The Story of Bau Nyale

 A folk tale from Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Once upon a time, in Lombok, there was a kingdom named Kuripan that was led by a wise king. The princess or the daughter of the king was so beautiful. Her name was Princess Mandalika. There were many princes wanted to marry Mandalika. However, the king was confused because too many princes came and proposed. Because of that reason, the king held an arrow competition. He promised that the winner had the chance to marry with his beloved daughter.

Just like expected, on the competition day, many princes came and participated. They had a good skill on arrow, so all of them were perfectly hit the target. The king became more confuse. Because there was no clear decision, the princes started to fight each other.

Princess Mandalika was desperate. The beautiful princess did want to find anyone got killed. So, she then, decided to go to the beach. She cried and thrown her body into the deep sea.

Bau Nyale Festival in Lombok, Traditional Rituals as a sign of missing on Princess Mandalika. Source: Phinemo.com

The beach where princess Mandalika killed herself is in southern Lombok. Up to today, in February or March, people who live near the sea celebrate the moment. On that day, there are thousands of seas worms appear to the surface. People call the worms as Nyale. They believe that the worms are the incarnation of princess Mandalika. The celebration is called “Bau Nyale”.

Exercise 1

Complete the list below based on bold verbs in the text.

A. Regular past verbs:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

B. Irregular past verbs:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Exercise 2

In  group of four, retell the folktale above in front of the class.