The Legend of Toba Lake - A Folklore from Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Summary

This mythical tale follows Patara Guru Sahala, a fisherman who catches a talking fish that transforms into a beautiful woman after being set free. They marry, but he breaks his promise to keep their secret, leading to his wife’s anger. The Earth shakes, and a massive hole forms, believed to be the creation of Lake Toba. This legend offers an intriguing explanation for the lake’s origin, blending love, betrayal, and the supernatural.

Takeaways

• 😀 A handsome man named Patara Guru Sahala loved fishing.
• 😀 One day, Patara Guru caught a fish that could talk.
• 😀 The fish asked Patara Guru to set it free, promising a reward in return.
• 😀 Patara Guru, feeling respect for the fish, released it back into the water.
• 😀 The fish transformed into a beautiful woman as soon as it was freed.
• 😀 Patara Guru fell in love with the woman, and they married.
• 😀 The woman asked Patara Guru to keep their secret, and he promised never to reveal it.
• 😀 One day, Patara Guru became angry and accidentally broke his promise by revealing their secret.
• 😀 The woman’s mother became enraged upon hearing the secret and shouted angrily.
• 😀 The earth shook, and a massive hole formed, which later became known as Lake Toba.

Q & A

Who is Patara Guru Sahala?

Patara Guru Sahala is a handsome man who enjoys fishing, and he is the main character in the story.

What happens when Patara Guru Sahala catches a fish?

When Patara Guru Sahala catches a fish, he discovers that the fish can talk and asks for its freedom.

What request does the fish make to Patara Guru Sahala?

The fish requests Patara Guru Sahala to set it free, and it promises to reward him for his kindness.

What transformation occurs after the fish is set free?

Once the fish is set free, it transforms into a very beautiful woman.

What relationship develops between Patara Guru Sahala and the woman?

Patara Guru Sahala falls in love with the woman, and they get married.

What condition does the woman set for their marriage?

The woman asks Patara Guru Sahala to keep their marriage a secret, which he agrees to and promises never to reveal.

What causes Patara Guru Sahala to break his promise?

Patara Guru Sahala becomes very angry with his doctor and, in a fit of rage, reveals the secret about his marriage.

How does the mother of the woman react to Patara Guru Sahala breaking his promise?

The woman’s mother becomes very angry and shouts angrily at Patara Guru Sahala for breaking his promise.

What natural phenomenon occurs after Patara Guru Sahala breaks his promise?

After Patara Guru Sahala breaks his promise, the Earth begins to shake, and a large hole forms, which people believe eventually became Toba Lake.

What is Toba Lake believed to be, according to the story?

According to the story, Toba Lake is believed to have formed as a result of the large hole created when Patara Guru Sahala broke his promise.