Lake Toba

In the northern area of Sumatra Island, lived a young man. Everyday, he work hard as a farmer. One day in the morning, the young man went fishing in a river. Not so long after he threw the bait, it was bitten by a fish. He pulled the fishing rod and was amazed by the fish he caught. It was a golden fish. “Wait, please don’t eat me,” the fish suddenly spoke to the young man. Startled, the young man dropped the golden fish and it suddenly turned into a beautiful girl.

“I must have been dreaming,” the young man said to himself. “Don’t afraid, Sir. I was a princess cursed by the gods because a mistake I did. You’ve save me,” said the girl. “As my gratitude, I’m willing to be your wife.” The young man was so amazed to see the beauty of the girl, so he accepted her as his wife. They became man and wife but with one condition, the young man promised not to mention about the fish form of the girl. Terrible disaster will happen if the promise is broken.

A year passed, the young man and his wife already had a son. They were so happy. Their son grew up as a healthy boy. But he was a little naughty. He also had a habit, he was always hungry. One day, the wife asked their son to deliver lunch to his father. But, the son ate the food on his way to the fields. The father had been working since morning. He was so hungry. Finding that there’s no food left for him, he said angrily, “Stupid boy! You little fish boy!” He didn’t realize that he broke the promise.

After he said those words, his son and wife mysteriously disappeared. From their footstep on the ground, there’s water bursting out. The water kept coming out and started to flood the area. The whole village and the surrounding area became a lake. There’s a small island in the middle of the lake, known as Samosir Island. And the lake is known as Lake Toba. ***

The Crying Stone

One upon a time, lived a poor old widow in a small village. She lived with her daughter. Her daughter was very beautiful but also very lazy and arrogant. She never helped her mother and didn’t want to know what problem her mother had. Everyday, she put make up and wears her best clothes. She always wanted to look rich and beautiful.

One day, the mother and her daughter went to the market to buy some food. At first, the daughter refused to accompany her mother, but finally she agreed. “I’ll go with you, but you must walk behind me,” said the daughter. She didn't want to walk side by side with her mother. Although her mother was very sad, she agreed to walk behind her daughter.

On the way to the market, everybody admired the girl's beauty. But they were also curious. Behind the beautiful girl, there was an old woman with a simple dress. The girl and her mother looked very different. “Hello, beautiful girl. Who is the old woman behind you? Is she your mother?" they asked. “No, she is not my mother. She is my servant,” the girl answered. Her mother was very sad to hear that, but she didn't say anything. She could understand that her daughter was ashamed.

The girl and the mother met other people. Again they asked who the woman behind the beautiful girl. And again the girl answered that her mother is her servant. She always said that her mother is her servant every time people asked.

At last, the mother cannot hold the pain anymore. She prayed to God to punish her daughter. Suddenly, the girl's leg turns into stone. Slowly, the process continues to the upper part of the girl's body. The girl was in panic. "Mother, please forgive me! Mother!" she cried and asked her mother to forgive her. But it's already too late. Her whole body finally becomes a big stone. Until now, people can still see tears falling down from the stone. People then call it batu menangis (it mean the crying stone).***

Nai Manggale

Once upon a time in Tapanuli, lived a famous sculptor named Datu Panggana. When he got an order, he went to the forest to look for the most suitable wood and carved it according to the order. One day, he got an inspiration to carve a wood he found. He worked all day in his workshop to carve the wood into a statue of a beautiful woman. Then, he put the statue in front of his house.

Later, a young merchant passed by and saw the statue. His name was Bao Partigatiga. He was very impressed by the beauty of the statue. He then put beautiful clothes and jewelries on the statue. “It’s so beautiful,” he said to himself proudly. The statue looked like a real human. Then he left Datu Panggana’s house.

After that, a priest named Datu Partoar and his wife passed by. They were also impressed by the beauty of the statue. "I want to pray to God to make her live like a real human. I want to make her as our daughter," said Datu Partoar to his wife. The couple didn’t have any children yet. The statue changed into a very beautiful girl. Datu Partoar and his wife then took the girl home. They named her Nai Manggale.

The news about Nai Manggale’s beauty spread through out the village. All the villagers came to Datu Partoar’s house to see Nai Manggale. Among them were Datu Panggana and Bao Partigatiga. Nai Manggale honestly told the villagers that she was actually a statue which became a living woman by the grace of God.

Datu Panggana went after Datu Partoar to claim his own creation and Bao Partigatiga also claimed his right for the living statue. “It was me who carved her from a wood. So, she is mine,” said Datu Panggana. “She is wearing my clothes and jewelries. So, she should go with me,” said Bao Partigatiga. "Remember, I am the one who made her live like a human. So, she stays here," Datu Partoar also join in the argument.

Those three men were arguing. They claimed to have the rights of Nai Manggale. To calm them, an elderly of the village gave a solution. His name was Aji Bahir. "You all can have her and have a relationship with her. Datu Panggana, you’re her uncle. Bao Partigatiga, you’re her brother. And Datu Partoar, you’re her father." The three men accepted Aji Bahir's advice. And they were happy because now they were related.***

The Unicorn And The Maiden

Long ago on the edge of the forest of Brochhande, there lived a King called Boron who was hated by his people. He was also hated by all the people of the neighboring kingdoms because he was constantly at war with them. He was a sour man who trusted no one and always suspected plots against his life. This wasn't an unfounded fear because the more bellicose he became the more his people longed to he rid ot him.

Boron had not always been a bad man but disappointment and grief had poisoned his soul. In his youth he had been known as Boron The Blessed, but now he had come to be called Boron the Bitter. The only soft spot remaining in his heart, it seemed was for his daughter Therese. This was not just the special bond between father and daughter; she inspired love in everyone. She was one of those people who can only see the good in others and in fact many of her father's excesses were forgiven for her sake.

It happened one day that a Unicorn was seen in the forest near Boron's kingdom. As news ot this spread from huntsman and forester to peasant md burgher many people recalled the circumstances when a Unicorn last appeared. It had coincided with the death of Boron's grandfather - whom he was rapidly coming to resemble - and was believed to signal the end of an evil reign. This inspired a mood of hope in the people and smiles were seen on faces that had not known joy for many years.

The King was the last to hear the news of the Unicorn. Oblivious to the significance of the Unicorns presence, he thought only of acquiring the beast's precious horn. So he gathered all of his wisest advisors together to plan how the desired object could be taken.

"It cannot be accomplished by force", they told him. "Neither the stealthiest of hunters nor the bravest of pack of hounds can catch the Unicorns. It is the wisest and strongest of beasts and in either forest or mountain it can disappear like the mist. It only comes in reach of humans it trusts and they are none but the purest maidens."

"Then find me a pure maiden and we will set a trap with her." said the King impatiently.

"But if she knows the plan, my lord," they replied, "the Unicorn may sense it and keep away."

"Then we won't tell her, you fools," Boron roared, "and if any of you breathe a word of this without my leave, your heads will go to feed the crows down on the gatehouse."

Boron was not a completely bad man so when it was pointed out to him that the purest maiden in all the kingdom was undoubtedly his own daughter, even he had qualms. He could have perhaps chosen some other maid but this seemed an insult to his daughter's honor, besides lowering the chances for success. So in the end, after wrestling with a conscience well used to defeat, he decided to go ahead and use poor Therese as unwilling bait for his Unicorn trap.

The next day Boron and his daughter set off on horseback, accompanied by a dozen of his truest knights. The king told Therese he wished only to watch the Unicorn from a distance, should it choose to approach her.

"Surely we do not require so much company to meet the peaceful Unicorn?" the princess asked her father.

"Of course not, my dear, but the world is full of our enemies so bear with them for my sake. Besides, they too would like a glimpse of this marvel."

As they neared the forest they met a pleasant young Knight riding towards them bearing a shield of pure white. The King asked if he had any tidings of the Unicorn.

"I have been seeking the creature all night in vain," the Knight replied, "and many other nights and days past. There is nothing in all the world I wish to find more than the holy Unicorn.

"You mean it no harm, do you?" asked the princess.

"I would stake my life against any who wish to harm the creature, my lady, and have done so many times in this quest."

"Then you must come with us," she declared, "for we too seek the Unicorn in peace."

To the King's private rage the Knight accepted and in due course the party came to a clearing in the forest. A mighty oak grew in the center and a steep mountain overlooked it. The princess settled herself to wait on silken cushions amid the roots of the oak while the King and his knights withdrew to the forest. There they overpowered the Knight and left him tied to a tree before dispersing to lay their trap.

All that day princess Therese waited with no sight of the creature. Then as the sun set and the full moon rose, and both planets ruled the sky jointly for awhile, she caught a faint glimpse of the Unicorn. It stood in the shadows beneath the nearest trees, as pale and insubstantial as a ghost.

For a long time the Unicorn watched Therese in silence and she too dared not stir for fear of frightening it away. Then with the cautious grace of a deer it stepped into the open and trotted towards her, it's snow-white mane tossing like waves, it's slender, spiraled horn flashing against the sky. Therese could scarsely breathe for wonder and when the Unicorns deep, wise eyes looked into hers she was filled with love and awe for the creature. She felt herself drifting on the edge of a swoon and thought she could hear strains of heavenly music in the far distance.

The Unicorn hesitated until it was sure of the purity of her heart then the holy creature knelt and laid it's head in her lap. As she cradled it, the princess was filled with immeasurable bliss. Her tears of joy fell on to the Unicorn and sparkled like diamonds in the moonlight.

Suddenly with a roar, a thundering of hooves and a clash of weapons, the King and his knights burst from the trees. The Unicorn sprang to its feet, but already it was too late. The creature was surrounded and as it desperately sought a way out through the ring of steel, it let out a pitiful scream of terror. Finally it was lay low by the crushing blow of a mace and Boron leapt down to strike off its horn.;

Therese finally came to& her senses and realized what was happening. With a cry she ran across the clearing between the flashing hooves of the circling horses and threw herself on the fallen Unicorn and cradled its head in her white arms.

"Kill me first," she cried, "for I cannot live knowing I have betrayed so noble a trust." Boron was furious. Pull her away he screamed at his men, but none of them dared lay a hand on the princess so great was the love she inspired.

The King was enraged. He tried to pull her away himself and when that failed he very nearly struck at the horn anyway, not caring if he hit her. But in mid-stroke he realized what he was doing. In a flash of insight the King suddenly saw what he had become. He realized he was on the verge of destroying the one person in the world he cared about more than himself. Boron threw his sword to the ground and sank to his knees, sobs of shame and remorse wracked his body.

At that point, the Unicorn awoke and with trembling legs struggled to his feet. Boron's knights withdrew and huddled under the trees, for they too were now ashamed of what they had tried to do. The Unicorn rose and let the maid sooth him awhile, then it turned to face the King. The creature moved towards Boron and lowered it's horn until it's point touch his neck. The repentant King neither flinched nor tried to defend himself.

"Please," begged Therese, "for my sake, spare my father."

The Unicorn turned towards the princess with an enigmatic look in his eyes and then, with a few swift bounds, was gone like a flash of silver under the moon.

From that night forward Boron was a changed man. Or rather, he reverted to being the man he used to be, open-handed and honest and no more suspicious of others intentions than the ways of the world demand.

So just as the people had thought, the Unicorn's coming did indeed presage the end of an evil reign. However, on this occasion the King did not die. He was simply transformed into the good and honest ruler the people wanted.

The next time the Unicorn showed itself in his country it was to signal Boron's death, or perhaps to lead him from this life into the next. But this time love of the Unicorn in that place by the forest of Broceliande was matched only by sorrow in the King's passing period.

The Princess and the Pea

Once upon a time there was a prince who wanted to marry a princess; but she would have to be a real princess. He travelled all over the world to find one, but nowhere could she get what he wanted. There were princesses enough, but it was difficult to find out whether they were real ones. There was always something about them that was not as it should be. So he came home again and was sad, for he would have liked very much to have a real princess.

One evening a terrible storm came on; there was thunder and lightning, and the rain poured down in torrents. Suddenly a knocking was heard at the city gate, and the old king went to open it.

It was a princess standing out there in front of the gate. But, good gracious! what a sight the rain and the wind had made her look. The water ran down from her hair and clothes; it ran down into the toes of her shoes and out again at the heels. And yet she said that she was a real princess.

Well, we'll soon find that out, thought the old queen. But she said nothing, went into the bed-room, took all the bedding off the bedstead, and laid a pea on the bottom; then she took twenty mattresses and laid them on the pea, and then twenty eider-down beds on top of the mattresses.

On this the princess had to lie all night. In the morning she was asked how she had slept.

"Oh, very badly!" said she. "I have scarcely closed my eyes all night. Heaven only knows what was in the bed, but I was lying on something hard, so that I am black and blue all over my body. It's horrible!"

Now they knew that she was a real princess because she had felt the pea right through the twenty mattresses and the twenty eider-down beds.

Nobody but a real princess could be as sensitive as that.

So the prince took her for his wife, for now he knew that he had a real princess; and the pea was put in the museum, where it may still be seen, if no one has stolen it.

The Ass and the lapdog

Once a farmer owned an ass and a lapdog. The ass worked hard all day, hauling heavy loads. But he was well looked after, and had a warm, comfortable stable, with plenty of fresh hay to eat and water to drink. The lapdog stayed with his master all day, and lived in the house with him. He did no work, but was made much of, and even allowed to sit on the master's lap. The ass saw the lapdog leading a life of leisure, being petted by the master, and being given choice tidbits of food from the master's own plate, and the ass grew jealous of the lapdog.

“I wish the master would love me as much, and give me as much attention as he does the lapdog,” sighed the ass. “I work hard all day, much harder than that lapdog who does nothing at all except wag his tail and fawn on the master, and yet it seems the master cares more for the dog than for me. Perhaps if I too behave like the dog, and wag my tail and jump on the master, the master will start loving me as much as he does the dog.” The ass decided to wait for his chance.

One day, when he was left unattended while the farmer and all the farmhands were at their midday meal, the ass broke his halter and ran into the farmhouse kitchen. There the farmer sat at table. The ass rushed up to him and began wagging his tail vigorously, and knocked off all the china from the table. He then started jumping around and frolicking like a little dog, and finally plonked himself down on the farmer's lap. The shocked farmer yelled for help. The farmhands came running in and dragged the ass off to his stable, and gave him a beating he did not forget the rest of his life.

It is best to be contented with one's lot.

THE LION AND THE MOUSE

Once, as a lion lay sleeping in his den, a naughty little mouse ran up his tail, and onto his back and up his mane and danced and jumped on his head so that the lion woke up.

The lion grabbed the mouse and, holding him in his large claws, roared in anger. “How dare you wake me up! Don’t you know that I am King of the Beasts? Anyone who disturbs my rest deserves to die! I shall kill you and eat you! “

The terrified mouse, shaking and trembling, begged the lion to let him go. “Please don’t eat me Your Majesty! I did not mean to wake you, it was a mistake. I was only playing. Please let me go - and I promise I will be your friend forever. Who knows but one day I could save your life?”

The lion looked at the tiny mouse and laughed. “You save my life? What an absurd idea!” he said scornfully. “But you have made me laugh, and put me into a good mood again, so I shall let you go.” And the lion opened his claws and let the mouse go free. “Oh thank you, your majesty,” squeaked the mouse, and scurried away as fast as he could.

A few days later the lion was caught in a hunter’s snare. Struggle as he might, he couldn’t break free and became even more entangled in the net of ropes. He let out a roar of anger that shook the forest. Every animal heard it, including the tiny mouse.

“My friend the lion is in trouble,” cried the mouse. He ran as fast as he could in the direction of the lion’s roar, and soon found the lion trapped in the hunter’s snare. “Hold still, Your Majesty,” squeaked the mouse. “ I’ll have you out of there in a jiffy!” And without further delay, the mouse began nibbling through the ropes with his sharp little teeth. Very soon the lion was free.

“I did not believe that you could be of use to me, little mouse, but today you saved my life,” said the lion humbly. “It was my turn to help you, Sire,” answered the mouse. Even the weak and small may be of help to those much mightier than themselves.

Cinderella

Cinderella

Once upon a time there lived an unhappy young girl. Her mother was dead and her father had married a widow with two daughters. Her stepmother didn't like her one little bit. All her kind thoughts and loving touches were for her own daughters. Nothing was too good for them - dresses, shoes, delicious food, soft beds, and every home comfort

But, for the poor unhappy girl, there was nothing at all. No dresses, only her stepsisters’ hand-me-downs. No lovely dishes, nothing but scraps. No rest and no comfort. She had to work hard all day. Only when evening came was she allowed to sit for a while by the fire, near the cinders. That’s why everybody called her Cinderella.

Cinderella used to spend long hours all alone talking to the cat. The cat said, . Miaow. , which really meant, . Cheer up! You have something neither of your stepsisters has and that is beauty.. It was quite true. Cinderella, even dressed in old rags, was a lovely girl. While her stepsisters, no matter how splendid and elegant their clothes, were still clumsy, lumpy and ugly and always would be.

One day, beautiful new dresses arrived at the house. A ball was to be held at the palace and the stepsisters were getting ready to go. Cinderella didn't even dare ask if she could go too. She knew very well what the answer would be: . You? You're staying at home to wash the dishes, scrub the floors and turn down the beds for your stepsisters. They will come home tired and very sleepy.. Cinderella sighed, . Oh dear, I'm so unhappy!. and the cat murmured . Miaow.

Suddenly something amazing happened. As Cinderella was sitting all alone, there was a burst of light and a fairy appeared. . Don't be alarmed, Cinderella,. said the fairy. . I know you would love to go to the ball. And so you shall!. . How can I, dressed in rags?. Cinderella replied. . The servants will turn me away!.

The fairy smiled. With a flick of her magic wand Cinderella found herself wearing the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. . Now for your coach,. said the fairy; "A real lady would never go to a ball on foot! Quick! Get me a pumpkin!. . Oh of course,. said Cinderella, rushing away. Then the fairy turned to the cat. . You, bring me seven mice, and, remember they must be alive!.

Cinderella soon returned with the pumpkin and the cat with seven mice he had caught in the cellar. With a flick of the magic wand the pumpkin turned into a sparkling coach and the mice became six white horses, while the seventh mouse turned into a coachman in a smart uniform and carrying a whip. Cinderella could hardly believe her eyes.

Cinderella had a wonderful time at the ball until she heard the first stroke of midnight! She remembered what the fairy had said, and without a word of goodbye she slipped from the Prince. s arms and ran down the steps. As she ran she lost one of her slippers, but not for a moment did she dream of stopping to pick it up! If the last stroke of midnight were to sound... oh... what a disaster that would be! Out she fled and vanished into the night.

The Prince, who was now madly in love with her, picked up the slipper and said to his ministers, “Go and search everywhere for the girl whose foot this slipper fits. I will never be content until I find her!”

So the ministers tried the slipper on the foot of every girl in the land until only Cinderella was left.

That awful untidy girl simply cannot have been at the ball,. snapped the stepmother. . Tell the Prince he ought to marry one of my two daughters! Can't you see how ugly Cinderella is?. But, to everyone. amazement, the shoe fitted perfectly.

Suddenly the fairy appeared and waved her magic wand. In a flash, Cinderella appeared in a splendid dress, shining with youth and beauty. Her stepmother and stepsisters gaped at her in amazement, and the ministers said, "Come with us Cinderella! The Prince is waiting for you." So Cinderella married the Prince and lived happily ever. As for the cat, he just said "Miaow!"

Legend of Rawa Pening

Legend of Rawa Pening

Once upon a time, there lived a boy. His name was Baru Klinting. The boy was cursed by an evil witch because of his magical power. The curse made the boy had so much stinking wound on all of his body. The wound never became dry. When Baru Klinting took a walk in a village, he saw some children played. Baru Klinting wanted to join them. But the children didn’t like Baru Klinting and abused him. Then Baru Klinting went out from the children. When he continued to take a walk, he got himself hungry. Baru Klinting tried to come to a house and ask for some food. But he was abused and chased away.

The village was a rich village, but the citizen was arrogant. Then one day he met an old kind widow. She desired to give Baru Klinting a place, and also some food. After He finished to eat, he thanked to the woman and said, “Mam, if you hear kentongan sound, you have to go away from this village with that dimple, OK?”, then the woman replied, “yes I will”.

When Baru Klinting was on the way to go out from the village, Baru Klinting met the children who often abuse him. He became angry. Then he implanted a palm leaf rib. He promised that no one could pull this thing up, except himself.

One by one tried to pull the rib that implanted by Baru Klinting, but no one could pull this up. Then adult tried that too, but the rib could not be pulled up. Finally Baru Klinting himself pulled the rib because he was the only one who could pull it (remember that Baru Klinting has magical power). Soon, water came out from the place where the rib was implanted. The water was very fast and heavy so that big flood happened.

Baru Klinting knocked kentongan to warn the old woman.Then, the woman who was grinding rice went in to dimple as soon as possible, and she was safe. The flood is so fast and heavy. Then that village became a pond called “Rawa Pening” and the woman told this story to the villager in the other village.

Now, Rawa Pening (Located in Kabupaten Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia) has some advantages, for example for irrigating and fishing.

THE LEGEND OF CANDI PRAMBANAN.

If you visit Indonesia, remember to visit Candi Prambanan. There’s a wonderful story behind it. There are several candi (temples) standing there. One of those has a statue of a standing woman. Villagers said that it was the statue of a princess long time ago named Roro Jonggrang.

Roro Jonggrang was a very beautiful princess from a Javanese kingdom, Prambanan Kingdom hundred years ago. Her famous beauty was known throughout the country, and princes from far and different land and kingdoms came to propose her. However, her beauty did not make her humble, instead she grew her arrogance even more. She refused all their proposal, and sometime in harsh as well. Many returned brokenhearted.

There was a famous prince by that era, Prince Bandung Bondowoso. He was famous by his strength, power, and good looking. He owned a big kingdom with thousand of soldiers. He too heard of Roro Jonggrang’s amazing beauty that he set up to the kingdom to propose her.

Having heard that Prince Bondowoso was coming to marry her, Roro Jonggang grew worried. She disliked the idea of getting married, however, she too understood the consequence if she refused the proposal. She knew that Bondowoso had thousands of soldiers that could attack her kingdom if she disappointed him. So when Bondowoso arrived and proposed her, she was willing to accept it with one condition.

Bondowoso had to make her 1000 temples in one night time. If he failed, then Roro Jonggrang would not marry him. Now, Bondowoso was not only strong, he had thousands of men working for him, and not only men, he owned the power to control the genies as well. He agreed to fulfill Jonggrang’s wish and started to work it immediately. He used his power to call all the genies and asked them to keep on working until they completed 1000 temples by the time the rooster crowed the next morning.

The genies worked without stop any second. They would only stop by the time the rooster crowed. Soon hundreds of temples were completed. This made Roro Jonggrang restless. She could not sleep or even closed her eyes. She tried to think any way to fail Bondowoso. Finally, she got an idea. She cut paper in the shape of a circle and glued it in front of a candle holder. She lit the candle and carried it to the chicken coop where the rooster slept. When the rooster saw the candle, it thought that it was almost dawn and the sun was going to rise soon. The rooster quickly got up and in a second, it crowed.

The working genies heard the rooster and thought that the morning had come. Instantly, they stopped working and disappeared leaving the undone temples. There were 999 temples that completed. One more to be built. Bondowoso was disappointed to see this. He was very mad. When he found out that it was the work of Roro Jonggrang, he came to her and cursed her into a stone.

Uptill now, we can still see the statue of Princess Roro Jonggrang in one of those temples that Bondowoso built for her. The temples are now named Prambanan. That is the legend that more and less adapted from the History I heard. Whether it is true or not…. it is you who judge it!

The Legend Of Banyuwangi

The ruler of the kingdom of Blambangan, Raden Banterang, used to occupy the neighboring areas in order to expand his territory, including the Klungkung Kingdom of Bali. The outbreak of the Klungkung War destroyed such a small country. The king of Klungkung was killed on the battlefield, yet his daughter and son were able to escape and hide in the jungle.

One day, Raden Banterang and his commanders were inspecting his district while hunting. It was in the jungle that Raden Banterang met a beautiful lady named Ida Ayu Surati. She was then taken to Blambangan to be his wife. Raden Banterang and Ida Ayu Surati enjoyed a happy life in the palace.

When Raden Banterang was hunting one day, the lonely princess was surprised by the arrival of a dirty beggar asking for her pity. The princess was surprised to find that the beggar was her older brother, Agung Bagus Mantra. She promptly squatted and embraced her brother’s legs. However, her great respect of her brother was not well accepted. Instead, she was tortured for she supposedly betrayed her noble family.

Agung Bagus Mantra asked his sister to kill Raden Banterang, but such a request was rejected. He was very angry with her and came up with a sly idea to slander Raden Banterang.

At first, Raden Banterang did not believe that his wife had been involved in a scandal with another man. Yet because of Agung’s convincing words, he was finally influenced and therefore, his wife was dragged down to a small lake. Asking for compassion, Ida Ayu Surati tried to tell the truth and denied her husband’s accusation. Hearing his wife’s explanation, the king became angrier and angrier. As a proof of her sacred love, she asked her husband to kill her. As a last request, she asked her husband to throw her dead body into the river. She said that if the water in the river smelled terrible, it meant that she had ever been sinful, but if it smelled fragrant it meant that she was innocent.
Raden Banterang who was unable to control his emotions, soon stabbed his keris (dagger) into his wife’s chest. She died instantly. The dead body of Ida Ayu Surati was quickly thrown into the dirty river. Raden Banterang was shocked to see the river suddenly become clean and as clear as glass with a fragrant smell. Raden Banterang screamed crazily and regretted his deed. He walked unsteadily and fell into the river screaming, “Banyuwangi, Banyuwangi, Banyuwangi!”

Another legend of Banyuwangi was taken from the story of Sri Tanjung Sidopekso. Once upon a time, a local ruler, King Sulahkromo, had a patih, R.Sidopekso. The wife of the patih, Sri Tanjung, was so beautiful that the king desired her. In order to be able to seduce Sri Tanjung, the king ordered his patih on a mission that would take a long time to accomplish. During his absence, the king tried to court Sri Tanjung without success. When R. Sidopekso returned, he went first to his ruler. The king, angry that his scheme had not succeeded, told the patih that during his absence his wife had been unfaithful to him. Sidopekso went home and confronted his wife with her alleged adultery. Her denial did not convince him, and he announced that he was going to kill her. Sidopekso brought Sri Tanjung to the bank of the river. Before he stabbed her to death, she prophesied that her innocence would be proven. And indeed, after having stabbed his wife to death and having thrown the dead body into the dirty river, the river immediately became clean and began to spread a wonderful fragrance. Sidopekso said, “Banyu … Wangi….. Banyuwangi”. This means “fragrant water “. BANYUWANGI was born from the proof of noble and sacred love.

Legend of Toba Lake

Once upon a time, lived a young orphan farmer in the northern part of the Sumatran Island. This area was very dry. The young man lived from farming and fishing. One day he went fishing, he already fishing for half of the day but still not getting any fish yet. So he returned home for the day turns to night, but when he nearly left he saw a big beautiful golden fish, he then caught the fish and brought it home. He intended to cook the fish right away but watched the beauty of this fish he then cancelled his intention. He chose to keep it as pet, and then he placed it in a big pond and feed it. On the next day, like usual, he went to his farm, and on the noon he comeback home, to have lunch. But when he arrived in his house he was very startled for the meal had prepared to be eaten. He then fears that the fish might be stolen, and then hastily he ran to the back of his house.

However, the fish was still in place, for a long time he thinks, “Who cooks those meals”, but because his is very hungry, he ate those meals. But this incident continued to occur again repeatedly, every time he came home for lunch, the meals are prepared on the table. Then one day this young man made a strategy to find out who cooks those meals, the next day he then began to commence his strategy, he then hide around the trees close to his house. He was waiting for a long time, but the smoke in his kitchen still has not been seen, and when he then intended to return home, he began to see the smoke in the kitchen.

“Hey woman, who are you, and where are you came from?” the woman began to drop tears, and then the young man saw his fish was no longer in the pond. He asked the woman, “hey woman, where is the fish in that pond?” the Woman cried intensely, but this young man continued to ask and finally the woman answers, “I was the fish that was caught by you”. The young man then startled, but because he felt that he had hurt the feelings this woman, then he said, “Hey woman, did you want to become my wife??” the Woman then startled, he stay quiet, then the young man said “Why are you silent??” Then the woman said, “I wanted to become your wife. But with one condition.” ”What is the condition?” the young man quickly asked, the woman then said, “In the future if our child was born and grew, never even once you said that he/she was anakni Dekke (child of a fish) ”. The young man then agreed to that condition and swore he will never say it.

Then they were married and granted a child. When the child was 6 years old, this child turn to be very naughty. Then one day the mother told her child to deliver meals to his father field, the child then went to deliver rice to his father. But in the middle of the trip, this child was felt hungry, then the child opened food package for his father, and ate the food. After finished eating, the child then wrapped it back and continued the trip to his father’s field. On arrival the child gave the food package to the father, the father was very happy, the father then sat and immediately opened the food package that was sent by his wife to be carried by his child. But he was very startled when he opened the package there is only bones remained. The father then asked his child “Hay my child, why there are only bones left in this package??” And the child answers,” In my trip I felt hungry, so I ate the food.” Listened to that the father was very angry, he then slap his child and said, “Botul maho anakni dekke (Why you child of a fish),”. The child is then ran home crying and ask to his mother “Mak, Olo do na in dokkon amangi, botul do au anakni dekke? (Mother, is it true what father said, that I am a child from a fish?) ” Heard his child’s words his mother was startled. While dropping tears and saying in her heart, “My husband has violated his swore, and now I must return to my place.” Then the sky was suddenly become dark followed with lightning, thunder, storm, and rain. The child and the mother disappeared, from their footprint emerged a spring that flowed water as swiftly as possible. Until this area was turned into a lake, that was named as “Tuba Lake” the lake without mercy, but because of the bataks was difficult to say “Tuba”, then this lake was mentioned as

TOBA LAKE.

According to the local Citizen, the mother return as a huge fish (the lake guardian), and until today no one is able to measure the depth of this lake. Many tourists that tried to dive into the lake but never return. The lake depth in the book is only estimation not as a fact.

Timun Mas

Timun Mas

A Long time ago, living a couple of farmers. They live in a village near the forest. They live happy, unfortunately they have not only was a child also.

Every day they pray to the God. They pray to be soon be a child. One day a giant passes where they reside. Giant prayer is heard that wife’s husband. Giant then provide them with seeds cucumber.

“Plant seeds of this, Later you will soon get a female child,” said the giant.

“Thank you, giant,” said the couple.

“But there is condition, at the age of 17 years the child must be submitted with you to me,” the giant reply.

Without thinking long they agree, because it wanted a child.

Husband and wife farmers to plant the seeds cucumber. Every day they start caring for the plants that grow with it as best as possible. Many months and then bear a cucumber with golden color.

Fruit cucumber that the longer become larger and heavier. When the fruit is ripe, they take it, carefully slit the fruit. Sudenlly, in the fruit is found in infants of women who are very beautiful. Couple was very happy, they gave the name of the baby Timun Mas.

Year after year passed, Timun Mas grown into a beautiful girl. Both parents are very proud of her. But they became very afraid, because in the anniversary Timun Mas at 17, the giant will back. The giant take back that promises to take Timun Mas.

Farmers are trying to calm. “Wait a moment. Timun Mas playing. My wife would called her,” he said. Farmers find it immediately to her doughter. “My girl, take this,” she said while giving a cloth bag. “This will help fight the giant. Now flee as soon as possible,” she said. So even Timun Mas immediately fled.

Couple on the sad departure Timun Mas. But they are not willing if their child become food giant. Giant waiting long time. He was not a patient. He knew, was that lied by couple of farmers. And he also destroyed the huts of the farmers. Then it was to pursue Timun Mas to forest.

Giant run chase immediately Timun Mas. Near the gian,Timun Mas immediately take the handful of salt from the cloth pouch. Then salt spread it to the giant. Suddenly a wide sea also unfold. Giant forced to swim with great difficulty.

Timun Mas ran again. But then most successful giant come closer. Timun Mas again taking bizarre objects from a cloth bag. He took the handful chili. Chili throwed to the giant. At once the tree branches and sharp thorns of the giant trap. Giant cried in pain. Timun Mas while running to save herself.

But the giant is really strong. He was again nearly captured Timun Mas. So Timun Mas is also a third issue of miraculous. She sow seeds Cucumber magic. At once grow the cucumber garden very knowledgeable. Giant very tired and hungry. He also eat the fresh cucumber with oneself. Because of too much eating, giant was slept.

Timun Mas again fled. She ran for dear life. But long run power out. More unlucky again because a giant awakened from sleep. Giant again almost catch her. Timun Mas very terrified. He also threw the last tool handful shrimp paste. Again, miracles happen. A lake of mud spread wide. Giant fall into it. Hands almost reach Timun Mas. But the lake mud is basic to withdraw it. Giant panic, he can not breathe, then submerged.

Timun Mas relieved. She has survived, Timun Mas is also return to home to their parents. Father and mother’s Timun Mas happy to see Timun Mas be save. They held, “Thank you, God. You have to save my girl,” said their delighted.

Since that time Timun Mas can live quietly with her parents. They can be happy without living in fear again.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH

English is very importan for our communication.Many countries come to our country. Allmost of them is using english. If we don't know what must we say,our communication will bad. If we want to learn english perfectly,our communication is will better. All of student though that english is very hard. But we can make english easy. For example with song,game and technology. We can learn english with song. Sing english song can make we well to speak english and we can add our vocabulary from the lyric. With game,we can learn english with SCRABBLE. Playing SCRABBLE can add our vocabulary. With technology,we can learn english.Maybe,add friend from another country,can make we well learn english.PRACTISING ENGLISH EVERYDAY, PRAY TO THE GOD CAN MAKE OUR ENGLISH SMOOTHLY.LET'S IMPROVE OUR ENGLISH FOR THE BETTER FUTURE.