Story of Sangkuriang
A gust of wind blows through the thick trees on the slopes of Tangkuban Perahu, bringing with it the aroma of wet soil and blooming edelweiss flowers.
The evening sky glowed a golden orange, sweeping away the thin mist that was drifting about, like a giant stage curtain about to be rolled out.
The stage was a green valley as far as the eye could see, with Mount Gede standing proudly in the distance, as if watching the story unfold.
In a simple bamboo hut, there lived a beautiful woman named Dayang Sumbi.
He spoke softly to a white monkey who faithfully sat beside him. “White Monkey,” he said, “can you take me flying through this wilderness, looking for pieces of bamboo?”
White Ape nodded, his clear brown eyes sparkling.
He swiftly carried Dayang Sumbi, jumping from tree to tree deftly.
The jungle greeted them with the sound of birdsong and the rustle of leaves.
Many times the White Monkey swung nimbly to avoid low hanging twigs and lianas.
Finally, they arrived at a remote hill.
There, a giant bamboo grove stood tall. “Take the piece you like, Dayang,” said the White Monkey.
Dayang Sumbi chose a branch of shining golden bamboo, then thanked her loyal friend.
Back in her hut, Dayang Sumbi cut the golden bamboo.
Miraculously, from inside the bamboo came a handsome and dashing baby boy.
Dayang Sumbi named him Sangkuriang, which means “son of the mountain”.
He cared for Sangkuriang with great affection, educating him to be a young man who was intelligent and full of skills.
As the years passed, Sangkuriang grew into a powerful adult man.
One day, he was hunting in the forest when he met a beautiful woman bathing in a lake.
The woman was none other than Dayang Sumbi, but Sangkuriang did not know that she was his mother.
Captivated by Dayang Sumbi’s beauty, Sangkuriang fell in love.
Sangkuriang dared to approach Dayang Sumbi. “What’s your name, pretty girl?”
he asked, his voice shaking. “I’m Dayang Sumbi,” she answered softly.
They talked for a long time, and Sangkuriang became increasingly captivated by Dayang Sumbi’s charm.
Finally, he confessed his love.
Dayang Sumbi was surprised.
He recognized Sangkuriang’s face as the child he had raised from golden bamboo.
However, he did not have the heart to reveal the truth when he saw the sincere love in Sangkuriang’s eyes.
Dayang Sumbi also put forward a condition. “I will accept your love,” he said, “if you succeed in damming the Citarum River and creating a lake overnight.”
Sangkuriang, who was famous for his supernatural powers and tenacity, immediately agreed to these conditions.
He mobilized all his strength, summoning animals and genies to help him.
The jungle rumbled, the ground shook, rocks were toppled, and trees were felled. Sangkuriang worked non-stop, racing against time and the sun which was starting to set.
Dayang Sumbi, from her hut, watched Sangkuriang’s persistence with anxiety.
He couldn’t bear to see his son struggling, but he also didn’t want to reveal the truth which would be painful.
When the moon begins to float in the sky, there is only a little more left and Sangkuriang’s artificial lake will be completed.
However, suddenly, the sound of a rooster crowing broke the silence of the night.
The day is bright.
Sangkuriang, who was tired, looked up and found that the lake he had made was not perfect.
He failed to fulfill Dayang Sumbi’s requirements.
Sangkuriang’s face turned red, he felt cheated and betrayed.
In anger and disappointment, Sangkuriang kicked the boat he was using to carry soil to the dam.
The boat soared high, soared into the sky until it overturned and became Mount Tangkuban Perahu as we know it today.
Sangkuriang himself turned into a mountain that stood tall in the distance, forever gazing at the lake he never finished creating.
Sangkuriang’s story ends with sadness and regret.
This story of forbidden love between a child and a mother is a reminder to always uphold truth and honesty.
The green valley stretches wide, the gentle breeze carries the whisper of old stories.
The story of Sangkuriang and its moral message
The story of Sangkuriang is a story of forbidden love between a child and a mother.
This story teaches us to always uphold truth and honesty.
We must always maintain blood relations, and must not fall in love with people who are related to us by blood.
Apart from that, this story also teaches us to always try hard and not give up.
Sangkuriang failed to make lakes and dams because he did not complete the work on time.
We must always learn from failure and try to improve ourselves.
Sangkuriang’s story also reminds us to always respect time.
If we do not value time, we will miss opportunities and will not achieve our goals.
Origin story The legend of Sangkuriang
The legend of Sangkuriang, deeply embedded in Sundanese folklore, is a tale of love, betrayal, and the formation of natural landmarks.
While the exact origins of the story remain unclear, it’s believed to have emerged centuries ago and been passed down through generations orally.
Here’s a glimpse into the possible roots of this captivating legend:
1. Ancient Sundanese Origins:
The legend of Sangkuriang is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Sundanese people, predominantly inhabiting the western part of Java Island in Indonesia.
Its origins are believed to date back to ancient times, reflecting the beliefs, values, and traditions of the Sundanese people.
2. Oral Transmission and Cultural Preservation:
For centuries, the tale of Sangkuriang was passed down through oral tradition, narrated by elders and storytellers to younger generations.
This oral transmission played a crucial role in preserving the legend and ensuring its continued significance within Sundanese culture.
3. Connection to Natural Landmarks:
The legend of Sangkuriang is intricately linked to prominent natural landmarks in the Bandung area of West Java, Indonesia.
Mount Tangkuban Perahu, a dormant volcano, is believed to be the overturned boat created by Sangkuriang in his rage.
Other geographical features, like the Cikapundung River and the Saguling Reservoir, are also associated with the story.
4. Variations and Adaptations:
Over time, the legend of Sangkuriang has undergone variations and adaptations, as different narrators and storytellers added their own interpretations and embellishments. These variations reflect the dynamic nature of oral tradition and the adaptability of the legend to different contexts.
5. Cultural Significance and Enduring Legacy:
The legend of Sangkuriang holds immense cultural significance for the Sundanese people.