The Legend of the Origins of the Silver Catfish
The Legend of the Origins of the Silver Catfish originated from Riau which is one of the provinces located in Indonesia, specifically in the center of Sumatra island. This folklore was inspired by the Malay ethnic group that comprises 33.20% of the entire Riau population (based on the 2010 census).[1]
Synopsis[edit]
Once upon a time, in the Land of Melayu[2], there lived a handsome and wealthy young man named Awangku Usop. When he was walking to a location, he passed the home of a lovely lady named Dayang Kumunah, who was drying her clothes at the time. Awangku Usop fell in love with Dayang Kumunah right away and planned to marry her. Awangku Usop went to Dayang Kumunah's home after the incident to propose to her. Dayang Kumunah was also willing to accept Awangku Usop's proposal, but there were some conditions that Awangku Usop had to meet if he wanted to marry her.
Story[edit]
.svg)
Once upon a time, in the Land of Melayu, there lived an old fisherman called Awang Gading. By the broad and clear river banks, he lived alone. Even so, living alone has not discouraged Awang Gading, still is cheerful in his everyday routines because he is thankful for the blessings God has gifted him. He goes fishing by the river every day and looks for wood in the forest.
On one afternoon, Awang Gading was fishing by the river after finding some woods in the forest. "I hope I catch a big fish today," he told himself. After tossing the line into the river, he kept himself entertained by singing softly. Not long after, the bait tugged by the fish, he carefully lifted the rod. The fish, however, managed to escape. Awang Gading, not giving up, put in a fresh bait and waited for the fish to eat it. Soon after, the hook jerked again, he noticed it was a fish tugging on it, but when he slowly lifted the bait, the fish escaped again. And it happened several times.
(“Air pasang telan ke insang
Air surut telan ke perut
Renggutlah…!
Biar putus jangan rabut,”)
Awang Gading muttered as he threw his fishing line into the river.
The sun has begun to set, indicating the beginning of the night. On the other hand, Awang Gading was unable to catch any fish. "As it turns out, I had no luck today," murmured Awang Gading. He was soon rushing back to his home. However, Awang Gading was just a few steps away when he heard the sound of a baby crying. He was terrified, but he continued to search for the source of the voice. Soon after, he discovered a baby girl placed on a rock with no covering beneath her. The baby girl seems to have just been born by her mother. "It's a pity this baby is all alone by the river," Awang Gading murmured. Awang Gading decided to bring the baby to his house out of sympathy.
And that night, Awang Gading also brought the baby to the village elder's house. “Awang Gading, the king of the river dwellers has entrusted you with his child. Be happy and treat her well,” the village elder said. “Thank you, Elder! I'll look after this baby, and hopefully, she'll grow up to be a bright child with a strong character,” Awang Gading replied.
The next day, Awang Gading hosted a party in honor of the baby girl. He invited all of his neighbors. He named the baby girl Dayang Kumunah. Awang Gading cuddled the baby after the event was over. "Dear Dayang, my only child, grow up quickly and become the perfect daughter," he said.
Dayang Kumunah's presence meant a lot to Awang Gading, so he became more involved in his work and focused solely on Dayang. Awang Gading also presented Dayang Kumunah with various knowledge and manners. Every day, Awang Gading took Dayang Kumunah to the river and searched the forest for wood to introduce her to the natural environment.
As time passed, Dayang Kumunah developed into a lovely young lady with a noble character. In any situation, Dayang is always willing to assist his father. But unfortunately, Dayang had never once laughed.
One day when Dayang was drying clothes, there was a handsome young man who passed Dayang's house. Even so, the man fell in love with Dayang immediately and planned to propose to her. Awangku Usop was his name.
After not waiting long, Awangku Usop went to Dayang's house and proposed to her a few days after the incident.
"Excuse me, sir, my name is Awangku Usop, and I'm from a nearby village." Introducing himself, Awangku Usop said.
"What's the matter, Awangku Usop?" Awang Gading inquired.
"Sir, I've come to propose to your daughter." Awangku Usop stated.
After hearing those words, Awang Gading did not respond right away. He first asks his daughter. "Dayang, my child, what do you think of Usop's proposal?”. And Dayang Kumunah replied, “Usop, I come from two different worlds. I come from the river and have other habits that are different from other humans. I am willing to accept Usop's proposal, but on one condition, that you never ask me to laugh. " And Awangku Usop also answered firmly, "Okay, I will fulfill these requirements."
A week later they were married. The wedding was lively, all neighbors and relatives were invited. The guests were also delighted to see the bride, the beautiful Dayang Kumunah side by side with Awangku Usop, a very handsome groom. The bride and groom were very happy with their marriage, loving and caring for each other.
Their happiness, however, did not last long, as Dayang Kumunah's father, Awang Gading, died a few weeks after their wedding ceremony due to a serious illness. Awang Gading was like a real father to Dayang Kumunah, he raised her with great affection, and the various knowledge he gave her made her love his "father" wholeheartedly. For months, Dayang Kumunah was shrouded in sadness until Dayang Kumunah gave birth to five children, the sadness gradually disappeared. Not long after, she began to live happily again with her husband and her five children.
However, what does it mean to be happy as a family if the husband never sees his wife laugh? Indeed, Awangku Usop has never asked Dayang Kumunah to laugh since the beginning of their marriage until now. Though, when the youngest child was learning to walk one afternoon, and the entire family gathered to witness the youngest's humorous behavior, everyone but Dayang Kumunah laughed. Awangku Usop also asked Dayang Kumunah to laugh, but she refused. The husband, however, persisted in urging his wife to laugh until gills protruded from Dayang Kumunah's mouth when she did. And when Dayang Kumunah realized what had happened, she rushed to the river, leaving Awangku Usop and her five children, as well as her entire family, confused.
Instantly, Awangku Usop and their children followed Dayang Kumunah. When they got to the river, they saw that Dayang Kumunah had transformed into a fish and jumped into the water. Awangku Usop realized that he had disobeyed the conditions given by his wife. He said, "I'm sorry, my wife, I'm so sorry I broke my promise. Come back home, my wife!” But it was too late; Dayang Kumunah had jumped into the river and transformed into a fish with a beautiful body shape and shiny skin free of scales. Its face resembled a human face, and its tail resembled a pair of crossed human legs. It's known as a silver catfish.
But before diving into the water, Dayang Kumunah gave a message to Awangku Usop. "Usop, take good care of our children."
When Awangku Usop and his five children saw their beloved Dayang Kumunah transform into a fish, they were heartbroken. Therefore they promised to never eat silver catfish because it was considered their family. And that's why some Malay people don't eat silver catfish.
Characters[edit]
Figures in the legend of the origin of catfish
Awang Gading
Awang Gading is one of the supporting figures who first appeared in the Legend of the Origin of Silver Catfish. He is a man who has a positive and fun personality. From this legend, Awang Gading is described as a hard worker who was active in his daily work such as fishing and looking for wood. Indirectly, his job has made Awang Gading become a person who loves nature. Not only that, but he is also a loving figure who always cares for others, especially Dayang Kumunah, his daughter.
Dayang Kumunah
Dayang Kumunah is the main character in the Legend of the Origin of Silver Catfish. She is a daughter who was adopted by Awang Gading. From this legend, Dayang Kumunah is described as a beautiful woman who is very virtuous to her father and has good behavior. He has the same traits as his father, namely active and diligence in helping his father do his daily work.
Awangku Usop
Awangku Usop is one of the supporting figures in the Legend of the Origin of Silver Catfish. He was a handsome man who proposed and married Dayang Kumunah. Awangku Usop is someone who cares and is serious about maintaining the happiness of their family. However, Awangku Usop is also a careless person because he had forgotten and broke his promise with Dayang Kumunah. Even so, He remains the person who takes responsibility and admits the mistakes he has made.
Tetua
Elders are one of the supporting figures in the Legend of the Origin of Silver Catfish. They are traditional leaders in the village where Awang Gading lives. They advised Awang Gading to take good care of the daughter of the river king, Dayang Kumunah. And Awang Gading also took care of the princess of the river with great affection.
Moral of The Story[edit]
The legend of the origin of catfish tells readers that keeping promises is very important, otherwise something bad will happen.
Reference[edit]
- ↑ Leoni, Tessa Dwi; Indrayatti, Wahyu (2017). "MUATAN KEARIFAN LOKAL DALAM CERITA RAKYAT KEPULAUAN RIAU". Jurnal Kiprah. 5 (2): 61–80. doi:10.31629/kiprah.v5i2.308. ISSN 2580-6947.
- ↑ ", Riau - Indonesia". ceritarakyatnusantara.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
This article "The Legend of the Origins of the Silver Catfish" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:The Legend of the Origins of the Silver Catfish. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
