The Origin of Lake Toba
( Sumatra )
In North Sumatra there is a lake which is said to be the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and one of the deepest in the world. It lies 900 metres above sea-level and is surrounded by pine-covered beaches, high cliff, and steep mountain slopes. This famous lake is called Lake Toba, the birthplace of the Batak people. Here is the story which tells how the lake was formed.
A long time ago, there was a fisherman called Batara Guru Sahala. Day Continue reading
The Tiger People
(A tale from Sumatra)
In the dark green forests of Sumatra there used to be many tigers. The villagers were frightened of these big cats which, from time to time, stole away their cattle. When they spoke about a tiger, the villagers would never call the animal by its real name. They respectfully called the tiger “Master” or “Grandfather”. They thought the tiger could understand the human language and that they would feel insulted if weak Continue reading
Once upon a time there were two brothers. One of them was very poor and lived in a small house with his wife and son. The other, who was unmarried, was very rich and lived in a large house.
The rich brother never did anything to help his less fortunate brother. He was much too busy showing off to his rich friends to have any time for his poor brother and his family. In fact, he was rather ashamed of him.
Naturally, the poor brother was very surprised when one day he received an Continue reading
When he arrived at the crater of Mount Sawal, Munding Depa met a witch. Her face was very ugly and horrible. Her hair hung down covering a part of her wrinkled face. Her canine teeth appeared from her wide mouth.
The witch embraced Munding Depa and said, “My beloved husband, don’t you recognize me? I am Puteri Dewi Ngalima, your wife.”
Munding Depa angrily cried, “You’re villain. My wife is not as bad as you. Don’t try to deceive Continue reading
At last the king of Rangga Gading who was in confused condition, just found a way. Therefore he said to Munding Depa, “My son the Prince of Pajajaran. Please sit down by me, but forgive me because the throne is an unusual one, only a big stone.”
The leader of Pajajaran’s delegation heard it, so he quickly whispered to Munding Depa, “My Lord, do not sit on the throne because it would cause disaster.”
Then Munding Depa spoke to the King, “His Continue reading
On the west side of Priangan, bordered on the Kingdom of Sunda Kalapa, there was a big kingdom called Pajajaran, The king of Pajajaran was recognized as a magically powerful and heroic. The people were great in number, and the soldiers were experienced in the battle fields. So Pajajaran was feared by the surrounding small countries.
The King had a son named Munding Depa. He was a handsome young man and was educated in was knowledge, politics and convention knowledge.
As a prince Continue reading
In the north coast of West Java there was a big kingdom called Kesultanan Cirebon. Its Capital was located at the Coast of Java Sea, and its port was lively. Through this port, the agricultural and home industry products were shipped to Banten, Aceh, Malaka, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Maluku even to the foreign countries like China and Madagascar. On the contrary many luxury goods were imported from neighboring lands and from abroad. That is why Kesultanan Cirebon was well-known everywhere, Continue reading
Formerly in the beautiful Priangan area, not far from the slope of Mount Sawal, there was a kingdom called Rangga Gading. The kingdom was not very big. But life there was pleasant, because the soil was fertile and prosperous. The king of Rangga Gading governed the kingdom so honestly and wisely, that the people loved him. Everyone loved and honored His Majesty, because the king paid attention to his people, and liked to help them; the rich, the poor, the old or the young, the male or the Continue reading
It was six o’clock. I was tired. It was time to go home. I didn’t like my homework in the shop. I often had headaches and my feet were always tired.
The streets were hot and busy. Everyone was going home. Their faces looked sad.
I passed a flower shop. It was dark and quiet. The flowers smelled sweet and their leaves were wet. I stopped. I looked in my purse. I had a little money. I went into the shop and bought a bunch of flowers.
At home, I put the flowers Continue reading
It was spring-spring in the circus! Everyone was singing. Everyone was happy. Happiest of all Mrs. Jumbo, for in her stall in the circus train was a chubby, brand-new baby elephant. Though the other animals called the baby Dumbo, his mother loved him dearly. Even though his ears were big.
“All aboard!” shouted the ringmaster.
After a long winter’s rest, it was time to set out again on the open road.
“Toot! Toot!” whistled Casey Jones, the Continue reading
