Malaysia is a rich source of culture, tradition, and of course myth. Our storytellers have woven countless fables and fairy tales.
Mythical creatures, legendary heroes, and evergreen moral values that are embedded in our very history and upbringing.
These stories are not mere fantastical accounts of real events and people, but are a treasure trove of wisdom and learning for all those who are blessed enough to hear them.
For kids, they can be a wellspring of inspiration and entertainment.
Instead of Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves or Sleeping Beauty, read to your kids these local legends that will surely tickle their fancy and make them appreciate their country even more.
You may even ignite a love reading in them.
Here are some quintessential myths and stories to tell your kids.
7 Malaysian Legends to Read to Your Kids
Puteri Gunung Ledang
This is a popular Malay legend about a princess named Puteri Gunung Ledang, who lived on the mythical Mount Ledang.
It tells the story of a Sultan who fell in love with the beautiful princess. Desperate to have her as his wife, he sent his most trusted admiral up the enchanted mountain with a marriage proposal.
The princess, who loathed the sultan, set impossible conditions, including obtaining a golden bridge made of silver and seven trays of mosquitoes’ hearts.
The tale teaches us the power of saying ‘No’ and how to deal with bullies.
Bawang Putih, Bawang Merah
This is a Malaysian adaptation of the classic Cinderella story. It revolves around two stepsisters, Bawang Putih and Bawang Merah.
Bawang Merah is cruel to her stepsister, while Bawang Putih is kind-hearted.
Through a series of events and the help of a magical fish, Bawang Putih catches the attention of a prince with her enchanted songs and finds her true love.
The moral of the story is to always be kind even in the face of cruelty.
Sang Kancil and the Crocodile
Sang Kancil, a clever and cunning mouse deer, is a popular character in Malaysian folklore.
There are numerous short stories about this enigmatic creature who is always out and about playing tricks on bigger, meaner animals in the jungle.
In one such story, Sang Kancil outsmarts a group of hungry crocodiles in order to cross a dangerous river.
Through wit and quick thinking, Sang Kancil convinces the crocodiles to help him cross the river, teaching children the value of intelligence and resourcefulness.
Mahsuri
This legend is set in the island of Langkawi and tells the tragic tale of a young woman named Mahsuri.
According to the story, she was falsely accused of adultery and sentenced to death. Before her execution, she cursed the island, resulting in seven generations of bad luck.
The pristine white sands of Langkawi Island was said to have been born from her white blood, a symbol of her innocence.
The legend explores themes of jealousy, injustice and how you must never accuse someone of a crime without evidence.
The Legend of Hang Tuah
Hang Tuah is a legendary Malay warrior who is known for his loyalty, bravery, and unwavering commitment to justice.
The story of Hang Tuah and his companions, known as the Five Warriors (Pendekar Lima), is a tale of honor, friendship, and the pursuit of righteousness.
It showcases the values of courage, integrity, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
However, his stories have recently been painted in a different light, showing us that undying loyalty doesn’t always reap the rewards we hope for.
The Dragon of Tasik Chini
Tasik Chini is a mystical lake located in Pahang, Malaysia and is the origin of many tales.
The first story revolves around an Orang Asli myth about how the lake first came to be, through the power of a witch’s enchanted staff that became a dragon.
The second is a love story about a cursed princess named Seri Gumum who falls in love with a prince.
But when he tried to free her they both became dragons, doomed to swim forever in the sea. The story is about sacrifice and true love.
Raja Bersiong
The story of the Fanged King is one of the most famed Malay legends of all time.
It tells the story of a vampiric king who was thrown out by his own people because of his own greed and cruelty. And his overwhelming thirst for blood.
One day when preparing a meal for the king, the cook accidentally spilled some of his blood into the dish.
The king enjoyed the dish so much he ordered his meals to be cooked with fresh human blood from that day on.
The fable tells us about the dangers of power and the price of greed.
Fill Your Child’s Life with Wonder
Every child grows up with stories of princesses, warriors and dragons. And our Malaysian myths and legends have no shortages of such legends.
Each with their own lessons, and moral values. Plus a sprinkling of magic.
Whether read as a bedtime story, or something they enjoy on their own, Malaysian fairytales and legends will give your kids a renewed love of their own culture, no matter who they become when they’re all grown up, or what fantastic adventures they embark on in the future.
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