KEDAH FOLKLORE: PUTERI LINDUNGAN BULAN

The legend of Puteri Lindungan Bulan (The Moon-Shielded Princess) is one of Kedah’s most haunting and beloved folklores. It is a tale of a father’s protective love, a daughter’s sacrifice, and a supernatural phenomenon that supposedly lingers to this day.

Here is the story of the princess who "vanished" into the light.

The Legend of Puteri Zaleha

Centuries ago, during the reign of Sultan Sulaiman Shah, there lived a princess of extraordinary beauty named Puteri Zaleha. She was the younger of two sisters; her elder sister was named Puteri Mariam.

Legend says that Puteri Zaleha possessed a mystical quality: her blood was white, a sign of her nobility and purity.

1. The Proposal from Acheh

The fame of Zaleha’s beauty reached the Sultan of Acheh (in modern-day Indonesia). He sent an envoy to Kedah to ask for her hand in marriage. However, Sultan Sulaiman Shah was deeply protective of Zaleha and feared losing her.

Instead of sending Zaleha, the Sultan attempted a deception. He sent her elder sister, Puteri Mariam, to Acheh instead.

2. The Discovery and the War

When the Sultan of Acheh discovered he had been deceived, he was humiliated and enraged. He launched a massive naval invasion against Kedah to claim Puteri Zaleha by force.

As the Achenese forces closed in on the palace at Kota Siputeh, Sultan Sulaiman Shah realized he could not protect his daughter through traditional combat.

3. The "Shielding" of the Princess

According to the folklore, the Sultan took Zaleha to a secret underground chamber (some versions say a fortified room) to hide her. He prayed for her safety, asking that she be hidden from the eyes of the invaders.

When the Achenese soldiers finally stormed the palace, a miracle occurred. Even though they searched every room and corner, they could not see the princess. It was as if she was shielded by a divine light—the light of the moon.

The Tragic End

The story has two common endings, both tinged with sadness:

• The Sacrifice: In one version, Puteri Zaleha remained in her hiding spot for so long that she eventually passed away from a lack of air or food, choosing death over being captured by the enemy.
• The Vanishing: In more mystical versions, she simply vanished into the light, becoming a guardian spirit of the land.

The name "Lindungan Bulan" translates to "Protected by the Moon," referring to the lunar glow that supposedly masked her from her captors.

Legacy and Landmarks

The folklore isn't just a story; it is tied to physical locations in Kedah that you can visit today:

• Makam Puteri Lindungan Bulan: Located at Kota Siputeh in Kubang Pasu, Kedah. It is a quiet, revered tomb where the princess is said to be buried.
• White Blood Symbolism: In Malay culture, "Darah Putih" (White Blood) is a recurring motif in legends (like Mahsuri of Langkawi) representing innocence and divine favor.

KOTA SIPUTEH

Kota Siputeh is a historical site of immense importance in Kedah, located near the town of Padang Sera in the Kubang Pasu district. More than just a village, it was once the ancient capital of the Kedah Sultanate and the central stage for the tragic legend of Puteri Lindungan Bulan.

1. The History of Kota Siputeh

• Center of Power: The fort was built by Tunku Ahmad (the Raja Muda of Kedah) under the orders of Sultan Mahmud Shah I. It served as the administrative center and capital of the Kedah Sultanate for nearly 300 years (roughly from 1323 to 1619).
• Defensive Fort: It was designed as a high-ground fortification to protect the kingdom. However, it eventually fell to the forces of the Sultanate of Acheh under Sultan Iskandar Muda in 1619, leading to the capture of the reigning Sultan and his consort.

2. Connection to the Legend

Kota Siputeh is the specific setting where the "shielding" of the princess took place:

• The Hidden Bunker: When Achenese troops breached the city walls, Sultan Sulaiman Shah hid Puteri Zaleha in a secret underground chamber or bunker to prevent her from being taken as a war prize.
• The Lunar Mystery: Folklore tells that even though the moon was full and bright, its light could not penetrate or illuminate the princess’s hiding spot. She remained invisible to the invaders, earning her the title Lindungan Bulan (Protected by the Moon).

3. The Tomb of Puteri Lindungan Bulan

The most significant landmark remaining today is the royal tomb:

• Location: It is situated atop a small hill (about 15 meters high) in Kampung Siputeh, Kodiang.
• Architecture: The tomb features large, ornate gravestones in the Acheh style. There are four pairs of gravestones, suggesting the site holds the remains of two people: believed to be Puteri Zaleha and her father, Sultan Sulaiman Shah II.
• Aura of Mystery: Local villagers still speak of the area's mystical nature, claiming that the exact spot where the princess lay hidden remains naturally shaded or "cool" even during the brightest nights.

4. Kota Siputeh Today

Today, the site is a quiet reminder of Kedah's ancient past:

• Heritage Site: Maintained by the Kedah State Museum Board, the tomb and the surrounding ruins of the old fort are preserved as a historical heritage site.
• Atmosphere: Visitors often note that the site offers a panoramic view of the vast Kedah paddy fields, providing a serene backdrop to the tragic story.

Google Gemini AI

20 January 2026: 4.10 p.m

TERENGGANU FOLKLORE: ULEK MAYANG

Ulek Mayang is one of Malaysia’s most hauntingly beautiful and mystical folk traditions. Originating from the coastal state of Terengganu, it is a combination of a rhythmic song, a ritualistic dance, and an ancient legend that blurs the lines between the human and spirit worlds.

The Legend: A Tug-of-War for a Soul

The folklore tells the story of a fisherman who fell into a deep, supernatural trance while at sea.

• The Infatuation: A sea princess (often called Puteri Mayang Sari) saw the fisherman and fell in love with him. She "stole" his soul, bringing it to her underwater kingdom and leaving his physical body unconscious on the beach.
• The Shaman’s Intervention: The fisherman's friends called upon a Bomoh (shaman) to bring him back. The shaman began a ritual to retrieve the soul, but the princess resisted.
• The Arrival of the Sisters: As the shaman fought to reclaim the soul, the princess summoned her sisters for help. One by one, they appeared—first two, then four, then six—to battle the shaman's spiritual power.
• The Command: The stalemate was broken when the Seventh Princess, the eldest and wisest, appeared. Seeing the chaos, she declared:

"Yang laut balik ke laut, yang darat balik ke darat."

(Let those from the sea return to the sea, and those from the land return to the land.)

• The Resolution: The spirits retreated, the fisherman awoke, and as a gesture of thanks, the villagers offered Nasi Berwarna (colored rice) to the sea spirits.

The Performance: Art and Ritual

Traditionally, Ulek Mayang was a healing ritual (Main Pantai) performed on the beach. Today, it is a celebrated cultural dance.

• The Dancers: Usually performed by a group of female dancers representing the princesses and a male lead acting as the Shaman.
• The Mayang: The "Mayang" (coconut palm blossom) is a central prop. It is believed to have the power to attract or house spirits. During the dance, the blossom is often brushed against the dancers or the "sick" person.
• The Music: It is accompanied by a haunting melody played on traditional instruments like the gendang (drums), gong, and biola (violin).
• The Taboo: Because of its ritualistic roots, some believe the song has "spirit-calling" properties. Traditionally, it was rarely performed after sunset or away from the coast for fear of accidentally summoning the sea spirits.

The Iconic Lyrics

The song follows a repetitive, hypnotic structure, calling out each princess by her description:

• Puteri Satu (First Princess): Wears a sanggol sendeng (sideways hair bun).
• Puteri Dua (Second Princess): Wears subang gading (ivory earrings).
• Puteri Empat (Fourth Princess): Wears a selendang kuning (yellow shawl).
• Puteri Tujuh (Seventh Princess): The eldest, who brings order.

Why is it still popular?

Beyond its mystical reputation, Ulek Mayang is a symbol of Terengganu's identity. It has been reimagined by modern artists—most notably by the Malaysian rock singer Ella and the metal band Cromok—ensuring the legend survives in the modern era.

Google Gemini AI

20 January 2026: 3.45 p.m

SABAH FOLKLORE: HUMINODUN

In the rich tapestry of Malaysian folklore, the story of Huminodun is perhaps the most sacred legend of the Kadazan-Dusun people of Sabah. It is not just a myth but the spiritual foundation of the Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) and the famous Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant.

Here is the story of her sacrifice and her lasting legacy.

The Legend of the "Transfigured Sacrifice"

1. The Divine Origin

In the beginning, the world was ruled by the almighty creator god, Kinoingan, and his wife, Suminundu. They had two children: a son named Ponompulan and a daughter named Ponompuan (later known as Huminodun).

According to legend, the son rebelled and corrupted the hearts of humanity. In response, Kinoingan punished the world with the Seven Scourges, the most devastating being a great famine that turned the land barren and left the people starving.

2. The Ultimate Sacrifice

Seeing the suffering of the people, Ponompuan was moved by deep compassion. She realized that only a "transfigured sacrifice"—the life of a divine being—could save humanity. She willingly offered herself to her father to be sacrificed.

With a heavy heart, Kinoingan (or in some versions, Suminundu) performed the sacrifice. Huminodun’s body was planted into the earth, and from her remains, life sprouted:

• Flesh: Became rice (padi).
• Head: Became coconuts.
• Bones: Became tapioca.
• Teeth: Became maize (corn).
• Fingers/Toes: Became ginger and bananas.

3. The Rebirth

After the sacrifice, a bountiful harvest covered the land, ending the famine. Legend says that after seven days, a beautiful maiden emerged from a large storage jar (kakanan), representing the spirit of Huminodun reborn. This spirit is known as Bambarayon (the Rice Spirit), which is believed to reside in every grain of rice.

Cultural Significance Today

The story of Huminodun is celebrated every May during the Kaamatan Festival:

• Unduk Ngadau Pageant: This is the most visible tribute to the legend. Unlike typical beauty pageants, the Unduk Ngadau seeks to find a woman who embodies Huminodun’s virtues—not just physical beauty, but also intelligence, grace, and a selfless heart. The title Unduk Ngadau roughly translates to "the girl crowned by sunlight."
• The Magavau Ritual: This is a traditional ceremony performed by the Bobohizan (high priestesses) to call upon and appease the spirit of Bambarayon, ensuring a good harvest for the coming year.
• Sacredness of Rice: Because rice is believed to be the "flesh" of Huminodun, it is treated with immense respect. Wasting rice or stepping on it is traditionally seen as an insult to her sacrifice.

Key Terms to Know

Term	Meaning
Kinoingan	The Supreme Creator God.
Bambarayon	The Rice Spirit; the essence of Huminodun that lives in the crops.
Bobohizan	Traditional priestesses who act as the bridge between the human and spirit worlds.
Kaamatan	The month-long harvest festival culminating on May 30th and 31st.

Google Gemini AI

20 January 2026: 3.34 p.m

THE LOCH NESS MONSTER

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie," is one of the world's most enduring mysteries. While science has yet to find a "beast" in the murky depths of Scotland's Loch Ness, the story continues to evolve with new sightings and high-tech investigations.

A Brief History of Nessie

The legend isn't just a modern phenomenon; it spans over 1,500 years:

• 565 AD: The first recorded encounter involves St. Columba, an Irish monk who reportedly commanded a "water beast" to halt its attack on a swimmer in the River Ness.
• 1933: Modern "Nessie-mania" began when a local couple reported seeing an enormous animal rolling in the water. Shortly after, George Spicer claimed to see a long-necked creature cross the road in front of his car.
• 1934: The "Surgeon’s Photograph" (the iconic image of a neck poking out of the water) was published. Decades later, it was revealed to be a hoax involving a toy submarine and wood putty.

What Science Says Today

In recent years, researchers have moved from binoculars to DNA sequencing to solve the mystery.

• The DNA Study (2019): Scientists from the University of Otago analyzed over 250 water samples from the loch. They found zero evidence of prehistoric reptile (plesiosaur) DNA.
• The "Giant Eel" Theory: The study did find a massive amount of European eel DNA. This led researchers to suggest that if people are seeing something real, it might be eels that have grown to an unusually large size.
• Environmental Factors: Loch Ness is over 700 feet deep and contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its water is dark due to high peat content, making it easy for logs, boat wakes, or seals to be misidentified.

Recent Sightings (2024–2025)

Interest remains at an all-time high, with several "potential" sightings recorded recently:

• March 2025: A "black mass" was reported emerging from the water at Dores Beach during perfectly calm conditions. The Loch Ness Centre called it "particularly captivating."
• October 2025: New sonar readings from a tour boat reportedly detected a large object moving deep underwater, sparking a fresh wave of "monster hunts" using hydrophones and underwater drones.

Quick Facts

Feature	Detail
Location	Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
Common Description	Long neck, one or more humps, dark skin
Main Theory	A surviving plesiosaur (largely debunked)
Likely Explanation	Misidentified eels, seals, wood, or waves
Economic Impact	Boosts Scottish tourism by millions of pounds annually

The "monster" may remain a myth, but it has become a vital part of Scottish culture and a symbol of the "unknown" that still fascinates the world.

Google Gemini AI

20 January 2026: 11.37 a.m