[Cerpen] Legend: The Origin of Banyuwangi

Sidapaksha and Sri Tanjung had many obstacles in their marriage. Sidapaksha’s mother did not agree with the marriage. She did not think that Sri Tanjung was good enough for her son. Sidapaksha was in the service of the king of Sindureja. He was a nobleman. But, Sri Tanjung did not come from a noble family.

Sidapaksha’s mother asked the king to send her son to Mount Ijen. His task was to search for a legendary flower that would give eternal youth. The king told his son to bring back the flower and give it to the queen. The young man obeyed the king’s command. Sidapaksha’s mother wanted to separate her son from his wife.

Sidapaksha’s mother was a wicked, evil woman. After Sidapaksha’s departure, Sri Tanjung gave birth to a baby boy. The wicked mother-in-law stole the baby while Sri Tanjung was bathing and threw the infant into the river. A few months later, Sidapaksha returned. He had the legendary flower. But his mother informed him that Sri Tanjung had murdered his son.

Sidapaksha believed his mother more than he trusted his wife. Sidapaksha angrily asked his wife. He wanted an explanation. Sri Tanjung did not say anything. She asked her husband to carry her to the river. She wanted to prove her innocence. Sidapaksha was not sure but finally he agreed. He took her to the riverbank. Then Sri Tanjung threw herself into the water and drowned.

A few moments later, pure white, sweet smelling flowers floated by. The flowers disappeared but the fragrance stayed. Sidapaksha realized that his wife was innocent. He was broken hearted. From then on, the city was named Banyuwangi (Banyu means water, wangi means sweet smelling).