Episode 017: Air Mata Batara Guru

by I La Galigo

folk tale transformation melancholy Ages 8-14 434 words 2 min read
Cover: Episode 017: Air Mata Batara Guru

Adapted Version

CEFR B2 Age 168 words 1 min Canon 35/100

In Pertiwi's celestial kingdom, expectations hung heavy. Batara Guru arrived, a divine being burdened by loneliness no earthly crown could alleviate. His Aunt, vibrant, greeted him: "Batara, ready to find your consort?" The formal setting made him uneasy.

"I wish to meet all princesses," Batara Guru replied politely, "but I must consult my father first." He watched consorts pass, none capturing his eye. Duty versus unawakened feelings brewed within him.

Batara Guru politely excused himself. "I must return to Earth; duties await." His form shrank, despite his Aunt and Another Relative subtly trying to keep him. He felt relief to depart.

By the shore, The Crocodile, an ancient, tranquil presence, awaited him. "How goes it, Master?" the creature asked. Batara Guru sighed, solitude pressing. "I only feel lonely, hope receded," he whispered against lapping waves. "Solitude presses down, Master, even upon the divine."

Back on Earth, Batara Guru sought refuge in the untamed wilderness. Days bled into nights, marked by chill and gnawing emptiness. He endured cold, hunger

Original Story 434 words · 2 min read

Episode 017: Air Mata Batara Guru

Setelah merasakan keindahan kerajaan Pertiwi, Batara Guru merasa sedikit terperangkap oleh harapan yang terlalu tinggi akan cinta. Di istana, Sinau Toja, bibi yang penuh semangat, bertanya, "Batara, apakah engkau sudah siap untuk menemukan calon permaisurimu di sini? Putraku, Lindrong Talaga, sangat menantikan kedatanganmu!"

Dengan canggung, Batara Guru menjawab, "Sebenarnya, aku ingin bertemu semua putri yang mungkin menjadi pendampingku, tapi aku juga harus dialog dengan ayahku terlebih dahulu."

Sinau Toja tersenyum lebar, "Oh, aku yakin mereka semua ingin menemuimu! Mereka pasti telah mendengar tentang kedatangan Sang Penguasa Bumi." Batara Guru hanya mengangguk, matanya meneliti para permaisuri yang berlalu lalang, tetapi satu pun tidak ada yang menarik perhatian enamuh.

Setelah perbincangan yang tidak begitu berarti, Batara Guru minta diri. "Mohon maaf, aku harus kembali ke bumi. Tugas di sana menanti," ucapnya sopan saat ia beranjak pergi. Sosoknya yang megah menyusut perlahan, saat Sinau Toja dan Gururesellet berusaha menahannya.

Gururesellet berkata, "Batara, sabar ya. Kehidupan di bumi bisa jadi penuh tantangan, tapi percayalah, ada kebahagiaan yang menanti."

"Ya, Bu," kata Batara Guru, terang-terangan merasakan ketidaksenangan. Namun, menyimpan rasa kesal tersebut di dalam hati adalah langkah yang lebih bijak. Sementara itu, buaya menantinya di tepi pantai.

"Gimana, Tuan?" tanya buaya, wajahnya tenang.

Batara Guru menghela napas, "Aku hanya merasa kesepian, seakan semua harapan begitu jauh."

"Mungkin permaisuri yang ditugaskan Worthy di sana bukan hanya sekadar pelengkap, batara," buaya memberi nasihat bijak.

Setibanya di bumi, Batara Guru kembali merasakan kesunyian yang begitu dalam. Hari demi hari, dia menyusuri hutan belantara, menahan lapar dan rasa dingin. Suatu malam, beban kesedihan akhirnya meluap, dan tanpa henti air matanya mengalir.

"Aku merasa ditinggalkan dan terasing," ratapnya, suaranya tenggelam dalam hening malam. "Jika ada suara menginspirasi, aku berharap itu datang dari Tuhan. Untuk kesenangan dan kebahagiaan yang lebih baik."

Tangisan ini ternyata sampai juga ke langit, membuat Datu Palinge' terbangun. "Batara Guru, mengapa kau bersedih?" Tanya Datu Palinge', suaranya penuh empati.

Patoto'e menggenggam tangannya. "Adinda, ini adalah bagian dari ujian hidupnya. Dia harus merasakan kesulitan agar mengerti makna menjadi pemimpin sejati."

Dalam lingkaran bintang, Batara Guru tersembunyi dari pandangan, namun betapa ingin ia mendengar dorongan dari keluarga, terutama orang tuanya. "Kenapa tidak kalian hadir menemaniku di sini?" batinnya bergumam sembari menahan air mata.

"Kesulitan ini tidaklah abadi," lanjut Patoto'e. "Setelah lima belas hari, akan ada cahaya baru di kehidupannya."

Batara Guru menggenggam tangan gaib yang tak terlihat, berharap bahwa ini semua hanya serpihan dari perjalanan panjangnya menuju pencapaian.

Dari kedalaman kesedihannya, dia terbangun dengan harapan bahwa mungkin cinta yang ditunggu akan datang bagai angin segar, membawa segalanya ke dalam harmoni. Dan perjalanan kerasnya baru saja dimulai.


Story DNA

Moral

True leadership and happiness often require enduring hardship and loneliness as a test of character.

Plot Summary

Batara Guru, a divine being, visits a kingdom to find a consort but feels no connection and returns to Earth, burdened by loneliness. He confides in a wise crocodile and endures days of profound solitude in the wilderness, eventually weeping uncontrollably. His tears reach the heavens, prompting his divine parents to discuss his suffering as a necessary trial for true leadership. Though still sad, Batara Guru holds onto a nascent hope for future happiness and companionship, understanding his difficult journey has just begun.

Themes

loneliness and isolationthe burden of leadershipthe search for companionshipdivine purpose and destiny

Emotional Arc

discomfort to deep sorrow to nascent hope

Writing Style

Voice: third person omniscient
Pacing: slow contemplative
Descriptive: moderate

Narrative Elements

Conflict: person vs self
Ending: hopeful
Magic: Divine beings (Batara Guru, Datu Palinge', Patoto'e), Talking animals (crocodile), Tears reaching the heavens, Unseen hands/divine intervention
Batara Guru's tears (symbolizing profound sorrow and a call for divine attention)The wilderness (symbolizing isolation and hardship)The crocodile (symbolizing wisdom and guidance)

Cultural Context

Origin: Bugis (Indonesia)
Era: timeless fairy tale

The Bugis people are an ethnic group from South Sulawesi, Indonesia, known for their rich oral traditions and epic poetry, such as the La Galigo, which often feature divine ancestors and heroes like Batara Guru.

Plot Beats (11)

  1. Batara Guru visits the kingdom of Pertiwi, where his aunt Sinau Toja and Gururesellet expect him to find a consort.
  2. He expresses a desire to meet princesses but also to consult his father, feeling no attraction to those he sees.
  3. Batara Guru politely excuses himself, returning to Earth despite attempts to keep him in Pertiwi.
  4. He confides in a crocodile about his loneliness and distant hopes.
  5. Back on Earth, Batara Guru experiences profound solitude, enduring hunger and cold in the wilderness.
  6. One night, overwhelmed by sadness, he weeps uncontrollably, wishing for divine inspiration.
  7. His tears reach the heavens, awakening Datu Palinge'.
  8. Patoto'e explains to Datu Palinge' that Batara Guru's suffering is a test to prepare him for true leadership.
  9. Batara Guru, unaware of the divine conversation, longs for his parents' presence.
  10. Patoto'e predicts that after fifteen days, a new light will enter Batara Guru's life.
  11. Batara Guru, still in sorrow, grasps an unseen hand, holding onto hope for love and the continuation of his journey.

Characters

Batara Guru

Batara Guru

deity adult male

Megah (majestic), his figure shrinks as he departs.

Attire: Implied to be regal or divine attire, fitting for a 'Penguasa Bumi' (Ruler of Earth).

A majestic figure with tears streaming down his face in a desolate forest.

Lonely, melancholic, burdened, seeking love, dutiful.

✦

Sinau Toja

deity adult female

Unknown, but her demeanor suggests an active and welcoming presence.

Attire: Implied to be regal attire, fitting for a royal aunt in a divine kingdom.

A smiling, welcoming woman, perhaps with an expectant gesture.

Enthusiastic, welcoming, hopeful, a bit pushy.

✦

Lindrong Talaga

deity young adult male

Unknown.

Attire: Implied to be regal attire.

A young, expectant royal figure.

Eager, expectant.

✦

Gururesellet

deity adult female

Unknown.

Attire: Implied to be regal or divine attire.

A comforting figure, perhaps with a gentle hand on Batara Guru's shoulder.

Patient, comforting, wise.

🐾

Buaya

animal adult male

A crocodile, waiting at the beach.

Attire: N/A (animal)

A large, calm crocodile with a thoughtful expression.

Calm, wise, supportive.

Datu Palinge'

Datu Palinge'

deity ageless male

Unknown, but implied to be a celestial being.

Attire: Implied to be divine attire, fitting for a sky deity.

A celestial figure appearing from the sky, looking down with concern.

Empathetic, concerned.

✦

Patoto'e

deity ageless female

Unknown, but implied to be a celestial being.

Attire: Implied to be divine attire, fitting for a sky deity.

A celestial figure, holding hands with Datu Palinge', offering words of wisdom.

Wise, understanding, patient, supportive.

Locations

Istana Kerajaan Pertiwi

indoor Implied pleasant, as it's a 'beautiful kingdom'

An ornate palace within the Kingdom of Pertiwi, where Batara Guru is expected to find a consort. Permaisuri (queens/consorts) are seen walking around.

Mood: Initially hopeful and expectant, but quickly becomes awkward and stifling for Batara Guru.

Batara Guru is introduced to potential consorts but feels no attraction, leading to his departure.

royal chambers permaisuri (queens/consorts) passing by

Tepi Pantai

outdoor Implied calm, as the crocodile's face is 'tenang' (calm)

The edge of the land where a crocodile awaits Batara Guru. It's a transitional space between the kingdom and the journey back to Earth.

Mood: Reflective, a moment of quiet counsel and transition.

Batara Guru expresses his loneliness to the crocodile before returning to Earth.

crocodile shoreline

Hutan Belantara di Bumi

outdoor night Cold nights, implied harsh conditions

A dense, wild forest on Earth, where Batara Guru wanders, enduring hunger and cold.

Mood: Desolate, lonely, sorrowful, challenging.

Batara Guru's profound sadness culminates in him weeping uncontrollably, his tears reaching the heavens.

dense trees darkness cold air

Langit (Lingkaran Bintang)

outdoor night Clear, starry night

The celestial realm, specifically a 'lingkaran bintang' (circle of stars), where Datu Palinge' and Patoto'e reside. Batara Guru is 'tersembunyi dari pandangan' (hidden from view) here.

Mood: Ethereal, wise, empathetic, a place of divine observation and counsel.

Datu Palinge' and Patoto'e observe Batara Guru's suffering and discuss his trials, offering a prophecy of future hope.

stars celestial beings (Datu Palinge', Patoto'e)