I Lutung Masawitra Teken I Kakua : The Monkey's Test Of The Turtle

In the midst of a vast forest, a tiger was friends with a monkey. One day, the tiger, whose tail was joined with the monkey's, ran in a panic because it was frightened by a goat. They ran as if they didn’t care about the forest, valleys, or cliffs. By the grace of God, their joined tails were separated because they ran in two different directions. It was told that the monkey had arrived in the middle of the hauted forest. There, the monkey rested and rolled around on the ground because it couldn't endure the pain in its body. Its breath was ragged due to exhaustion. After resting for a long time, the monkey then got up with the intention of searching for water because its thirst was unbearable. There, he walked beside a ravine, hoping to find water. Unexpectedly, he saw a fallen stone monument, where the turtle was resting.

Ilustration A Monkey and A Turtle Become Friend (Source: Personal Collection)

The monkey was startled by a sound coming from the stone. Thinking it was a human voice, so he did not respond. The turtle then said, "Hey monkey, where did you come from? Why am I only seeing you now?" Then the monkey investigated the source of the sound. To his surprise, he found the turtle next to the stone. The monkey replied quietly, “I just arrived here and don’t know the way. I’m surprised by your strange appearance. You look nothing like other animals. That’s why I laughed seeing your appearance, which looks like a stone.” Hearing the monkey's insulting words, the turtle was very angry and said harshly, “Hey monkey, your words are outrageous and you don’t understand the situation. Listen to me, I’m a descendant of Bedawang Nala, who has always faithfully guarded the earth. My ancestors were unmatched in their time. If you want to know my strength, come closer. I can turn you around. When I am angry, I can destroy the earth, mountains, and forests. I will match your strength,” the turtle said angrily. The monkey was very frightened by the turtle’s threats. Then he said quietly, “Turtle, I apologize for my words. It’s not that I underestimate you; I just didn’t know about your lineage. Well, let’s be friends. I will make you my companion because we are of noble lineage,” the monkey replied. The turtle then answered calmly with a smile, “Hey monkey, that is unlikely to happen as you wish. Our needs are different. I am happy with decayed leaves, while you like fruits; clearly, your thinking is not the same as mine. There is a story about our ancestors that I use as a guide, like the monkey befriending the goat. Their close friendship ended up causing a war over the horns.” The monkey smiled and said, “Hey turtle, I don’t think it will be like that. I am different from the monkey you’ve mentioned,” the monkey replied firmly.

It was then told that the friendship between the monkey and the turtle was very good. They always went together to search for food, never parted, and always followed each other's wishes. One morning, the monkey intended to test the turtle's claim of being magical. After meeting his friend the turtle, he said, "Hey turtle, tomorrow let’s go to the southern garden, because I heard there are many tubers and fruits like mangoes, guavas, oranges, and others. Also, the tubers are ready for harvest. Along the edges of the fields, there is lush grass and many decayed leaves that have fallen to the edge of the ravine. Ginger, turmeric, and galangal grow abundantly like a forest. Moreover, the owner of the garden does not tend to it,” said the monkey. The turtle was delighted to hear this and replied calmly, “Well, if it is as you say, let’s go to the southern garden tomorrow morning. But I advise, once we get to the garden, we should find our own food and not make a fuss.” The next morning, it was told that the monkey and the turtle set out very far. They walked along a narrow path, with a charming and picturesque view of the beach visible along the mountain’s edge. Upon reaching the garden, they entered and found that the owner was not there. That is why they were very happy, as they could eat the food they liked.

Not long after, the monkey planned to harm the turtle. He then climbed down from the tree to the ginger plants, took a tuber, and ate it immediately. After tasting it, he suddenly felt pain and wiped away his tears. His cries were so loud that he was shouting. The turtle approached and said, “Hey monkey, stop it! Don’t keep shouting! If the garden owner hears us, we will surely be killed.” The monkey didn’t listen to the turtle’s words and only shouted louder. Then the monkey’s cries were heard by the garden owner. The garden owner hurried to his garden. Upon arriving, he was shocked to see his garden in disarray. This was the cause of his anger. He immediately searched for the culprits who had damaged his garden and angrily said, “Hey thief, what exactly are you doing? How dare you ruin my garden? Just wait, I’ll hit you on the head.” Hearing the garden owner’s words, the turtle was very scared and quickly hid under a coconut shell. The monkey jumped up into a tree with a smile, provoking the garden owner’s anger.

Ilustration The Monkey Switching Place With The Turtle (Source: Personal Collection)

The monkey then sang the following song: "I Lutung babuan dikayu, I kekua batan tengkulak, dug, dag, ceng, ceng, kerok," repeating it over and over. This made the garden owner, named Dur Budi, even angrier. His bald head shone under the sunlight, and his eyes were red as he looked up at the tree. He saw the monkey sitting on a branch, happily singing. Dur Budi was very angry and said, "Hey dirty monkey, what are you saying? You are being too bold with me. If you are really brave, come down here, and I’ll chop off your head with a machete. Go ahead and call your relatives to come and attack me!” The monkey ignored Dur Budi’s words and continued singing louder. After hearing the song, Dur Budi realized that the monkey was actually giving a clue through the lyrics. Dur Budi then thought about the monkey’s song and started searching every dense tree in the garden. He eventually found the blunt coconut shell, opened it, and discovered the turtle inside. Dur Budi was very angry and said, “Ah, here is the thief who dared to ruin my garden.”. Dur Budi then tied up the turtle and took it to his home.

It was told that upon arriving at his home, Dur Budi called his children and wife, saying, “Men Cening, come here! Quickly gather firewood; we will cook this turtle that I have tied up. Prepare the spices and ingredients for tomorrow morning.” In the evening, the monkey, still in the tree, was very happy because he thought the turtle would be killed. That’s why he decided to check on the turtle’s situation. When the monkey reached the turtle, he said quietly, “Hey turtle, don’t blame me! This is the will of the gods and cannot be avoided. I thought you wouldn’t die, if what you said before was true. You really are a descendant of the powerful Wisesa. But since I genuinely want to be friends with you, I came to see you. If I’m not mistaken, you will be cooked and steamed.” The monkey mocked. The turtle smiled and replied, “Ah, you don’t know my current situation. How could I die? I am here to be married off tonight. I am about married with Dur Budi’s daughter. Look, my fiancé has just finished preparing a scrub, and my future mother-in-law is busy preparing food to welcome the guests.” The turtle spoke cheerfully, showing no sign of fear, even though he was supposed to be killed. The monkey was astonished by the turtle’s words. Because of his ignorance, he believed what the turtle said was true. Consequently, the monkey thought about replacing the turtle as the son-in-law and said, “You are indeed my best friend. Let’s continue our friendship. Essentially, I sincerely ask you to give your place to me. I will replace you as Dur Budi’s son-in-law. If you truly hand over your place, I will not forget your kindness. Even if I reincarnate several times, I will still be friends with you.” said the monkey. The turtle smiled and responded, “If that is your wish, what more can I say? I am truly sincere in our friendship. I will not refuse your request. Now, you go into the cage and I will leave, as proof of my sincerity to you.” said the turtle. The monkey opened the cage and entered, replacing the turtle. The turtle then left the monkey and went into the bushes.

It was not mentioned where the turtle went during its journey, but the turtle had reached a hidden place. Now it was told that Dur Budi had finished sharpening his knife and went to the turtle’s place. Upon arriving, Dur Budi was very surprised to see the monkey inside the cage instead of the turtle. He then said to his wife, “Men Cening, who has replaced the turtle in the cage?” His wife replied, “I don’t know.” Dur Budi then said, “Ah, this must be a blessing from God; the turtle has been replaced by the monkey.” He was so happy that he waved his knife around. “Ah, you’re going to die, monkey. You’re a disobedient and vile creature. It’s only right that I will make you into stew. I’ll use you to comfort my sad thoughts.” With that, Dur Budi, his wife, and his children were all delighted and said, “The bigger the meat to be slaughtered.” Dur Budi said, “Men Cening, add more spices and bring the blood here.” Upon hearing Dur Budi’s words, the monkey was extremely terrified. His body trembled because he could not accept that he was going to be killed. The monkey thought, “Ah, this means the turtle has tricked me into being killed.” The monkey did not regret his stupidity or being deceived by the turtle. He then said to Dur Budi, “Forgive me, sir, but isn’t it a sin to kill and eat me? Because I have five claws. According to religious teachings, animals with five claws should not be eaten as it will cause you to go to hell. If you kill and eat me, you will surely be unhappy, as I will rot and be eaten by termites. If you want to taste my meat, which is delicious and savory enough to redeem you from hell, you should listen to what I have to say. I am a descendant of Mount Kiskinda, which once destroyed the Kingdom of Alengka. To ensure you know, if you use moss-covered tree bark to roast me, I will surely die. However, if my meat is properly cooked, it will produce six wonderful flavors.” The monkey’s words astonished Dur Budi, as he had never heard such advice before. Because of his foolishness and the monkey’s deception, Dur Budi decided to follow the advice.

Ilustration The Monkey Escaped (Source: Personal Collection)

After obtaining the tree bark, it was collected next to the monkey, and the wood was set on fire, causing the flames to blaze fiercely. The monkey quickly jumped to escape from the spreading fire. The flames grew hotter and, driven by the wind, burned down Dur Budi’s house completely. The house was destroyed because there was no one to help. Dur Budi, along with his wife and children, then went to a quiet part of the forest. The fire continued to spread, burning the trees around Dur Budi’s house. Many flowers fell off as the trees were scorched by the intense heat. Beetles scattered everywhere because of the thick smoke. Birds flew about in confusion due to the commotion. The intense heat of the flames caused many baby birds in their nests to fall out. It was said that the monkey had arrived at a vast forest. He intended to continue his search for the turtle, as he would not be happy until he could take revenge on the turtle for its treacherous behavior. Along the way, he shouted for the turtle, "Hey, you treacherous turtle, where are you? Even if you hide in the middle of the sea, I will find you."

One night, the monkey rested in the forest and stealthily explored valleys, ravines, and bushes but still had not found the turtle. Unexpectedly, in a vast field of reeds, he discovered the turtle resting under a protruding rock. Next to the turtle was a striped snake sleeping. At that moment, the turtle, aware of the monkey’s approach, pretended to meditate. He closed his eyes as if in deep contemplation. The monkey approached and, pointing angrily, said, "Hey, turtle, you’re going to die now. You are too wicked to be a friend. Your behavior is like a dog’s. Prepare yourself; I’ll smash your head so you know the fate of those who are unfaithful to their words." The monkey said fiercely. The turtle calmly replied, "It’s true what you say. Don’t be angry. How can you kill me when I am blessed by God? I am here on a divine mission to guard His possessions. To let you know, even though it’s a secret, there’s a story from the time of Betara Sura Gana, Sapta Rsi, and King Danawa, all of whom obeyed to churn the ocean of milk to gain amrita and riches. The amrita was contained in a gem vessel, and the binding of the amrita is here. I was assigned to guard it, which is why I am here, following the command of Ida Ratu Bhatara. There is a rumor that anyone who guards the possessions of Ida Bhatara will not face any hardships, diseases, or death. Even if they die, they will be reborn. Such is the miracle of this belt." Indeed, the turtle's tale was well-suited to hide its malice. The monkey listened intently, and his anger subsided as he considered the turtle’s words to be true. He then said, "Hey, turtle, as you said, do not be angry. Forgive my hurtful words; I spoke out of turn. But the truth is, my intention was to genuinely be friends with you. Such words were meant to prove my sincere friendship. I truly wish to use this belt so that I can experience its benefits as well. I promise you, if I am granted a long life and blessed by God, I will never forget our friendship.” The monkey earnestly hoped to be given the belt guarded by the turtle. The monkey did not realize that it was all part of the turtle's deception. The turtle then said, "What more can I say to you? Although giving you this belt is a heavy decision for me, I will not refuse you because of our genuine friendship. However, I have a suggestion. I fear being reprimanded by Ida Bhatara. I will leave you here. Do not hastily wear the belt before I have left. Only when I am far away should you put on the belt." The monkey agreed, eager to wear the belt.

Ilustration The Monkey Attacked by The Snake (Source: Personal Collection)

At that moment, the turtle left the monkey by the sleeping snake. After walking a considerable distance, the monkey then paid homage in front of the sleeping snake. Once finished with his worship, the monkey quickly grabbed the snake and took hold of its mouth. The snake, startled and angered, thought a threat was imminent. The snake then bit and coiled around the monkey's waist. The monkey screamed in pain from the snake’s venom. He rolled around, struggling against the snake's venom, feeling as if he were lifeless, and cried out to God due to the intense pain. Eventually, the monkey fainted and lay on the ground beneath a kepel tree. For some time, the monkey lay unconscious in the forest. Now, the turtle was by the seaside. The turtle was constantly worried, fearing that the monkey would become angry, search for it, and harm it. The turtle then devised a trick to avoid being harmed by the monkey. It was said that there was a large clam exposed by the high tide. The turtle quickly approached the clam and settled down beside it.

It was said that the monkey had now recovered. Its heart was filled with intense anger towards the turtle, and it thought, "It's not the first or second time the turtle has tried to kill me; it certainly does not deserve to be left alive.” The monkey’s anger was so great that it burned in its heart, its eyes were red, its breath was ragged, and its hands were trembling. Determined to strangle the turtle, it walked swiftly through the haunted forest, not considering the dangers that might lie ahead. Along the way, it muttered and cursed the turtle, carrying a stone intended to kill it.

Ilustration The Monkey Meditating Near The Shell (Source: Personal Collection)

During its relentless journey, the monkey unexpectedly arrived at the turtle's location. "Hey, you're going to die now, turtle. Look, my hands will destroy you. Your evil deeds have come to an end. You have always made me suffer. Now, face the consequences of your actions that always planned my death. Why are you silent? Show your intelligence. Even if Lord Vishnu intercedes on your behalf, I will not let you live," said the monkey. As the monkey was about to strike, the turtle smiled and said, "Ah, friend, it's so good you’ve come. I have always hoped you would arrive quickly so that I could be killed by you, as that would grant me a place in heaven. That is what the Lord advised me. To return to heaven quickly as a reward, I have become a guardian." The monkey was shocked by the turtle's words. Due to its foolishness, the monkey believed the turtle's sweet talk, and its anger dissipated. It said, "Well then, tell me the story behind this."

The turtle began to narrate, "Once upon a time, Lord Hyang Dewa was meditating and was not allowed to be with his wife. There was a giant king named Nila Rudraka who relentlessly wanted to destroy heaven. This caused all the gods in heaven to be confused, for only the child of Lord Shiva, named Sang Hyang Gana, could kill Nila Rudraka. The gods prayed to Lord Hyang Semara to tempt Lord Shiva, who was meditating, to distract him. To make Lord Shiva fall in love and become angry, Sang Hyang Semara shot him with a love arrow. After being struck by the love arrow, Lord Shiva became infatuated and enraged. Sang Hyang Semara was burned by the blazing fire that came from Lord Shiva’s eyes. Lord Shiva’s wife, Bhatari Ratih, who was also the wife of Sang Hyang Semara, died alongside him. His main army was here in the form of a shell. Anyone who controls it will become the great ruler, renowned and respected in the world. They will also enjoy love with their spouse. This is the story of Sang Hyang Semara, so you understand.” The monkey felt relieved after hearing the turtle’s story. The story made the monkey’s anger disappear, and it said, “I feel at ease hearing your tale. I trust our friendship even more. Now, if you’re willing, I’d like to take your place here. With God’s blessing, I hope to quickly become a great ruler. I will make you my chief minister,” said the monkey. The turtle then said nothing more and left. The turtle’s journey through the forest was not mentioned.

Now the monkey had finished bathing and prepared himself to sit and meditate. His behavior was like that of a hermit. While the monkey was meditating in front of the open shell, unexpectedly the shell pinched his hand. The monkey screamed in pain and tried to pull his hand away, saying, “Forgive me, your servant. Please do not be angry, and help me release my hand.” So he said.

Ilustration The Monkey at The Top of The Rock (Source: Personal Collection)

At that time, the rising sea water caused the shell to release the monkey's hand. The monkey then climbed onto the rock. Overcome with fear, he thought he would surely drown. “Oh, I am definitely going to die here. It seems there’s no one to help me except for a blessing from the gods,” he lamented, feeling deceived by the turtle. His heart grew even more sorrowful as he rolled around on the rock.