The Legend of Senua Island

Folklore From Riau

ONCE upon a time, there lived a poor fisherman. His name was Baitusen. His wife's name was Mai Lamah. They lived in Natuna, Riau. They were so poor and they were not satisfied with their lives. They decided to go to another island. They planned to go to Benguran Island. The island was rich with the natural resources. They hoped they lives would be better. They wanted to be rich.

When they arrived in Bunuran Island, they were so happy. The people were very nice. They were kind and helped each other, They also helped Baitusen build his house.

Baitusen and Mai Lamah were also happy to live in Bunguran Island. They were so grateful. The people did not treat them differently although they were new comers on the island. One of the people in Bungutan island was Mak Semah. She was a midwife. He helped pregnant women in childbirth. Besides that, she also helped sick people.

"Remember. Whenever you are not feeling well, do not hesitate to call me," said Mak Semah to Mai Lalmah.

Baitusen worked very hard. He really wanted to be rich. He never complained. His work hard finally gave him plained. His work hard finally gave him great wealth. Slowly he became very rich. He build bigger house. His wife also started to buy jewelries.

Mai Lamah changed her appearances. She wanted to look like rich woman.

She did not want to look dirty and poor. Sadly, it was not only her appearance that changed. Her attitude also changed. Previously, she was a nice and kind woman. But after she was rich, she became arrogant. She did not want to get along with her neighbors.

In one night, Mah Semah went to Baitusen's house. She wanted to ask for some rice to cook. She was poor. She hoped that Baitusen could help her.

"Please help me. May I have some rice? I'm so hungry and I don't have any money to buy rice," said Mak Semah.

Mai lamah was upset. "What? If you want to have some rice, you have to buy. And if you don't have any money, you have to work. No, I don't want to help you."

"But, I really don't have any money. And I'm too old to work." said Mak Semah.

"I don't care. Now go away!"

May Lamah's bad behaviour made the people hate her. However, she did not care. Indeed, she felt very happy when the people did not talk to them. So, they did not disturb her anymore.

Mai Lamah and Baitusen were happy. Mai Lamah was pregnant. They soon would have a baby. And finally it was time for Mai Lamah to deliver her baby.

She was in great pain. Baitusen asked Mak Semah to help his wife. But she refused to help. He asked other neighbors to help, but they also refuse to help.

"Don't worry. Let's go another island. I'm sure the people there will help us," said Baitusen to Mai Lamah.

"Okay, but don't forget to bring our jeweleries," said Mak Lemah.

Then, they were sailing in their ship. It was loaded with their wealth.

Unfortunately, their journey was not in the good condition. There was a great storm. Thunder attacked their ship. they asked for help. But no one helped them. Slowly their ship was sinking.
Mai Lmah's body turned into a big stone. Slowly the stone turned into an island.

People named it Sanua Island. Sanua mean one person with two bodies. Meanwhile her jewelries turned into swallow birds. Until now, Bunguran island is known as home for swallow birds.***