The Legend of. Sulawesi. Written by Reza Roovers

Transcription

1 The Legend of Sulawesi Written by Reza Roovers 1

2 Have you ever noticed that the island of Sulawesi resembles a bizarre orchid shape? If you haven t noticed, well, now you know because I just told you. There are many scientific theories of how it has formed, but this story will answer all your questions, if you have any. Long ago, in the land that is now called Sulawesi (formally Celebes) there lived this boy named Jawena. Everyday, he would pick orchids from the forest and sell them in the market for accessories and for other purposes. Life wasn t easy for him so each day he had to make it as if was his last (well I won t be getting to the last part yet). From where he lived in the city of Tanjung Pandung he would have to get away from the busy city centre and into the forest where he could find the orchids. One day, he was in search for more orchids but it wasn t the good day for searching these plants. But then, as he searched deeper into the wilderness, he has spotted something that made his jaw drop. There, surrounded by thick trees, is the most amazing orchid tree that he ever saw! 2

3 Wow! Jawena said in amazement. The sight of the tree made him speechless for some ten seconds. Then he ran towards the tree and picked as much orchids as he possibly could. Then, without warning, a ghost appeared! The ghost stood before Jawena. Greetings, noble stranger. My name is Sule, the Ghost of the Orchids. You have entered the Place of the Orchids. What makes you come to this place? At first, Jawena did not even dare to speak. He was to stunned to see a ghost since he doesn t witness paranormal activities everyday. And it is not just a ghost but it is an orchid ghost! When he sees something out of the ordinary, his brain ceases to function. After a few seconds, Jawena remembered how to use his brain. Well, Sule the Ghost, he said. "Guardian of the Orchid Paradise or whatever the name of this place is, I have come to your place in search for orchids. May I request the permission to pick your orchids, ghost? 3

4 Sule the ghost thought of this for a while. Then he said: Noble stranger, pick all the orchids you want. Don t tell anyone about the orchids and no matter what the situation, nobody should know about this except for you and myself. Jawena promised him not to tell anyone. He picked all of the orchids he can carry and went home. Meanwhile, there were two greedy thieves named Yudi and Budi. Their hobby is stealing anything that catches their eye. They are very sneaky and they never got caught in action. Today s plan is to steal something or some things that seems very interesting. What about that shiny thing over there? asked Budi. He pointed his finger at the silver pearl in the glass case. That would be nice, said Yudi. They walked towards the pearl vendor when they spotted Jawena! He walks past them in silence. Hey Budi, said Yudi. Did you see that? Those bizarre flowers? Let s follow him! And remember Budi, always cover our tracks. They both nodded, they followed Jawena in discreet. 4

5 As soon as Jawena arrived at his home, he placed the orchids in the back yard so it can be left to dry. Then, without warning, Yudi and Budi made a surprise entry! Jawena jumped. Hi there little one, said Budi. I just saw you walking with oh, what s the name again? Yes, these plants! He pointed down at the orchids. These are orchids, said Jawena. I have collected them from the forest. I am going to sell these at the market. Would you like to buy one? You can pay me now but Yes whatever! I know! interrupted Yudi. Just tell us where you have founded it! Jawena was about to tell him when he remembered the promise he had made with Sule the ghost. I can t tell you, said Jawena. Um, I have forgotten where I have found these orchids. Yudi and Budi were not happy with his response. Listen, kid, if you don t want to tell us then I will do something and, how should I put this? I will do something unforgivable. Jawena knew that they were threatening him, but he just doesn t what to do. Come on kid, time is running out. Then, Jawena blurted out: I m not telling you thugs! This protest just made the outlaws angrier, so they started walking towards Jawena. Then, without thinking, Jawena shouted, I will tell you guys! Just follow me! This sentence that Jawena shouted out has changed the course of history, forever. 5

6 Jawena led the thieves into the forest. The thieves threatened Jawena to walk faster by pointing a razor-sharp shard of glass at him. They kept walking until they have reached their destination, the Place of the Orchids (or whatever it is called). Yudi and Budi just stared in amazement. Let s take every single orchid in this place! exclaimed Yudi in excitement. The thieves started picking the orchids while Jawena sat down, feeling guilty of breaking his promise. Then, without warning, a ghost appeared! Jawena immediately remembered that the ghost is Sule. What have you done stranger? I thought you have promised! exclaimed Sule in disbelief. Yudi and Budi just stared at the ghost, not knowing what to say. Jawena just sat down, biting his nails. Now you shall all receive eternal judgment! You stranger and the other thieves! At this moment, Sule disappeared. Then, by Jawena s horror, he has realized the unforgivable. The eternal judgment has yet to come upon him, Yudi, Budi and the civilians of the island. Then, all of a sudden, 6

7 a loud boom sounded! Everyone turned their backs and watched the volcano erupt in flames. Not only booms, but many others! When the booms died, a huge tsunami attacked the land and demolished everything in its path. This series of unforgivable chain of events has led to the formation of the island Sulawesi. This is why Sulawesi is shaped like an orchid. As for Jawena, Yudi and Budi, they were washed away to a place, far, far away. The End (Of this story) 7

8 Bibliography (Where I have gotten the pictures from) Clip Art