Episode 036: Batara Lattu Kepada We Datu Sengeng

by I La Galigo

folk tale romance hopeful Ages 8-14 280 words 2 min read
Cover: Episode 036: Batara Lattu Kepada We Datu Sengeng

Adapted Version

CEFR B2 Age 402 words 2 min Canon 100/100

We Datu Sengeng had just rejected Batara Lattu’s proposal, leaving him speechless. Her sister, We Adiluhu, worried deeply. "Who would dare refuse the crown prince?" she murmured, knowing this could bring trouble. La Pangoriseng added, "We must demand his true commitment."

We Adiluhu immediately approached Batara Lattu. "You must swear to love her without ever hurting her heart," she insisted. "If your love is true, you need to convince me of its depth and sincerity."

Batara Lattu nodded, his resolve clear. He took a small knife from his belt and carefully pricked his finger. "I swear with my own blood," he declared, his voice firm. "Show this to We Datu Sengeng; may she believe in my unwavering love."

We Temmala quickly collected Batara Lattu’s blood, carrying it to We Datu Sengeng. "True love cannot be treated lightly," she explained, conveying the gravity of his vow. "His sincerity is profound; he has truly committed himself."

We Datu Sengeng no longer hesitated. Batara Lattu’s symbolic act had convinced her of his genuine feelings. "Very well," she stated bravely, her voice clear. "If you are truly sincere, I will also prick my finger, showing equal commitment."

As We Datu Sengeng pricked her finger, two drops of white, milk-like blood appeared. This magical occurrence symbolized her complete acceptance, her purity of heart, and the profound equality now established between them. It was a clear sign.

Batara Lattu sighed with overwhelming relief. "This truly proves our equality," he murmured, his heart swelling with joy. The white blood was an undeniable affirmation of their mutual, deep connection.

"Then proclaim to all inhabitants of the sky, earth, and land," We Datu Sengeng declared solemnly, "that I am ready to love you, Batara Lattu, forever!" Her smile was radiant, her doubt completely vanished.

Batara Lattu immediately rushed away, filled with immense joy. He was eager to prepare the wedding gifts for We Datu Sengeng, anticipating their happy day. He could not wait for their new life to commence.

We Adiluhu tenderly embraced her sister, tears of happiness streaming down her face. "May our parents witness our joy from above," she whispered, hoping for their ancestral blessings. The family’s approval was complete.

The maturity of Batara Lattu and We Datu Sengeng’s love had been proven. Everyone eagerly awaited the grand celebration scheduled for the next day. It would mark the auspicious beginning of their shared journey, full of hope and happiness.

Original Story 280 words · 2 min read

Episode 036: Batara Lattu Kepada We Datu Sengeng

We Datu Sengeng terdiam, terkejut dengan lamaran Batara Lattu yang baru saja ditolak. "Siapa yang berani menolak putra mahkota? Ini bisa menjadi bencana bagi Tompotikka," gumam We Adiluhu, khawatir.

La Pangoriseng menambahkan, "Saatnya kita menghadapi Batara Lattu dan memastikan komitmennya terhadap We Datu."

Mendengar hal itu, We Adiluhu segera menuju Batara Lattu. "Kau harus bersumpah untuk mencintainya, tanpa menyakiti hatinya," tegasnya. "Kalau memang cinta, buatlah aku percaya."

Batara Lattu mengangguk, mengambil pisau kecil dari sabuknya, dan mengiris jarinya. "Aku berani bersumpah dengan darahku," serunya penuh tekad. "Tunjukkan ini kepada We Datu, semoga ia percaya."

We Temmala segera mengambil darah Batara Lattu dan mengantarkannya kepada We Datu. "Cinta sejati tidak bisa dipermainkan," katanya.

We Datu Sengeng tidak ragu lagi. "Baiklah, jika kau memang tulus, aku akan mengiris jariku juga," katanya dengan berani, menunjukkan kesetaraan.

Setelah dua tetesan darah putih seperti susu terjatuh, Batara Lattu menghela napas lega. "Ini adalah bukti bahwa kita sederajat," ujarnya.

"Maka, katakan kepada semua penghuni langit, bumi, dan pertiwi bahwa aku, Batara Lattu, siap untuk mencintaimu selamanya," seru We Datu.

Semua yang hadir merasakan perubahan dalam tensi ruangan. Senyum manis menghias wajah We Datu. Tidak ada lagi keraguan. "Aku menerima lamaranmu," ungkapnya tulus.

Batara Lattu bergegas kembali, mempersiapkan hadiah pernikahan untuk We Datu. "Sampai tak sabar menunggu hari bahagia kita," pikirnya penuh semangat.

We Adiluhu tersenyum, merangkul adiknya. "Semoga orang tua kita melihat kita, bahagia di sana," ucapnya, menghapus air mata haru di pipinya.

Kematangan cinta Batara Lattu dan We Datu Sengeng akan segera terbukti. Keduanya pun siap merayakan pernikahan yang telah ditunggu-tunggu. Keesokan harinya, sebuah pesta besar akan digelar, menandai awal sebuah perjalanan baru yang penuh harapan.


Story DNA

Moral

True love requires sincere commitment and mutual respect, often proven through symbolic acts of devotion.

Plot Summary

We Datu Sengeng rejects Batara Lattu's proposal, causing concern among her family. To prove his sincerity, Batara Lattu cuts his finger and offers his blood as an oath of eternal love. Convinced by his devotion, We Datu Sengeng reciprocates by cutting her own finger, from which 'white blood' drops, symbolizing her acceptance and their equality. With all doubts resolved, she accepts his proposal, and both families joyfully prepare for a grand wedding celebration.

Themes

love and commitmentequality in relationshipstrust and sincerityovercoming initial doubt

Emotional Arc

doubt to certainty

Writing Style

Voice: third person omniscient
Pacing: brisk
Descriptive: sparse

Narrative Elements

Conflict: person vs person (initial doubt/hesitation)
Ending: happy
Magic: The symbolic 'white blood' of We Datu Sengeng, which might imply a special, perhaps divine, nature or purity.
Blood (as a symbol of oath, commitment, and sincerity)The act of cutting one's finger (as a physical manifestation of a vow)White blood (symbolizing purity, equality, or divine favor)

Cultural Context

Origin: Bugis
Era: timeless fairy tale

Bugis culture, from South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has a rich tradition of oral storytelling, often featuring royalty, epic journeys, and symbolic acts. The names 'Batara Lattu' and 'We Datu Sengeng' suggest noble or divine characters, common in Bugis epics like I La Galigo.

Plot Beats (11)

  1. We Datu Sengeng rejects Batara Lattu's proposal, causing concern among her family (We Adiluhu and La Pangoriseng).
  2. We Adiluhu confronts Batara Lattu, demanding a sincere oath of love and commitment.
  3. Batara Lattu cuts his finger, offering his blood as a solemn vow of his love for We Datu Sengeng.
  4. We Temmala delivers Batara Lattu's blood and message to We Datu Sengeng, emphasizing the seriousness of true love.
  5. We Datu Sengeng, convinced by his sincerity, reciprocates by cutting her own finger.
  6. Two drops of 'white blood' fall from We Datu Sengeng's finger, symbolizing her acceptance and equality.
  7. Batara Lattu expresses relief and acknowledges their equality.
  8. We Datu Sengeng publicly declares her acceptance of his proposal, inviting all beings to witness their commitment.
  9. Batara Lattu joyfully rushes off to prepare wedding gifts.
  10. We Adiluhu embraces We Datu Sengeng, expressing happiness and hope that their parents are watching.
  11. The story concludes with the anticipation of a grand wedding celebration the following day, marking their new journey.

Characters

We Datu Sengeng

We Datu Sengeng

human young adult female

None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be of noble status and beauty.

Attire: Implied to be wearing traditional Bugis attire suitable for royalty, possibly silk or woven fabrics.

Her act of cutting her finger to show commitment, producing 'two drops of white blood like milk'.

Initially hesitant and cautious, but brave, determined, and eventually loving and trusting.

Batara Lattu

Batara Lattu

human young adult male

None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a strong and determined prince.

Attire: Implied to be wearing traditional Bugis attire suitable for a prince, including a belt from which he draws a small knife.

Cutting his finger with a small knife from his belt to swear an oath of love.

Determined, passionate, committed, and eager.

We Adiluhu

We Adiluhu

human adult female

None explicitly mentioned.

Attire: Implied to be wearing traditional Bugis attire.

Embracing her sister, We Datu Sengeng, with tears of joy.

Worried, protective, and supportive of We Datu Sengeng.

La Pangoriseng

La Pangoriseng

human adult male

None explicitly mentioned.

Attire: Implied to be wearing traditional Bugis attire.

His presence as a voice of counsel.

Supportive and encouraging of confronting Batara Lattu.

We Temmala

We Temmala

human adult female

None explicitly mentioned.

Attire: Implied to be wearing traditional Bugis attire.

Carrying Batara Lattu's blood to We Datu Sengeng.

Helpful and observant.

Locations

We Datu Sengeng's Chamber

indoor not specified

A private chamber where We Datu Sengeng initially rejects Batara Lattu's proposal and later accepts it, marked by a shift in emotional tension.

Mood: tense, then relieved and joyful

We Datu Sengeng's initial rejection and eventual acceptance of Batara Lattu's proposal, sealed by the blood oath.

We Datu Sengeng We Adiluhu La Pangoriseng We Temmala

Batara Lattu's Location (where he makes the oath)

indoor not specified

The place where Batara Lattu is confronted by We Adiluhu and makes his blood oath, showing his commitment.

Mood: determined, serious

Batara Lattu's solemn vow of love, cutting his finger to offer his blood as proof.

Batara Lattu We Adiluhu small knife from belt Batara Lattu's finger