Malaysia Folk Tales

TRUE FRIENDS

2011-04-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

According to legend, there were two elephants, a male and a female, who were very good friends.

Wherever they went, they went together.

One day the bull elephant fell ill. When the female elephant learnt this, she felt very sad. Quickly she came to see the bull elephant.

"Lady Elephant, I am afraid that today I cannot go with you in search of food," said the bull elephant.

"Please don't say that, Bull Elephant. I will look for food for you," promised the female elephant.

"You are very kind," said the bull elephant with a break in his voice.

"You have a good heart too. Remember, once when a thorn pricked my foot, you tended to it," said the female elephant.

From that day, the female elephant looked for food for both of them. Day by day, the bull elephant got worse.

One day the bull elephant told her sadly, "Dear Lady Elephant, I feel that the time has come for me to leave you forever."

"Do not say such a thing, Bull Elephant. You will get better."

A few days later, the bull elephant died. The female elephant was grief stricken. For days she neither ate nor drank. She stayed by the side of the dead elephant.

Soon, she too fell ill. After a few days she breathed her last by the side of her dead companion.

That is the story of two true friends whom even death could not part.

In the beginning, the people called the place where the elephants died, 'Setiakawan' or 'True Friends'. In time 'Setiakawan', which is in Perak, became 'Setiawan'.

WHO IS WISER?

2011-04-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Once there was a wanderer by the name of Mat Lawi. One day he arrived at a village called Kampung Manggis. In the village lived two very naughty youths called Hasan and Husin. They were good friend.

On seing Mat Lawi, Hasan said to Husin, "He looks like a stranger. Let's play a trick on him. We will challenge him to a story telling contest. If he loses, we will take all his money."

"But what if we lose?" asked Husin.

"Ah, but we will not lose. We can beat him," Hasan assured Husin. Together they approached Mat Lawi.

"Sir, if you tell us a story, and we say that it is false, you win. We will then do whatever you say." explained Hasan.

"If you say our story is false, we will win. You will then have to give us all your money," added Husin.

Mat Lawi thought it over and agreed to the wager.

"I will begin first," said Hasan.

"While my mother was pregnant with me, she had a craving of jackfruit. I left her womb, bought some jackfruit and gave it to her," related Hasan.

Mat Lawi considered this for a while. "Yes, the story is true," he replied.

"Very well. Then listen to my story," said Husin.

"When I was a week old, I climbed down the steps of the house. I went into the jungle where i encountered a huge tiger. Quickly I hopped onto it and broke its neck."

"Ah, your story is also credible," replied Mat Lawi. The two youths started sweating.

"It is now my turn to tell a story," said Mat Lawi.

"Not long ago, two youths were slaves in my house. But a short while ago, they ran away. I have travelled to this village looking for them. I believe you are the two youths!"

"Sir, you are lying. We were never your slaves!" cried Hasan.

"Ha ha ha! Then you admit that my story is false. It means you have lost. And you have to come with me as my slaves," said Mat Lawi.

"Oh, please, Sir, take pity on us," begged the two youths.

"Why should I? You made the promise," said Mat Lawi.

"Please forgive us, Sir," pleaded Husin.

"I believe you two are very naughty and conceited. You must promise to mend your ways. Then only will I forgive you," said Mat Lawi.

"We agree, Sir. We promise never to play tricks again," they said. Then shamefaced, they quickly fled from the place.

A BRAVE DEER, A FAMOUS KINGDOM

2011-04-20T23:32:00.001-07:00

Raja Iskandar Syah loved hunting. He had many good hunting dogs. His followers too were skilled at tracking deer. Looking at the tracks in the jungle, they could tell the size of the animal that had passed that way.

Raja Iskandar Syah was himself an excellent archer. He was also skilled with the spear.

One day, the king went hunting in the jungle. There was a river running through it called Bertam. The trees that grew there were very tall.

Once in the jungle, the king released his dogs. His followers began tracking the deer that lived in the jungle.

There were many deer about, but they could not catch even a single animal. The king aimed his spear at many a deer. Each time he missed, and his spear struck the ground.

“The animals here are very clever and agile,” he remarked.

Tired of hunting in the plains and the hills, the king headed for the river with its clear and sparkling waters. As he was slashing his way through the thick undergrowth, he heard the barking of a hunting dog downstream.

“The dog must be chasing a deer,” the king said to his chief hunter.

“Its barking sounds different, Your Majesty,” he replied.

The sound of barking grew louder and louder. The king and some of his followers arrived at the river bank. Suddenly all eyes were drawn to a beautiful white deer. It was scampering about like a silat expert making his opening moves.

Raja Iskandar Syah picked up his bow and arrow.

“you may move nimbly, my friend, but my arrow will penetrate your body,” he said.

The dog’s barking sounded nearer and nearer. The dog was right in front of the deer; yet, it continued its scampering.

Raja Iskandar Syah lowered his bow. He and his followers were dumbfounded at the agility of the deer.

The hunting dog tried to get closer. It was obviously a little afraid of the deer which was much larger. Yet, it tried to rush at the deer.

The deer, however, was alert to the danger. As it leapt, it bent is hind leg, and as soon as its forelegs hit the ground, it kicked at the dog.

The dog was pitched headlong into the river. The deer continued its gleeful dance as the dog struggled in the water. Then it disappeared into the thick undergrowth.

Meanwhile, Raja Iskandar Syah and his followers had stood still watching the drama unfolding before their eyes. The king was leaning against a shady tree thick with fine leaves.

“The deer here are very brave”, he commented. “It would be an excellent place to establish a kingdom.”

“You are right, Your Majesty,” agreed his followers.

“What is the name of the tree I am leaning against?” he asked.

“The Melaka tree,” came the reply.

“Very well then,” said the king, “we shall name the kingdom Melaka.”

Thus the kingdom of Melaka as established. Under Raja Iskandar Syah and his descendants, Melaka became famous and prosperous. The people lived in peace and harmony.