LangkawiHistory of Legends Above all other holiday resorts in Malaysia, Langkawi boasts of the existence of various legends and myths. The following are the most popular. Legend of Mahsuri Surpassing them all is the well-known – and well-beloved – story told time and again of the Princess Mahsuri who lived in Langkawi in the fourteenth century. Mahsuri laid a curse on the islands following the wrongful accusation that she had committed adultery while betrothed to the Sultan of Kedah. When a soldier pierced a kris (dagger) into her bosom, he drew white fluid instead of blood, this viewed as a sign of her innocence. Others are of the opinion that a white mist that suddenly enveloped the spot of her execution was an illustration of mourning over her undeserved punishment. Mahsuri laid a curse on Langkawi for the act of injustice. Thus, for seven generations, it had been a land of isolation and misfortune. Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang In the heart of the main island are these two familiar mountains. Adding to, yet seeming to separate, them is a third called Bukit Sawar. The trio are believed to be human beings going by the names of Mat Raya, Mat Cincang and Mat Sawar. Mat Raya – of bad repute – married Mat Cincang’s daughter against the latter’s wishes. A fight with pots and pan flying, ensued during the wedding feast. A big pot of gravy broke and its contents spilled onto the ground. The spot the contents spilled is known as Kuah (gravy) and where the pot broke, Belanga Pecah (broken pot). A couldron of hot water was likewise spilled, hence the spot known as Air Panas (hot water). The fight between the two families continued until intervened by Mat Sawar. Following reconciliation, all three decided to turn themselves into their present forms. Caves of Legends There are several stories associated with caves. Gua Cerita – the cave with a legend – is actually two fascinating limestone caves in the northeast of Langkawi, one above the other, both facing the sea. The story tells of the failed ploy by the legendary Geruda (phoenix) to thwart the “marriage” of the children of the Roman and Chinese emperors. Gua Langsair (Cave of the Banshees) is believed to be a haven for vampires. Telaga Tujuh (picture left) are the seven wells believed to be the favourite haunts of mountain fairies who frequently bathed there in the absence of human beings. Tasik Dayang Bunting This is a fresh water lake on the island of Dayang Bunting. It depicts the story of two genies, Mambang Sari and Maj Teja who came to love her. Not knowing how to confess this, he followed the advice of an old man, Tok Diang and wiped the tears of a mermaid on his face when next he saw her. She responded and a series of trysts followed. When she became pregnant, she chose Tasik Dayang Beranak to give birth. When the baby died seven days later, she threw it into the lake which later became known as Tasik Dayang Bunting (picture right). Beras Terbakar at Padang Mat Sirat Kampung Raja at Padang Mat Sirat was the ancient capital of Langkawi and location of its rice granary. When Siam invaded Langkawi in 1821, its chieftain ordered it to be burnt to starve the enemy. Remnants of burnt rice have been seen at the spot known as Beras Terbakar.
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