Introduction
Sangkuriang is a well-known character in Indonesian folklore. He is often associated with the legend of Tangkuban Perahu, a volcanic mountain in West Java. The story revolves around Sangkuriang’s love for Dayang Sumbi, his mother, and his encounter with Tumang, his loyal dog. In this article, we will explore what happened to Sangkuriang after he killed Tumang and the consequences he faced.
The Killing of Tumang
According to the legend, Sangkuriang was mesmerized by his mother’s beauty and proposed to marry her without knowing her true identity. Dayang Sumbi, shocked by her son’s request, devised an impossible challenge to prevent the marriage. She asked Sangkuriang to build a dam and a boat overnight.
Realizing the difficulty of the task, Sangkuriang sought the help of his loyal dog, Tumang. With Tumang’s assistance, Sangkuriang managed to complete the challenge just before dawn. However, Dayang Sumbi, fearing the consequences of marrying her own son, decided to trick him.
In her desperation, Dayang Sumbi prayed to the gods and asked for their intervention. The gods granted her wish and caused the sky to turn red, giving the illusion of dawn. Thinking that he had failed to complete the challenge in time, Sangkuriang became furious and kicked the dam, causing it to collapse and drown Tumang.
Sangkuriang’s Realization
After realizing that he had killed his loyal companion Tumang, Sangkuriang was overwhelmed with grief and remorse. He understood the gravity of his actions and the consequences that would follow. Sangkuriang’s love for Dayang Sumbi transformed into anger and resentment.
He confronted his mother and revealed his knowledge of her trickery. Dayang Sumbi, terrified by her son’s anger, revealed her true identity and begged for forgiveness. However, Sangkuriang’s heart had turned cold, and he refused to forgive her.
The Transformation
Enraged by his mother’s deception and the loss of Tumang, Sangkuriang sought revenge. He decided to challenge the gods by attempting to overturn Tangkuban Perahu, the mountain that symbolized his failed love. Sangkuriang’s determination and anger were so strong that he almost succeeded in his mission.
However, the gods intervened once again. They transformed Sangkuriang into a stone statue, freezing him in his place forever. The mountain, Tangkuban Perahu, became a constant reminder of Sangkuriang’s failed love and the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion
The story of Sangkuriang serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of anger and the importance of forgiveness. Sangkuriang’s actions, driven by his intense emotions, led to the loss of his loyal companion and his transformation into a stone statue. This legend reminds us to think before acting, to control our anger, and to value the relationships we have.