Ni Diah Tantri: Impurity Is Purified By Literature
This story tells of how a literary work holds the extraordinary power to cleanse the soul. Through the beauty of language and the depth of its meaning, literature can lift the burdens of dark thoughts, sweep away inner impurities, and illuminate the soul with the light of understanding. Every word and expression not only touches the heart but also awakens awareness, transforming a person’s perspective on the world and on themselves.
In an ancient kingdom, there lived a king named Prabu Aiswaryadala. He was greatly feared for his immense power, but unfortunately, his heart had been hardened by the weight of his authority. Hidden behind the grandeur of his palace was a dark secret: every night, he married a young girl from his kingdom, and by the next morning, she was executed. No one dared to oppose the king, and fear gripped the entire population.
The Cruelty of Aiswaryadala (source : Personal Collection)
Among the fearful people lived a wise and intelligent young woman named Ni Diah Tantri. Tantri was the daughter of a respected man, and from a young age, she had learned much about wisdom through ancient stories taught by her father. When it was Tantri’s turn to be called to the palace, her family was devastated, but Tantri had a plan.
The Beauty of Ni Diah Tantri (source : Personal Collection)
Tantri told her family, “Do not worry about me. I will bring change to this kingdom, or I will die with honor.” With great courage, Tantri stepped toward the palace, determined to useher intelligence to stop the king’s cruel habit. She knew that only through wit could she survive and change the king’s heart.
Tantri's Obedience (source : Personal Collection)
On the first night in the palace, when Prabu Aiswaryadala was ready to end Tantri’s life, she calmly said, “Your Majesty, allow me to tell a story before you take my life.” The king, surprised by Tantri’s bravery, agreed to listen. Tantri began her tale, and with extraordinary intelligence, she told a fable about the good cooperation between a pair of swans and a turtle.
Tantri also shared many other stories with the king, such as the tale of the swans and the turtle, teaching that cooperation can solve problems, the story of the greedy crow, which teaches that we should not take from others for our own satisfaction, the story of the lion and the mouse, demonstrating that even small creatures can provide valuable help, and the story of the wolf and the lamb, warning of the dangers of deception and lies.
Night after night passed, and each evening Tantri told new stories full of moral lessons. Each tale intrigued and fascinated the king more and more. Tantri knew that her time was very limited, but patiently she continued to share stories imbued with wise messages. Her tales not only entertained the king but also gradually changed his way of thinking. The king began to see the world from a different perspective, realizing that violence and power did not always bring happiness.
Tense Atmosphere (source : Personal Collection)
Eventually, Tantri’s stories softened the king’s heart. He started to reflect on his life filled with violence and evil. The king remembered his past, a time filled with hope before he was poisoned by power. This change happened unconsciously, and Tantri had successfully planted the seeds of wisdom in the king’s heart.
One night, after hearing Tantri’s final story about the wolf and the lamb, Prabu Aiswaryadala could no longer contain his feelings. He rose from his throne and admitted that his heart had changed. “Tantri, you have opened my eyes. I have lived in darkness for too long, and now I understand how cruel I have been,” said the king.
Prabu Aiswaryadala then decided to end his cruel habits. He no longer executed the girls from his kingdom and transformed his rule to be more wise and just. Tantri, who had saved the lives of many girls with her intelligence, was crowned queen not just for her beauty but for her wisdom.
From that moment on, the kingdom lived in peace. The story of Ni Diah Tantri became a symbol of bravery and intelligence that could change destiny. Her tales continued to be remembered and taught to future generations, serving as lessons that with wisdom, even the hardest of hearts can be softened.
Tantri Respected by the Community (source : Personal Collection)
The story of Ni Diah Tantri is a testament that true strength does not always come from violence or power, but from intelligence, courage, and perseverance. Tantri taught that storytelling is not just entertainment but also a tool to convey wisdom and change the world.
