A Single Ape

 Legend has it that there was a castle situated on the riverbank, where the king resided with his seven daughters. Among them, the youngest princess, Puteri Bongsu, held a special place in his heart. Next to the castle, there was a rundown hut occupied by a middle-aged woman who worked as a farmer. Despite her hard work, she longed for a child of her own.

One day, she drank water from a magical shell and soon found herself pregnant, giving birth to a unique ape named Beruk Tunggal. As Beruk Tunggal grew, he helped his mother with farming tasks. When their rice crop was threatened by rats, the ape took matters into his own hands and caught all the rodents attacking their harvest.

Beruk Tunggal then sought out the Rat King and warned him to stop the attacks. The Rat King, realizing the ape's divine origins, offered gold grains as a peace offering. The ape accepted the gift, and soon, the hut was filled with gold.

Inspired by her son's bravery and generosity, the mother decided to seek a marriage proposal for him with the king's princess. The king was taken aback by the woman's request.

The king told his seven daughters about the request. "Married to an ape?" asked the Eldest Princess. The other princesses were surprised too. Only Puteri Bongsu, who was polite, agreed to marry the ape. The king and queen felt sorry for the youngest princess and asked for a diamond ring, thinking she wouldn't be able to get one. Beruk Tunggal, the ape, begged his father, the Heavenly King, for help. That night, the father sent a diamond ring. The ape's mother also brought a diamond ring to the palace and asked him to choose one. The king had no choice but to let Puteri Bongsu marry Beruk Tunggal. After the wedding, they moved to the ape's lodge. On the first night, Puteri Bongsu found a monkey's coat. The next day, Beruk Tunggal was no longer a monkey but a handsome young man. "Turns out, my husband is actually a prince!" Said Puteri Bongsu.

"Burn the monkey's coat, sprinkle some dust outside the hut, and ask for anything you want, my wife," said the prince. Puteri Bongsu followed his instructions and the hut turned into a beautiful palace with a garden.

The Cloves

 In a certain country, there was a strange problem - the king and all his people were too embarrassed to talk because of their bad breath. The king wondered what was causing this plague. When he asked his advisors and the people, no one dared to speak up because of their stinky mouths.

One day, the king's princess and her friends went to play in a forbidden garden. They too were silent because of their smelly breath. Suddenly, a magpie flew down and started chirping away on a flower tree. It seemed like the magpie was having a conversation with the princess. The princess didn't say a word, but the magpie kept chirping and pecking at a flower on the branch. Eventually, the princess went over to the tree, picked the flower, and ate it.

After a few days of doing that, the bad smell in her mouth finally disappeared. Her breath smelled fresh and clean. From that day on, the king's daughter was the only one who wasn't shy to talk. The king was curious about his princess's secret, and she told him about the flower tree.

After hearing about the tree, the king ordered his people to plant and eat the flowers. The smelly mouth disease vanished, and everyone was thrilled. They could speak freely and confidently. The king then instructed his people to plant more trees, and soon the flower became a state product known as the cloves.

Captain Tanggang

 Si Talang and his wife, Si Daruma, lived in a secluded village where they struggled to make ends meet. They had a son named Si Tanggang who had a passion for hunting and rowing canoes. One day, while rowing down the river, he caught the attention of a ship's captain who was impressed by his skills. The captain ordered his men to capture Si Tanggang and bring him aboard the ship.

During the voyage, Si Tanggang worked hard and won the captain's heart, who eventually adopted him as his son. To top it off, the captain even married Si Tanggang to his daughter and appointed him as the new captain, earning him the title of Captain Tanggang.

After a long journey, Captain Tanggang decided to anchor the ship at the mouth of the river, only to realise that it was his original village. It was a twist of fate that brought him back to where it all began.

Some villagers spotted Captain Tanggang and informed his mother. She rushed to see him because she missed him dearly. However, Captain Tanggang was too ashamed to acknowledge that the poor, frail woman was his mother. Nakhoda Tanggang had previously driven her away. 

Si Deruma, his mother, felt heartbroken and resentful that her own son had rejected her. She looked up at the sky, raised her hands, and cried out, "Oh, God! Show Si Tanggang that I am his mother." Suddenly, thunder roared and the wind howled, causing the anchored ship to sway violently in the storm. Captain Tanggang realized that his mother's prayer had been answered. He called out, "Oh, Mother! Forgive your son...." But it was too late. A massive wave crashed into the ship, turning it and the crew, including Si Tanggang, into stone. This was the consequence of a disobedient child.

A Smart Turtle

 Once upon a time, on the beautiful island of Borneo, there was a lonely orphaned tortoise. He found an unlikely friend in a mischievous and careless monkey. When the monkey passed away, the tortoise decided to keep a piece of the monkey's bone and asked Dewa Bubuk to craft a flute for him. The tortoise cherished his new toy flute, carrying it everywhere and playing it whenever he felt lonely. The sweet melody of the turtle's flute caught the attention of King Ungka.

King Ungka desired the flute for himself and tried to trick the tortoise into giving it up. Despite the king's cunning ways, the tortoise sought help from a giant crab to reclaim his beloved flute. In a failed attempt to take back the flute, King Ungka suffered a severe injury from the giant crab's pinch. The king, in his desperation, sought the help of many shamans to heal his wound.

Unfortunately, the injury proved fatal for King Ungka, ultimately leading to his demise. This tragic end was the result of the king's insatiable greed.

Kong Zhi Asked a Little Boy for Guidance.

 Kong Zhi, a renowned writer and thinker from ancient times, found himself in a bit of a pickle one day. He and his disciples were cruising along in a horse-drawn carriage when they came across a mischievous six-year-old boy playing in the middle of the road. Kong Zhi's disciple tried to shoo the boy away, but the little rascal stood his ground.

The boy pointed out that there was a stone city in their path, and suggested they find another way around. Kong Zhi's disciple chuckled at the boy's audacity and demanded he move. But the boy stood firm, challenging them to consider whether the city should yield to their carriage or vice versa.

Intrigued by the boy's wit, Kong Zhi decided to engage with him. He acknowledged the boy's point but explained they were in a hurry. The boy proposed a deal - if Kong Zhi could answer his questions, he would clear a path for them. Kong Zhi, always up for a challenge, agreed to the boy's terms.

The little boy pointed to the sky and asked, "Can we see the stars in the sky? How many stars are there?" Kong Zhi replied, "There are too many stars in the sky. How can we count them?"

The little boy continued, "There are many stars in the sky, but only one sun. In the morning, the sun is large, but in the afternoon, it's small. Do you know when the sun is closest and farthest from us?" Kong Zhi was surprised by the question and thought for a moment before admitting, "I'm sorry, even though I know a lot, I don't know everything. Can you teach me?" The little boy appreciated Kong Zhi's humility and stepped aside.

After that incident, Kong Zhi made it a point to teach his students to be honest about what they knew and not pretend to know things they didn't. He emphasised the importance of seeking guidance from those who had knowledge, as knowledge knows no bounds.

Swallow

Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there was a swallow who had a knack for imitation. One evening, the swallow overheard the other birds crying out, "To the side! To the side! Make way for the King of the Birds." Intrigued, the swallow looked around and saw a group of majestic peacocks strutting by. Mesmerized by their beauty, the swallow couldn't help but feel a desire to be like them.

    Without a second thought, the swallow started collecting the peacock feathers that had fallen to the ground as the flock passed by. After tucking the feathers into its own body, the swallow proudly walked in the path of the peacocks. The other birds, seeing the swallow adorned with the feathers, exclaimed, "To the side! To the side! Make way for the King of Birds!"

    Feeling like a true royal, the swallow strutted along, forgetting all about the borrowed feathers. As it walked, the feathers began to fall off one by one, much to the amusement of the other birds. They couldn't help but laugh and joke, "Looks like the swallow tried to disguise itself as the King of Birds!"

    The swallow was having a blast, zooming around and strutting its stuff so fast that it totally forgot about the peacock feathers stuck to its body. Before it knew it, the feathers were dropping like confetti. The other birds nearby couldn't contain their laughter, teasing the swallow for trying to pass itself off as the King of Birds. Feeling embarrassed, the swallow slunk away with its head hanging low.

    As it shuffled along, the swallow accidentally bumped into a peacock, who was not amused. The peacock scolded the swallow for pretending to be something it wasn't and ordered it to scram. The swallow wasted no time in flying off, feeling dejected.

    While soaring through the sky, the swallow spotted a flock of birds that looked just like him. Excited to make some new pals, the swallow joined the group. One of the birds asked if it was new, and the swallow eagerly replied that it was a fresh face in the crew. It was thrilled to have found some new buddies.

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Saga Sastra Malay Folk Tales Translation Project

Welcome to the Malay Folk Tales Translation Project. This initiative aims to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Malay folklore through accurate and engaging translations. Our team of dedicated translators is committed to ensuring that these timeless stories are accessible to a global audience. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Malay folklore by supporting our project. Together, we can bring these captivating tales to life for generations to come.

Sang Kancil and a Monkey

One sunny morning, Sang Kancil set out in search of some grub. As he wandered, he spotted a juicy guava tree. His mouth watered at the thought of sinking his teeth into those sweet fruits. But, alas, perched atop the tree was a cheeky monkey. Sang Kancil politely asked, "Hey there, Sang Monyet, mind tossing down a guava for me?" The monkey, feeling rather smug, replied, "If you want it, you'll have to climb up and get it yourself!"

    Sang Kancil wasn't about to let the monkey get the best of him. He slyly grabbed a small stick and flung it at the monkey, causing quite a ruckus. Sang Monyet, feeling a bit peeved, plucked some guava seeds and hurled them at Sang Kancil. But our clever little deer was quick on his feet and dodged the seeds with a laugh. "Ha! Ha! Ha!" Sang Kancil chuckled, feeling quite pleased with himself.

    With a mischievous grin, Sang Kancil taunted Sang Monyet, "Looks like you've been outsmarted, my friend!" The monkey fell silent, feeling a bit embarrassed by Sang Kancil's cunning ways. "Well played, Sang Kancil," the monkey muttered under his breath.

    And with that, Sang Kancil happily indulged in the delicious guava fruit, relishing in his victory. The monkey couldn't help but admit to himself, "That Sang Kancil sure knows how to pull a fast one on me." And so, the clever deer and the crafty monkey parted ways, each with a newfound respect for the other's cunning ways.

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Saga Sastra Malay Folk Tales Translation Project

Welcome to the Malay Folk Tales Translation Project. This initiative aims to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Malay folklore through accurate and engaging translations. Our team of dedicated translators is committed to ensuring that these timeless stories are accessible to a global audience. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Malay folklore by supporting our project. Together, we can bring these captivating tales to life for generations to come.

A Lion and a Mouse.

Once upon a time in a forest, a lion was peacefully napping. Nearby, a mouse was happily chasing a butterfly. The mouse's playful antics disturbed the king of the jungle, making him very angry and ready to pounce on the tiny creature. The mouse, sensing danger, tried to run away. But then, out of nowhere, a rat spoke up and said, "If you let me go, I will always remember your kindness for the rest of my days." Surprisingly, the lion agreed and set the mouse free.

    A few days later, the lion found itself trapped in a hunter's snare, roaring in distress. The mouse, remembering the lion's act of mercy, came to the rescue and gnawed through the net, setting the lion free. Grateful for the mouse's help, the lion said, "If you hadn't come to my aid, I would have been done for. From now on, we're pals." And so, the lion and the mouse became unlikely friends, proving that keeping promises is important in any relationship.

    The moral of the story? Always remember to keep your word, no matter how big or small the promise may be.

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Saga Sastra Malay Folk Tales Translation Project

Welcome to the Malay Folk Tales Translation Project. This initiative aims to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Malay folklore through accurate and engaging translations. Our team of dedicated translators is committed to ensuring that these timeless stories are accessible to a global audience. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Malay folklore by supporting our project. Together, we can bring these captivating tales to life for generations to come.

A Magpie and a Bulbul

One day, a magpie (Sang Murai) crossed paths with a bulbul (Sang Merbah). Sang Merbah was busy building her nest at the time. Sang Murai chuckled and said, "Hey Sang Merbah! I feel bad seeing you work so hard. I get to fly around freely while you're stuck sweating it out." Sang Merbah replied, "It's all good, Sang Murai. I'm just preparing for the upcoming rainy season."

    A few days later, Sang Murai visited Sang Merbah again. To his surprise, Sang Merbah had already built a beautiful nest. It started pouring rain, and Sang Murai got soaked while Sang Merbah stayed dry in her cosy nest. Sang Merbah then said, "See, Sang Murai? Being prepared pays off. If we're light on our feet, we'll reap the rewards. But if we're careless, we'll suffer the consequences."

    Feeling embarrassed, Sang Murai left. The moral of the story is to never underestimate someone else's abilities.

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Saga Sastra Malay Folk Tales Translation Project

Welcome to the Malay Folk Tales Translation Project. This initiative aims to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Malay folklore through accurate and engaging translations. Our team of dedicated translators is committed to ensuring that these timeless stories are accessible to a global audience. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Malay folklore by supporting our project. Together, we can bring these captivating tales to life for generations to come.

Mat Jenin : The Daydreamer

Translated by: Khidir M. Yazir

This is the tale of a young orphan named Mat Jenin. He resided alone in a humble village shack that once belonged to his parents. The dwelling was in a state of disrepair, with slanted walls and a leaky roof that allowed rain to seep in during heavy storms. Despite the poor condition of his home, Mat Jenin showed little concern, as he lacked the motivation to work or make any improvements. His days were spent in idle daydreams, earning him a reputation in the community for his lazy habits.

    When hunger struck, Mat Jenin would frequent the local restaurant, hoping for a kind soul to offer him a meal. Those who encountered him would often scold him for his lack of ambition and inquire about his latest fantasies. Mat Jenin would eagerly share his wishes, never hesitating to ask for food or other favours. He would spin tales for hours on end, oblivious to the passing of time.

    As night fell and the animals returned to their shelters, Mat Jenin would retreat to his dilapidated hut to sleep. Unconcerned by the howling wind or the creaking of his fragile abode, he would simply pull his blanket tighter around himself and drift off into dreams. He believed that if his hut were to collapse, his neighbours would come to his aid and help him build a new home, relieving him of the burden of repairing his current dwelling.

    This is the daily routine of Mat Jenin. If he couldn't find someone to cover his meals, he would seek out employment. However, he was selective about the work he took on. Mat Jenin avoided labouring in the scorching heat of the rice fields or enduring seasickness while fishing. Instead, he preferred to climb coconut trees, finding solace in the shade and breeze. Despite his preference for this work, Mat Jenin only accepted payment for coconut climbing when he needed money for shopping.

    One unfortunate day, Mat Jenin found himself without anyone to cover his expenses. Desperate for work, he searched for someone in need of his coconut climbing services. To his dismay, he encountered no takers that day, leaving him hungry and aimless in the village. As he pondered his next move, he noticed an elderly woman gazing up at the coconuts.

    "Would you like a coconut? I can assist you in retrieving one," Mat Jenin offered. The old woman turned to face him and confirmed her desire for coconuts to cook with. Mat Jenin inquired about compensation for his assistance.

    The elderly woman replied, "I have little to offer, but if you gather coconuts for me, you are welcome to share a meal with me. Additionally, I can provide some chicken eggs for you too."

    "What shall I do with this chicken egg?" pondered Mat Jenin. The old woman replied, "If you incubate the egg, it will hatch and you can keep the chicken." Mat Jenin contemplated the idea of raising the chicken to sell once it hatched.

    "I am willing to climb the coconut tree for you," Mat Jenin offered. As he began his ascent, he reflected on the old woman's words and felt a sense of joy in his heart. The thought of hatching the eggs, raising the chickens, and eventually consuming them crossed his mind.

    As he climbed higher, Mat Jenin considered the potential benefits of allowing the chickens to lay eggs and multiplying his flock. However, he realized that managing a large number of chickens would be challenging. He decided that exchanging some of the chickens for goats would be a more practical solution. This way, he could have goats roam around his hut to forage for food, alleviating the burden of caring for the chickens.

    After contemplating his thoughts, he turned to the elderly woman and asked, "If I were to sell the chickens, could I acquire a goat?" The elderly woman, amused by Mat Jenins' words, replied, "Indeed, child." Mat Jenin ascended higher and higher, envisioning a future where he could trade his goats for cows, as cows are more substantial and yield more meat. With this wealth, he believed he would gain respect and admiration from others.

    As he gazed down at the elderly woman, he shouted, "Would it be more advantageous to exchange the goat for a cow?" The elderly woman, still smiling with her toothless grin, affirmed, "Yes, indeed." Mat Jenin, now far above the coconut tree, remained unaware of the elderly woman's amusement.

    His dreams continued to expand as he imagined amassing a herd of cows and hiring individuals to care for them, allowing him to accumulate more wealth without exerting himself. He fantasised about eventually transitioning to buffalo farming, which would further increase his riches. Once again, he called down to the elderly woman, proposing the idea of trading cows for buffaloes to enhance his wealth. The elderly woman, with a knowing smile, reassured him, "Yes, that is correct. With wealth, you can get married and later establish a family."

    Mat Jenin nodded confidently as he continued to climb higher and higher, leaving the old woman below. He envisioned a future where his current poverty would be a thing of the past, and women who once ignored him would now be vying for his attention once he became wealthy. However, he made it clear that he would not be easily swayed by just any woman. He had his sights set on someone special - the king's princess.

    "I will marry the king's princess!" He proclaimed loudly, but the old woman could not hear it as he was up high. Mat Jenin allowed himself to dream of a future filled with children and a wife who desired gold jewellery, but he made it clear that he would not give in to such materialistic demands. In a moment of whimsy, he even pretended to slap a coconut frond, warning his imaginary wife not to ask for jewellery.

    However, his daydreaming led to a tragic end. Startled by a squirrel, Mat Jenin lost his grip on the tree and fell to his death. The old woman, witnessing the fall, rushed to his aid but it was too late. And so, the tale of Mat Jenin, a man consumed by his own fantasies, came to a tragic close. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of losing touch with reality.

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Saga Sastra Malay Folk Tales Translation Project

Welcome to the Malay Folk Tales Translation Project. This initiative aims to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of Malay folklore through accurate and engaging translations. Our team of dedicated translators is committed to ensuring that these timeless stories are accessible to a global audience. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of Malay folklore by supporting our project. Together, we can bring these captivating tales to life for generations to come.