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Sarawak Folktales: Bidayuh, Iban, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu
Folk tales are mirrors of a people's soul, distilling the wisdom of many generations.
Many of the old tales warn the listeners to be respectful of the unseen world around them in the jungle. Mock a spirit, or an animal -- disaster will follow! Disobey farming taboos -- risk a bad harvest, and famine! neglect the poor and helpless members of your society - the good spirits will avenge these victims!
History is preserved in folk tales. Did the hero Datu Merpati really sail his boat overland from Sambas to Santubong? Was Tugau able to wield a sword when he was newly born? Could Keling fight three sets of wicked giants in one day? Old stories re-tell those feats to impress courage and adventure in the minds of young listeners.
A lot of folk tales are fables. Farcical tales of a stupid hero like Apai Saloi are pure entertainment, some of the earthy kind. they raise a merry laugh among the audience sitting around flickering lamps in the longhouse verandah.
Many of the old tales warn the listeners to be respectful of the unseen world around them in the jungle. Mock a spirit, or an animal -- disaster will follow! Disobey farming taboos -- risk a bad harvest, and famine! neglect the poor and helpless members of your society - the good spirits will avenge these victims!
History is preserved in folk tales. Did the hero Datu Merpati really sail his boat overland from Sambas to Santubong? Was Tugau able to wield a sword when he was newly born? Could Keling fight three sets of wicked giants in one day? Old stories re-tell those feats to impress courage and adventure in the minds of young listeners.
A lot of folk tales are fables. Farcical tales of a stupid hero like Apai Saloi are pure entertainment, some of the earthy kind. they raise a merry laugh among the audience sitting around flickering lamps in the longhouse verandah.
256 pages
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 9, 2023
As an individual with Indonesian heritage, I grew up hearing various folklore that was unique to my upbringing. These tales included Bujang Nadi & Dare Nandong, orang Kebenaran in Paloh, and the story of Raja Sambas' disappearance when the Japanese captured him. While I was exposed to folklore from my parents, I was not familiar with the legends of other regions.
Although my friends, who were native Sarawakians, attempted to share their local legends with me, it was not as profound as the stories I learned from my parents. However, I was fortunate enough to come across a book called Heidi that elaborated on the five major groups of Sarawak and their legends. The author mentioned that legends are reflections of a people's soul, and I couldn't agree more.
What makes the legends even more fascinating is that they are localized, each region and dialect possessing its unique tales and beliefs, including neighboring countries like Brunei and Indonesia(Kalimantan). While the Melayu Sambas, Brunei, and Melayu Sarawak may share similar cultural practices, the stories told are unique to each region.
I am excited to purchase more books from Heidi and hope that they continue to produce more stories like these, allowing people like myself to enjoy and appreciate the rich diversity of cultural legends. Perhaps with this newfound knowledge, I can even delve deeper into these stories and learn more from my friends.
Faizul Hadiman
Although my friends, who were native Sarawakians, attempted to share their local legends with me, it was not as profound as the stories I learned from my parents. However, I was fortunate enough to come across a book called Heidi that elaborated on the five major groups of Sarawak and their legends. The author mentioned that legends are reflections of a people's soul, and I couldn't agree more.
What makes the legends even more fascinating is that they are localized, each region and dialect possessing its unique tales and beliefs, including neighboring countries like Brunei and Indonesia(Kalimantan). While the Melayu Sambas, Brunei, and Melayu Sarawak may share similar cultural practices, the stories told are unique to each region.
I am excited to purchase more books from Heidi and hope that they continue to produce more stories like these, allowing people like myself to enjoy and appreciate the rich diversity of cultural legends. Perhaps with this newfound knowledge, I can even delve deeper into these stories and learn more from my friends.
Faizul Hadiman
May 20, 2026
Wonderful short stories that give an insight intk the different people of Sarawak. I especially enjoye spiritual and mythical aspects of the stories as remnants from the time before the large monotheistic religions reached South East Asia. That is still a strong part of local lore and culture.
As a native English speaker, the book can sometimes read as translated word by word from Malay. However, as a native Indonesian speaker, the gist of it was understandable. This can be a slight hindrance in reading flow at times.
As a native English speaker, the book can sometimes read as translated word by word from Malay. However, as a native Indonesian speaker, the gist of it was understandable. This can be a slight hindrance in reading flow at times.
March 31, 2021
A great collection of short stories from around Sarawak and beyond - including Java, Sambas, Sumatra, Sabah and Brunei. A great read especially for Sarawakians who would like to get to know their fellow countrymen better by learning about their cultures and superstitions and how these things came about through these well-written folktales. Some stories were funny, some were poignant but each one carries a good lesson.
October 15, 2023
Started reading back, and I chose this as the first book. Light, and simple. Probably the best folktales I've read so far, and this makes me want to travel to the places said in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
I just finished reading "Sarawak Folklore" by Heidi Munan. I read it for research. I wanted to know what creatures and monsters of folklore were there in Sarawak. There are some terrific ones mentioned here and also the classic tales of Sang Kancil, AKA the mousedeer, a very popular folktale in South East Asia. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews