Narrative text

The Legend of Dewi Sri

Many stories of Dewi Sri (also known as Dewi Asri or Nyi Pohaci) include her brother Sedana (also known as Sadhana or Sadono) and are set either in the kingdom of Medang Kamulan or in the mythical heavens with gods such as Batara Guru, and sometimes in both. In all the versions in which Sedana appears along with Dewi Sri, they end up separated from each other through death, separation, or a refusal to be married. Some versions feature Dewi Sri with a large snake and Sadhana with a swallow. To the Javanese, Dewi Sri is the goddess of the Earth and the mother of the Javanese people. In Javanese harvest festivals she is worshipped as the Rice Mother and also as the Rice Bride. She is widely venerated as the great benefactress who protects people against hunger. Believed to bring the rains of the monsoon season, Dewi Sri also appears in dreams to give good advice.

        Traditionally, the Javanese set aside a special place in their house dedicated to Dewi Sri and decorated with intricate carvings of a snake so that she will bring prosperity to the family. In the Javanese agricultural community if a snake enters a house it won't be killed or chased away as it is the sign of a good harvest. Instead, offerings will be given to the snake. In Javanese wayang stories, Dewi Sri is reborn as the goddess Sinta and marries her consort Wisnu after his reincarnation as Rama. Alternatively, reborn as Rukmini, she marries Wisnu in his new form as Kresna. Again, reborn as Subadra, Dewi Sri marries Wisnu as Arjuna, son of King Pandu.

        To the Sundanese of West Java, Dewi Sri (or Nyi Pohaci Sanghiang Sri) is the goddess who not only created rice, but also played an important role in forming the structure of Earth. The following story is popular Sundanese version of the legend of Nyi Pohaci Sanghiang Sri.

The Donkey of Guizhou

Once upon a time there was no donkey in Guizhou. So someone officious shipped one there, but finding no use for it, he set it loose at the foot of the mountain.
A tiger ran out from the mountains. When he saw this big tall thing, he thought it must be divine. He quickly hid himself in the forest and surveyed it from under cover. Sometimes the tiger ventured a little nearer, but still kept a respectful distance.
One day the tiger came out again. Just then the donkey gave a loud bray. Thinking the donkey was going to eat him, the tiger hurriedly ran away. After a while he sneaked back and watched the donkey carefully. He found that though it had a huge body it seemed to have no special ability.
After a few days the tiger gradually became accustomed to its braying and was no longer so afraid. Sometimes he even came near and circled around the donkey.
Later the tiger became bolder. Once he walked in front of the donkey and purposely bumped it. This made the donkey so angry that it struck out his hind legs and kicked wildly.
Seeing this the tiger was very gleeful, 'Such a big thing as you can do so little!' With a roar he pounced on the donkey and ate it up.