Asal Usul Trenggalek | Cerita Rakyat Jawa Timur | Kisah Nusantara

Summary

This is the tale of Raden Ayu Saraswati, a princess cursed with a foul odor, and the mysterious events surrounding her healing and the fate of her son, Menak Sopal. After being sent to the Padepokan Sinawang for treatment, Saraswati is cured by the magical powers of Sraba, a young man who later becomes her husband. Their son, Menak Sopal, grows up to become a wise and powerful figure, helping his village by building a dam and confronting a dangerous white crocodile. Through sacrifice, loyalty, and supernatural transformation, the region eventually becomes known as Trenggalek.

Takeaways

• 😀 Raden Ayu Saraswati, the only daughter of the king of Majapahit, suffers from a mysterious illness that causes her body to emit a foul odor.
• 😀 Despite many attempts by royal healers, no one can cure the princess's condition.
• 😀 The king, in desperation, decides to send his daughter to the Padepokan Sinawang, hoping it will help her recover.
• 😀 At Padepokan Sinawang, Raden Ayu is given the nickname 'Rara Amis' by the students due to the intense stench emanating from her.
• 😀 A young man named Sraba, who is secretly a white crocodile, promises to cure Raden Ayu in exchange for her hand in marriage.
• 😀 Sraba successfully heals the princess, causing the foul odor to disappear, and they get married.
• 😀 Raden Ayu and Sraba have a son, Menak Sopal, who grows up to be wise and learns many teachings from Ki Ageng Sinawang.
• 😀 Menak Sopal inherits the supernatural ability of 'malih rupo,' allowing him to transform into a giant tiger.
• 😀 When the village faces a water shortage, Menak Sopal builds a dam to prevent further disputes over water access.
• 😀 A white crocodile sabotages the dam construction, demanding the head of a white elephant in exchange for its cooperation.
• 😀 Menak Sopal borrows a white elephant from Mbok Rondo Krandon, sacrifices it, and gives its head to the crocodile to ensure the dam remains intact.
• 😀 After the dam is successfully completed, the villagers initially misunderstand Menak Sopal’s actions, but he is eventually forgiven by Mbok Rondo Krandon.
• 😀 The name 'Trenggalek' is derived from the phrase 'teranging penggalih,' symbolizing a clear and open heart, marking the village's newfound peace.

Q & A

What is the cause of Princess Raden Ayu Saraswati's strange illness?

Princess Raden Ayu Saraswati suffers from a mysterious illness that causes her body to emit a strong, foul, fishy odor. No healer is able to cure it, and the scent becomes unbearable for those around her.

Why does the king send his daughter to Padepokan Sinawang?

The king sends Princess Raden Ayu Saraswati to Padepokan Sinawang in the hope that Ki Ageng Sinawang and his disciples will be able to cure her mysterious illness, as all the royal healers have failed.

What is the significance of the name 'Rara Amis' given to the princess?

The princess is given the name 'Rara Amis' by the disciples of Padepokan Sinawang due to the overwhelming stench that emanates from her body. The name 'Rara' suggests nobility, and 'Amis' refers to the foul, fishy odor.

How does the young man Sraba help cure Raden Ayu Saraswati?

Sraba, a mysterious young man, uses his magical powers to cleanse Raden Ayu Saraswati. He submerges his hands in the river, causing it to bubble and stir. The water becomes cool and refreshing, and the foul smell from the princess vanishes, curing her illness.

What revelation does Sraba make about his true identity?

Sraba reveals that he is not an ordinary human but a magical being—he is the white crocodile who rules the Bagong River. He also shares a prophecy about their child, urging the princess to name their son 'Menak Sopal' if it is a boy.

What happens to Raden Ayu Saraswati after she disobeys Sraba's instructions?

Raden Ayu disobeys Sraba's instructions by retrieving laundry before dusk and entering his sacred meditation space. As a result, Sraba transforms back into his true form, a giant white crocodile, revealing that she has broken his trust and explaining that their son will be extraordinary.

What extraordinary abilities does Menak Sopal possess as he grows up?

Menak Sopal possesses incredible abilities, including the rapid mastery of all the teachings from Ki Ageng Sinawang. He also inherits his father’s power of shape-shifting and can transform into a giant tiger, which is a reflection of his supernatural heritage.

How does Menak Sopal address the water shortage in the village?

Menak Sopal decides to build a dam to resolve the water shortage in the village. However, despite his best efforts, the dam keeps collapsing every night. He discovers that a giant white crocodile is sabotaging the dam, demanding the head of a white elephant in exchange for stopping the destruction.

How does Menak Sopal fulfill the crocodile's demand?

Menak Sopal seeks out Mbok Rondo Krandon, the only person who owns a white elephant. After convincing her, he borrows the elephant and sacrifices it, throwing its head into the Bagong River to fulfill the crocodile’s demand. This action ensures the crocodile stops sabotaging the dam.

What is the reaction of Mbok Rondo Krandon when she learns the fate of her white elephant?

Mbok Rondo Krandon is initially furious upon learning that Menak Sopal has sacrificed her white elephant. However, after hearing the explanation that the sacrifice was made to help the village and ensure the success of the dam, she forgives Menak Sopal, understanding the greater good behind his actions.