Ayo Dongeng - I Tui Tuing dari Sulawesi Barat

Summary

A heartwarming folk tale from Mandar about a childless couple who pray for a son, even humorously asking for a son resembling a flying fish. Their prayers are answered when their son, I Tui Tuing, is born with fish-like features. Despite his unusual appearance, I Tui Tuing grows up to be intelligent, hardworking, and loving. When he asks for a wife, his parents search tirelessly and find Siti Rukiah, who is initially shunned due to her looks. After marrying, both I Tui Tuing and Siti Rukiah undergo a miraculous transformation, revealing the importance of inner beauty and the unpredictability of love and fate.

Takeaways

• 😀 A couple in Mandar, despite being poor, is happy and devoted to each other, but they are unable to have children.
• 😀 They pray to God, asking for a son, even humorously adding that they would accept a son who resembles a 'tuing-tuing' (flying fish).
• 😀 Miraculously, the wife becomes pregnant, and the husband works harder, catching flying fish to sell, saving money for baby supplies.
• 😀 When the wife reaches seven months of pregnancy, they prepare a traditional Mandar celebration with round-shaped cakes, symbolizing their wish for a son.
• 😀 Two months later, the child is born, but to their surprise, he resembles a flying fish, with scaly skin, just like they had prayed for.
• 😀 They name their son I Tui Tuing, meaning 'the flying fish,' and raise him with love, despite his unusual appearance.
• 😀 I Tui Tuing grows up to be smart, hardworking, and helps his parents both at home and in fishing.
• 😀 As he matures, I Tui Tuing asks his mother to find him a wife, despite challenges due to his appearance.
• 😀 His parents go door-to-door in search of a match for him, facing rejection, but finally, the wealthy landowner’s family with six daughters offers a chance.
• 😀 Siti Rukiah, the youngest daughter, despite being considered 'unattractive' by her sisters, agrees to marry I Tui Tuing, leading to a happy marriage and surprising transformations where both I Tui Tuing and Siti Rukiah become handsome and beautiful after marriage.
• 😀 The story teaches the moral lesson that one should not judge others based on appearance, as true beauty is revealed through actions and inner qualities.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the story?

The main theme of the story is the importance of not judging others based on their appearance. It highlights how love, faith, and patience can bring about transformation, both physically and emotionally.

Why did the couple pray for a son in their specific way?

The couple prayed for a son, but in a humorous and humble way, asking God to grant them a son even if he resembled a 'tuing-tuing,' which is a flying fish in their native Mandar language.

What was the significance of the cakes prepared during the pregnancy ritual?

The cakes prepared during the pregnancy ritual were symbolic. Round cakes, like onde-onde, represented the hope for a son, while flat cakes like kue pupu symbolized the hope for a daughter, following Mandar traditions.

How did the parents react when they saw their son’s appearance?

The parents were initially shocked and confused when they saw their son, I Tui Tuing, because his appearance resembled the fish they had prayed for, with scaly skin and a face resembling a flying fish.

What was I Tui Tuing’s personality like as he grew up?

I Tui Tuing grew up to be a smart and hardworking young man. He helped his father catch fish, assisted with household chores, and became a well-rounded individual, showing kindness and intelligence.

Why was I Tui Tuing’s request to get married surprising to his parents?

I Tui Tuing’s request to get married was surprising because of his physical appearance, which made it difficult for him to make friends, let alone find a partner. His parents were concerned that no girl would accept him.

What challenges did I Tui Tuing’s parents face when seeking a wife for him?

I Tui Tuing’s parents faced rejection from many families when seeking a wife for him. Some families turned them away politely, while others mocked or refused more openly due to I Tui Tuing’s unusual appearance.

How did Siti Rukiah react when she was asked to marry I Tui Tuing?

Despite her family’s objections, Siti Rukiah agreed to marry I Tui Tuing, even though he was initially viewed as unattractive. Her decision was based on her belief in fate and her own sense of love and compassion.

What happened to I Tui Tuing and Siti Rukiah after their marriage?

After their marriage, a surprising transformation occurred. I Tui Tuing became a handsome man, while Siti Rukiah revealed her true beauty after washing away the charcoal she had been forced to apply to her face. Together, they both became more physically attractive.

What lesson does the story teach about appearances?

The story teaches that appearances can be deceiving, and we should not judge people based on how they look. True beauty lies within, and love and kindness can bring out the best in a person.