Indonesian Folk Tales

FOLK TALES ' *-jfi . V PN BALAI PUSTAKA BIBLIOTHEEK KITLV 0083 8183 10306^391 INDONESIAN FOLK TALES c C Jll INDONESIAN FOLK TALES ^uïws^N VOC* # ^ % ^JÀ/D- EM V C A g j ^ v D PN BALAI PUSTAKA % j ^ Jakarta 1981 -iJ -7 7 bo rc)Sz. BALAI PUSTAKA STATE PUBLISHING AND PRINTING HOUSE BP No. 2993 All rights reserved First published in 1981 Cover design by Budiono Publisher's Note Indonesia is a country with a variety of cultures. Each region of the country shows its characteristic traditional forms, whether in art, dance, theatre, architecture or literature. In this collection of Indonesian folk tales we have translated stories typical of different cultural areas in Indonesia. In this edition we have chosen tales from the regions of West Java, Aceh and Bali. Most were originally transmitted orally from generation to generation, told and re-told by different narrators. One exception is the story of Saijah and Adinda. Supposedly based on an actual historical occurrence, this version derives from a tale incorporated in the novel Max Havelaar by Multatuli. Although originating from a written text, it nevertheless has become virtually a folk tale, due to its popularity. The West Javanese tales were put into written form by Haksan Wirasutisna and the Acehnese ones by M.J. Melalatoa. They show the individual styles of the respective writers, and as such can be enjoyed for their own narrative qualities. The story of Calon Arang, still popular in Bali, is loosely based on historical events in Java towards the end of the reign of King Erlangga (1019 - 1042). This story was originally recorded on a /oH/ar-leaf manuscript in Old Javanese, and was first translated by the late Prof. Dr. Poerbatjaraka. The simple narrative style of the original is maintained in this editon. For this publication in English the publisher wants to thank Mr. Innosanto Nagara, Ms. Krishna and Mr. David T. Hill for their commendable translations. Contents WEST JAVA Princess Sumur Bandung Saijah and Adinda 11 19 ACEH Genali Aman Jempret Malim Dewa 31 50 68 BALI Calon Arang 81 WEST JAVA Princess Sumur Bandung Saijah and Adinda by Haksan Wirasutisna Translated by Innosanto Nagara Princess Sumur Bandung Once upon a time there was a kingdom called Kutawaringin. They say it was a great kingdom: the soil was fertile and the fields productive. Kutawaringin was a prosperous and happy kingdom. But in this world nothing lasts forever. Day becomes night, the dry season becomes the rainy season, people are born and die, kings rise and fall. So it was with the Kingdom of Kutawaringin. When our story begins, the king on the throne was King Munding Kaling Puspa Mantri. He was famous everywhere, because he was not only strong and brave, but wise and just as well. In war he was always on the front lines to lead and encourage his armies with his words and deeds. He treated generals and ordinary soldiers just the same: he praised and rewarded those who did well; those who made mistakes had to take the responsibility, and were punished if they were proved to be wrong. So he was loved by all his people, who looked on him as the father of the common people. But there has never yet been a perfect creature on this earth. The brave, wise, and praiseworthy Munding Kaling Puspa Mantri had as his consort Queen Nimbang