Illustration by Atha Riadi (@athariadi)

For centuries, the stories passed down through generations have been the beating heart of many cultures and traditions. Malaysia is no different. With its vibrant multiculturalism, each myth and legend are part of the building blocks that create the country’s history, values and beliefs. In light of Malaysia’s National Day, also known as Hari Merdeka, let’s journey through the enchanting tales of the country’s rich heritage.

As the sun of 15th-century Malacca sets in the distance, a shadowy figure emerges into the light—a warrior whose story would echo through the ages. Hang Tuah, his legendary tale serves as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and honour. But could this devotion, his greatest strength, also be his fatal flaw?

From humble beginnings, Hang Tuah quickly rose through the ranks of the Malacca Sultanate, serving as the leader of the empire’s version of the Musketeers, alongside his comrades—Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekiu, Hang Lekir and Hang Jebat. The quintet, masters of the Malaysian martial arts, Silat, gained the trust of the army and later, the Sultan (King) himself due to their unparalleled skills and bravery. 

However, the higher one climbs, the harder others try to bring you down, and this was the unfortunate case with Hang Tuah. Slandered by false accusations, the Sultan thoughtlessly sentenced Hang Tuah to death. Despite his seemingly doomed fate, the Bendahara (chief minister), believed in Hang Tuah’s innocence and hid him in a remote location. Filled with immense rage, Hang Jebat, who was under the impression that Hang Tuah had been unfairly executed, reached his breaking point. He rampaged through the royal palace to avenge his dear friend, forcing the Sultan to flee for his life. 

The Sultan, tainted with shame and dishonour at his past actions, lamented that only Hang Tuah could stop Hang Jebat. Seizing the opportunity, the Bendahara revealed that he hadn’t executed Hang Tuah and had hidden him instead. With the Sultan’s orders, Hang Tuah, his most loyal warrior, set off to the royal palace to kill his former comrade, Hang Jebat. 

When Hang Tuah arrived, Hang Jebat eyes widened with relief and joy seeing his friend alive. That feeling of his didn’t last long as Hang Tuah struck to kill. Swords clashed, words rained. In the end, Hang Jebat was killed by someone whom he still called a friend. Sobbing, Hang Tuah reaffirmed to his dying friend that his loyalty to the Sultan and his duty to the Malacca Sultanate always came first.

Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat’s story, which is incredibly popular in Malaysia, serves as a symbolic reflection of life’s divided loyalties. Hang Tuah’s “inflexible code of service” towards the Malacca Sultanate and his King shows his absolute loyalty and sense of duty towards someone who had wronged him greatly, something that many people would not tolerate in modern times. On the other hand, Hang Jebat fought for justice for his comrade’s unfair punishment, subsequently committing brash acts that caused him to be labelled a “traitor” in the kingdom before eventually being executed by the very person he fought for. 

All in all, both parties had valid motivations rooted in their own interpretations of justice and loyalty—one in a more traditional and the other rebellious. Which side do you resonate with more? 

In Ancient China, amidst the majestic mountains and tranquil rivers, lived a princess whose compassion would elevate her to divine status. This is a variant of the tale of Miao Shan, the kind princess who became the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin.

As the youngest daughter of a king, Miao Shan’s beginnings were extraordinary. At conception, her mother dreamt of swallowing the moon. When Miao Shan was born, the earth swayed and flowers bloomed across the country, signaling the reincarnation of a holy being. . However, despite their initial awe, her corrupt parents quickly turned bitter at her arrival. The ever-gentle Miao Shan dedicated herself to a humble life, earning the reputation of “the maiden with the heart of a Buddha.” 

Despite her protests, her father sought to marry her off to a wealthy man. Firmly, Miao Shan replied, “Riches and honour are not there forever, glory and splendour are like mere bubbles or illusions. Even if you force me to do basic menial work, I will never repent [of my resolve to remain chaste].” Then, she declared that she would only agree if their marriage could ease three misfortunes: the unfortunate pains and suffering of ageing, illness and death. If her marriage did not meet these conditions, she would pursue a life of religion instead. 

Enraged, the king forced her to do hard labour and reduced her food. However, Miao Shan remained strong in her resolve. Eventually, the king allowed her to become a nun, hoping the harsh conditions at the temple would discourage her. Instead, her dedication caused the temple to flourish. Furious, the king sent soldiers to execute Miao Shan and the nuns. Yet, much to their dismay, a mysterious spirit intervened and whisked Miao Shan away to safety to Fragrant Mountain. 

When the king later fell gravely ill, a monk told him that his cure required the eyes and arms of a person free from anger. Desperate, the king frantically sent a messenger to Fragrant Mountain, seeking help from the Bodhisattva (a deity who walks among humans) who lived there. The Bodhisattva, Miao Shan, understood the need for both retribution and forgiveness, promptly sacrificed her eyes and arms to save her father.

Grateful, the king and his family went to Fragrant Mountain to thank the bodhisattva, only to realise that his daughter had sacrificed herself out of love and compassion. As the family embraced Miao Shan, she transformed into the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, embodying compassion and forgiveness.

This timeless tale is not just a story of ancient China but also a significant cultural and religious narrative that influenced many, including Malaysia’sBuddhist community. Her story of compassion and sacrifice led to the creation of multiple Goddess of Mercy temples around the country, including a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site in Georgetown, Penang. These temples serve as places of worship and reflection, both to devotees and visitors alike who seek to find solace and inspiration from the goddess’ teachings.

Under the golden Indian skies, a tale of cosmic struggle unfolds. The world casted into a looming shadow, oppressed by a tyrannic trio whose existence threatened the very balance of the universe. But one was born ready to fight for righteousness—Murugan, the deity of wisdom and war. This is the story of Murugan and the world’s conflict between good and evil.

The asura (demon) brothers—Surapadman, Simhamukha, and Tarakasura—were mighty and feared across the universe as they unleashed chaos and wreaked havoc. Their reign, marked by torture, injustice, and a complete disregard for the Principles of Dharma, spreading terror throughout the realms. Desperate and helpless against the trio, the devas (celestial beings) turned to the Great God Shiva, who was deep in unbroken meditation despite the turmoil. Moved by their suffering, Shiva promised to assist them. The god Shiva sprouted five additional heads, each releasing a fiery spark of immense energy. These sparks, carried by Agni (the god of fire) and Vayu (the god of wind) to Lake Saravana, where they were nurtured by the Pleiades, celestial nymphs. From these sparks, six divine babies were born, each embodying the power of Shiva. When the time was right, these six beings came together, merging into one magnificent deity with six heads and twelve arms. Known as Lord Murugan, he would be destined to defeat the asura brothers.

As Murugan grew up, the devas anxiously waited for him to fulfil his fate. Gifted a divine spear called the Vel by his mother, Goddess Parvati, Murugan set out from Mount Kailash with his army of devas. On his journey, the mighty asura Kraunchan tried to block his path by transforming into an impassable mountain. However, Murugan shattered Kraunchan with just one strike and cleared their path to the asura brothers. 

The battle raged on for six days and six nights, with no clear winner. That was until the most powerful brother, Surapadman, arrived. Knowing he could not beat Murugan in a fair fight, Surapadman used his ultimate skill—illusion, transforming into various forms. However, Murugan remained unphased, seeing through every form with his divine wisdom. In his last effort, Surapadman transformed into a monstrous being with a thousand arms and legs, pouncing at Murugan. Yet, Murugan easily split the demon in two with his Vel. 

Surapadman’s essence fled into the ocean and took the form of a giant mango tree to contaminate the world with his darkness. Despite this, the mango tree was chopped off by Murugan, revealing a peacock and a rooster. The animals, symbolising Surapadman’s desperation, charged at Murugan, who tamed them with a single glance—making the peacock his mount and the rooster his emblem, symbols of his victory and the transformation of ego into divine service.  This would be known as Surasamharam.

Murugan’s battle symbolises the internal struggle within one’s soul with his Vel embodying the wisdom that cuts through the illusions created by one’s ego, leading to liberation. This battle is celebrated by Hindus during Thaipusam, commemorating the day Parvati gifted the Vel to Murugan. In Malaysia, people gather around to celebrate, with one of the biggest areas being Batu Caves, Selangor, where a gigantic statue of Lord Murugan is held high. 

In Sabah, there lives an ancient legend—a tale of sacrifice. This is the story of Huminodun, who gave up her life for the land and its people, transforming the earth into fertile land that sustains the Kadazandusun people to this day. Her tale will live on as a symbol of love, sacrifice and the eternal cycle of life celebrated in the paddy fields. 

It all began with the creator god, Kinoingan, under whose rule the Kadazandusun people thrived, blessed with abundant harvests. Harmony reigned, the Sun and the people glowed. Kinoingan and his wife, Sumundu were blessed with two children: A son, Ponompulan and daughter, Huminodun. However, the once-constant peace did not last long. As the two matured, Ponompulan turned sinister, corrupting mankind and shattering the harmony of the land 

Furious, Kinoingan banished his Ponompulan and his followers to Kolungkud, the underworld, and cursed the land with famine and drought, leaving humanity on the brink of starvation. Seeing the suffering of her people, the compassionate Huminodun could not simply sit still. Determined and resolved, she made the ultimate sacrifice—offering her life to nurture the people and the land. As Huminodun’s body was laid to rest, a miracle occurred. From her body, food sources began to spring. Rice from her blood and flesh, yams from her knees, and other edible resources. It was more food than the Kadazandusun had seen in ages, enough to ensure they never went hungry again. Bambaazon, her sacred spirit, is now believed to protect and preserve the land from harm. 

Every year, the Kadazandusun people celebrate the Kaamatan Festival to ensure their harvest remains bountiful and to show gratitude towards Huminodun’s sacrifice. One of the most notable examples is the Magavau Ceremony. A performance with singing and dancing dedicated to Bambaazon to make sure the land remains abundant and celebrate Huminodun’s kind deeds.  

As we conclude our journey through Malaysia’s legends, we find ourselves deeply connected to the tales that have shaped our nation’s soul. From Hang Tuah’s unwavering loyalty and Guan Yin’s divine compassion to Lord Murugan’s cosmic battles and Huminodun’s ultimate sacrifice, these stories are the soul of our heritage. This Merdeka, let us celebrate not only our nation’s history but also honour the virtues these legends represent. They are more than just tales; they are guiding stars, urging us towards a future built on honour, empathy, and unity. May these legends of the land and all the other wonderful legends not mentioned here continue to inspire us and live on for generations to come.