sent anything to help.

The queen was very poor. Each day she worked hard to find food for her little girl. Sometimes there was barely enough to eat.

The village leaders saw this and felt very sad.

Village Leader: "Poor queen! She has to take care of her child all by herself, and she has so little."

Another Leader: "It is not right. King Sigi must take responsibility for his wife and daughter."

Village Leader: "Let us send two Tadulako to the Sigi kingdom to remind him of his duty."

In the language of Central Sulawesi, Tadulako means a brave warrior. The Tadulako's job was to protect the village from enemies. Bulili village had three of them: Bantaili, Makeku, and Molove. The leaders chose Makeku and Bantaili for this important journey.

Village Leader: "Makeku, Bantaili, are you willing to go to the Sigi kingdom and speak to the king for us?"

Makeku: "Yes, we are willing. We will go to the Sigi kingdom right away."

Bantaili nodded bravely beside him.

Chapter 3: The Tadulako Meet the King

Makeku and Bantaili set off on their long journey. When they arrived at the Sigi kingdom, they went straight to the palace and bowed politely before the king.

Makeku: "Your Majesty, forgive us for coming. Your wife has given birth to a baby girl. The village elders sent us to ask you to take care of your wife and daughter. They are very poor, Your Majesty."

King Sigi frowned. His face turned red with anger.

King Sigi: "What! How dare you come here and scold me! You are very rude! Go back to your village at once!"

But Makeku did not back down. He spoke gently but firmly.

Makeku: "Please, Your Majesty. Your wife and daughter truly need your help."

King Sigi: "Hmph! I will not help them! But if you are so strong, take the rice barn behind my palace to your village. That will be more than enough to feed my wife. That is, if you can carry it!"

The king laughed, because he was sure no one could ever lift such a huge barn.

Chapter 4: The Magic of the Tadulako

Bantaili smiled quietly. He stepped forward and whispered a magic spell. Then, whoosh! The giant rice barn rose up into the air as if it were as light as a feather!

The king's eyes grew wide.

King Sigi: "What? How can this be?"

But the Tadulako did not wait. Carrying the rice barn with their magic, they hurried out of the Sigi kingdom.

King Sigi: "Soldiers! Chase them! Don't let them get away with my rice barn!"

The royal soldiers ran after the Tadulako as fast as they could. Makeku and Bantaili ran toward Bulili village, never looking back.

Chapter 5: Crossing the Great River

Soon, the Tadulako came to a very wide, deep river. The water rushed and roared, and the soldiers were catching up!

Makeku: "Bantaili, the soldiers are close! We must cross now!"

Bantaili: "Don't worry, my friend. Hold on tight!"

Together, the two brave Tadulako called upon their magic powers. In a blink, they crossed the great river with the rice barn still safe with them.

The soldiers stopped at the edge of the water. The river was far too wide and too wild for them to cross.

Royal Soldier: "We cannot cross, it is too dangerous! The Tadulako have escaped!"

And so, the soldiers had to turn back, with nothing to show for their chase.

Chapter 6: A Happy Ending

At last, Makeku and Bantaili arrived safely in Bulili village. The villagers cheered with joy when they saw the rice barn.

Makeku: "We have brought rice for the queen and her daughter!"

The Queen: "Thank you, brave Tadulako! Now my daughter and I will never go hungry again."

From that day on, the queen and her little girl lived with full tummies and happy hearts. The villagers were proud of their Tadulako, who used their courage and magic to help someone in need.

Tadulako Bulili is a folktale from Central Sulawesi. It tells of the courage and special powers of the warriors of Bulili village: Bantaili, Makeku, and Molove. Their job was to keep their village safe from enemies, and to stand up for what is right.

Now it's your turn! Help Makeku and Bantaili demand justice for King Sigi's wife and daughter.

 

More folklore on Central Sulawesi:

• Origin of the Mermaid Fish: Central Sulawesi Folktale for Kids
• Tadulako Bulili: A Central Sulawesi Folktale of Courage