Lutung Ngencak Taluh : Life Lessons in the Heart of the Forest
This story tells of Lutung, who became full after a feast and met a frog named Godogan. They agreed to plant bananas together, but Lutung, driven by greed, ate Godogan's bananas all by himself. Godogan was disappointed and taught Lutung about the importance of honesty and loyalty. In the end, Lutung faced karma for his deceitful actions and met his demise.
The story begins with Lutung, who was dirty and full after eating guava. He then went to the Mandala forest, where there was a wide river with clear, fast-flowing water, full of fish. The forest felt alive, with lush trees and the cheerful chirping of birds. Lutung crouched by the riverbank, watching the fish swim. Occasionally, he smiled, enjoying the peace of the place.
The monkey sits quietly, gazing into the river with curiosity. (Source: Personal Collection).
Suddenly, a frog named Godogan hopped toward Lutung. Startled, Lutung jumped to his feet and asked, "Just arrived, Godogan?" Godogan replied, "Yes, Lutung. What are you looking for here?" Lutung sighed, calming his startled heart, and answered softly, "I’m just looking for friends, hoping to have many friends."
The next morning, Lutung and Godogan met again by the river and started talking. Lutung, speaking softly but with determination, said, "Godogan, how about we plant some bananas? Tomorrow, when they’re ripe, we can eat them together." Godogan smiled widely, his eyes shining, "Wow, that’s a great idea, Lutung." Without hesitation, Godogan agreed.
The monkey is approached by Godogan. (Source: Personal Collection).
After everything was decided, Lutung hurried to find a banana tree. Before long, he returned, proudly carrying one on his shoulder. Lutung shouted for Godogan, "Godogan! Here’s the banana tree. Where should we plant it now?" Godogan divided the banana tree into two parts. Lutung took the top part, thinking slyly, "If I take the top, it’ll bear fruit quickly." Meanwhile, Godogan, innocently, took the base part and planted it carefully by the riverbank.
The monkey brings a banana sapling for Godogan. (Source: Personal Collection).
Three months later, Lutung's banana tree top withered, its leaves dried, falling off and peeling away. Lutung stared at his wilted tree with a face full of regret. In his heart, he said, "Why was I so greedy? Now look at the result!" Meanwhile, Godogan was very happy by the river, as his banana tree was growing well and starting to bear large fruit.
Lutung approached Godogan, his face full of regret but still trying to act friendly. "Godogan, why haven’t you greeted me? Have you forgotten we’re friends?" Godogan, momentarily surprised by Lutung’s presence, calmly replied, "I’m sorry, Lutung. I’ve been too absorbed watching these bananas. Look, they’re big and almost ripe."
Lutung, with a quieter voice, said, "I just wanted your opinion. Which bananas are ready to be harvested so I can keep our promise?" Godogan nodded, smiling, "Don’t rush, Lutung. We need to wait for a good day to harvest these bananas, so everything goes smoothly." Lutung pretended to listen, but in his heart, he was growing impatient.
The next day, the bananas ripened, turning bright yellow and hanging beautifully from the tree. Lutung, unable to control his hunger, went to Godogan's place with drool dripping from his mouth. "Godogan, I’m going to eat these bananas. I’m so hungry," he said, jumping onto the banana tree.
The monkey eats Godogan's banana. (Source: Personal Collection)
Lutung ate the bananas greedily, his mouth full, and his stomach growing larger. Godogan, seeing his friend not stopping, became annoyed. "Lutung, save some for me!" he shouted. But Lutung ignored him, continuing to devour all the bananas until his stomach was completely full.
Feeling disappointed, Godogan left Lutung and walked toward the river. When he arrived at the riverbank, he found a coconut shell. Godogan climbed inside to rest, frustrated and tired of his friend’s behavior.
Lutung, with his bloated stomach, felt thirsty and went to the river to drink. After gulping down the clear river water, he sat on the coconut shell and started singing while watching the fish. But his heart wasn’t at peace. Guilt began to creep in. He muttered, "Godogan, where are you really? I hope you’re here, feeling the consequences of my actions."
Suddenly, from beneath the coconut shell, Godogan's voice spoke, "You love to deceive friends." Lutung was startled, looking around but seeing no one. His heart pounded. "Who’s talking?" he asked, his voice echoing in the forest. "Show yourself now, or I’ll hit you!" Godogan's voice came again, softer but still clear, "You, Lutung, are a liar. It’s your dishonesty that will bring you bad karma."
Feeling confused, Lutung looked down and thought the voice was coming from an egg. Angrily, he grabbed a big rock and smashed the egg hard, breaking it. Moments later, Lutung felt excruciating pain, then collapsed. He had experienced the karma for his betrayal.
The monkey passed away with eyes open. (Source: Personal Collection).
In the end, Lutung died, and as Godogan had said, he went to hell as punishment for his disloyalty. Karma had repaid him for his deceitful actions.
