BALI FAMOUS LEGEND?! || The Legend of Kebo Iwa - The Origin of Lake Batur and Mount Batur

Summary

The legend of Kbo IA from the island of Bali, Indonesia tells the story of a giant, ravenous baby boy, born to a couple who had long prayed for a child. As he grows, his insatiable appetite leads him to destroy homes and temples. Despite his destructive tendencies, Kbo IA helps villagers by building a well to address a drought. However, the villagers deceive him, trapping him in his own well, causing his death and the creation of Lake Beta and Mount Beta. The tale teaches the dangers of greed, selfishness, and the importance of humility and kindness.

Takeaways

• 👶 Kbo IA was born to a childless couple in Bali after years of prayer, but both parents died shortly after his birth.
• 🍽️ Kbo IA grew extremely fast and had an enormous appetite, eating as much as ten adults in one meal.
• 🐃 He was named 'Kbo IA,' meaning 'Buffalo’s Uncle,' because of his large appetite and strength.
• 😡 Kbo IA had a temper and would destroy houses and temples if his food needs were not met.
• 🏗️ Despite his anger, Kbo IA helped villagers with heavy labor like moving stones, building dams, and digging wells in exchange for food.
• ☀️ During a drought, villagers struggled to feed him and devised a plan to have him dig a large well to secure water for agriculture.
• 🪨 Villagers secretly filled the well with large stones while Kbo IA was asleep, trapping him inside.
• 🌊 The overflowing water from the excavation created Lake Batur, while the piled-up soil formed Mount Batur in Bali.
• ⚖️ Moral Lesson 1: Greed and selfishness can harm oneself and the community, even if one is strong or powerful.
• 💖 Moral Lesson 2: Harmful actions bring consequences, and kindness and humility towards others are essential.
• 🏞️ The legend explains natural landmarks in Bali, connecting cultural folklore with geographical features.
• 🤝 Cooperation and mutual aid are crucial, as the villagers’ clever planning balanced Kbo IA's power with communal needs.

Q & A

Who were Kbo IA's parents and what was their situation?

Kbo IA's parents were a Baranes couple from Bali, Indonesia, who lived in harmony and had wealth but longed for a child. After years of praying to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, they were finally blessed with a baby boy. Unfortunately, both parents died shortly after his birth.

Why was the baby named Kbo IA?

The baby was named Kbo IA, meaning 'Buffalo's Uncle,' because he ate enormous amounts of food, similar to a buffalo, even as a baby, and grew very large due to his appetite.

What were Kbo IA's main traits as he grew up?

Kbo IA grew extremely quickly, had a huge appetite, and possessed immense strength. However, he also had an angry temperament and could destroy houses and temples if he was not given enough food.

How did the villagers interact with Kbo IA despite his temper?

Villagers relied on Kbo IA's strength to help with heavy labor such as carrying stones, leveling ground, building dams, and digging wells. In return, they provided him with abundant food to keep him satisfied.

What problem did the village face that involved Kbo IA?

The village experienced a severe drought, which drastically reduced harvests and made it difficult to provide enough food for both the villagers and Kbo IA. They feared his anger due to hunger and sought a solution.

What solution did the villagers propose for the drought?

The villagers proposed building a large well to irrigate the agricultural land. They promised Kbo IA that he would receive any amount of food he wanted if he helped dig the well.

How did Kbo IA respond to the villagers' request?

Kbo IA enthusiastically agreed to help, motivated by the promise of abundant food. He dug the well, repaired damaged houses, and prepared the village for a reliable water source.

What strategy did the villagers use to deal with Kbo IA's dangerous nature?

While Kbo IA was sleeping in the well after eating, the villagers threw large stones into the well, gradually filling it. This trapped Kbo IA, leading to his death.

How were Lake Batur and Mount Batur formed according to the legend?

After Kbo IA was trapped and died, water continued to gush from the well, flooding the area and forming Lake Batur. The soil excavated during the digging piled up and later became Mount Batur, both located in Kintamani, Bali.

What are the main moral lessons from the story of Kbo IA?

The story teaches that greed and selfishness can be destructive, humility and cooperation are important, and harmful actions will eventually bring consequences. Kindness, adaptability, and respect for others are emphasized.

Why did the villagers need Kbo IA's help despite his anger?

Despite his temper, Kbo IA's immense strength made him capable of heavy labor that villagers could not manage on their own, such as moving large stones, digging wells, and building dams.

What role did food play in controlling Kbo IA's behavior?

Food was used as a reward and a means to manage Kbo IA's temper. When well-fed, he was cooperative and helpful, but hunger triggered his destructive outbursts.