Exploring Words: Understanding How the Bujang Beji Story is Told

 KISAH BUJANG BEJI

Once upon a time, there were two leaders named Bujang Beji and Tumenggung Marubai. These two individuals had very contrasting characteristics. Tumenggung Marubai was kind-hearted and humble, while Bujang Beji, although powerful, was greedy and arrogant. Both made a living as fishermen, each in their own territory. Tumenggung Marubai and his followers fished in the Simpang Melawi River, while Bujang Beji operated in the Simpang Kapuas River.

The Simpang Melawi River was abundant with various fish species, far more than those in the Simpang Kapuas River. Consequently, Tumenggung Marubai always had a more bountiful catch.

Tumenggung Marubai used traps, like bubu, to catch fish. After the fish gathered in the trap, he selectively chose the larger ones, releasing the smaller ones to ensure the fish population continued to thrive.

Observing Tumenggung Marubai's successful catches, Bujang Beji felt envious. He sought ways to outdo Tumenggung Marubai and resorted to unscrupulous methods. Bujang Beji began using poison to catch fish, a substance derived from the roots of forest plants.

Initially, he caught an abundance of fish, surpassing Tumenggung Marubai's haul. However, due to the poisonous method, the fish in the Simpang Kapuas River began to dwindle over time. Meanwhile, Tumenggung Marubai continued to have plentiful catches, further fueling Bujang Beji's envy.

"This cannot be allowed!" thought Bujang Beji. "I must find a way to prevent Tumenggung Marubai from getting many fish."

Bujang Beji pondered deeply and devised what he believed to be the best solution.

"I must block the flow of the Melawi River with a large stone at the river's source. This way, the fish will gather there," contemplated Bujang Beji.

Intending to use the peak of Bukit Batu in Nanga Silat, Kapuas Hulu, to dam the Melawi River, he, with his magical prowess, cut the peak of Bukit Batu and carried it using seven blades of lalang grass.

As he transported the stone, he heard the laughter of girls. They were celestial beings from the heavenly realm. Upon reaching the intersection between Kapuas and Malawi, Bujang Beji peered upward to see who was laughing. Inadvertently, he stepped on a poisonous thorn, causing him to leap and cry out in pain. Consequently, the seven blades of lalang grass broke, and the stone fell into a stream called Jetak.

Enraged at the celestial beings who laughed at him, Bujang Beji vowed revenge.

"I will get back at you!" he shouted while stamping his foot, pricked by the poisonous thorn, on one of the hills nearby.

Subsequently, Bujang Beji attempted to lift the fallen Bukit Batu from Jetak by using another hill as a lever. However, since the stone was firmly lodged in Jetak, his efforts were in vain. The lever hill broke, and the broken piece is now known as Bukit Liut. Thus, Bujang Beji's attempt to block the Melawi River failed, all because of the celestial beings.

"I will have my revenge," said Bujang Benji.

Bujang Benji planned to reach the heavenly realm by using a kumpang mambu tree, a gigantic species whose top reached the sky. He began planting the kumpang mambu tree. In just a few days, the tree grew incredibly tall, its top unseen.

Before climbing the kumpang mambu, Bujang Beji performed a traditional ritual, offering sacrifices to the spirits and animals around him to ensure they would not disturb his endeavor to reach the heavenly realm. However, two types of animals, termites and bears, were inadvertently left unoffered.

Feeling angry for not being offered sacrifices, termites and bears conspired to thwart Bujang Beji's plan.

"Let's just gnaw at the kumpang mambu tree until it breaks!" suggested the bear. The termite group agreed.

As Bujang Beji began climbing the kumpang mambu tree, a horde of termites and bears attacked, gnawing at the base until the tree broke.

At that moment, Bujang Beji was on the verge of reaching the heavenly realm. He was thrown down and fell to the ground, meeting his instant demise.

Thus, Bujang Beji's attempt to harm the celestial beings failed. Tumenggung Marubai was spared from Bujang Beji's malicious intentions.

Meanwhile, the detached peak of Nanga Silat Hill from Bujang Beji's blow transformed into Bukit Kelam. Today, Bukit Kelam is one of the tourist attractions in Sintang, West Kalimantan, offering breathtaking views in a natural forest reserve

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Now that we've enjoyed the exciting story of Bujang Beji, let's take a closer look at the words and phrases that make the story interesting. Words can paint pictures in our minds, and in this story, they create a world of adventure. Let's break it down step by step.

Words in the Bujang Beji Story

1. Past Tense:

In our story, everything happened in the past. Words like "happened," "was," and "did" tell us that the story is not about what is happening now but what already happened. For example, find the word "happened" in this sentence: "Once upon a time, there happened two leaders named Bujang Beji and Tumenggung Marubai."

2. Adverb of Time:

Some words, like "Once upon a time" and "At first," help us understand when things happened. These words describe the time. For example, find the words "Once upon a time" in the story.

3. Time Conjunctions:

Words like "When" and "Meanwhile" help connect different parts of the story. They show us how one thing leads to another. For example, find the word "When" in the sentence: "Ketika Bujang Beji mulai memanjat pohon kumpang mambu..." (When Bujang Beji started climbing the kumpang mambu tree...)

4. Specific Caharcters:

In our story, there are special names like "Bujang Beji" and "Tumenggung Marubai." These names help us know exactly who we are talking about. For example, find the special name "Bujang Beji" in the story.

5. Action Verbs:

Words like "catch," "look for," and "kill" tell us about the things the characters are doing. These words make the story exciting. For example, find the word "catch" in the sentence: "Tumenggung Marubai used traps, like bubu, to catch fish."

6. Direct Speech:

Sometimes, the characters talk directly to each other. Phrases like "I will get back at you!" show us what they are saying. For example, find the talking part "I will get back at you!"

Your Turn to Explore

Now, it's your turn! Read the story again and find these special words. After that, share what you find in the comments below. How do these words make the story interesting for you? Let's explore together! Feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts.

Happy exploring!