Legenda Ikan Patin / Legend of Catfish / Legend of Patin by: Luthfi Guntur Eka Putra a.k.a Lugep

 Legenda Ikan Patin / Legend of Catfish / Legend of Patin 

Once upon a time, in Tanah Melayu lived an old fisherman named Awang Gading. He lived alone on the edge of a broad, clear river. While living alone, he always felt happy. He was grateful for every blessing given by God. His days were spent by fishing and looked for wood in the forest.

          One day, Awang Gading fishing in the river.

“I’m coming for you, yellow” Awang Gading pulled the hook down.

The birds are chirping helped add to the excitement Awang Gading. 

“Oh my God, warm here” said Awang Gading

“Fishy... Fishy... Fishy... come to me please!, wait my hook move away”

When he pulled up the hook. The fish apart. Its happend many times, but when he pulled the hook up, fish apart again.  

Slowly the day went in the evening, but he had no fish.  

“urgggh i dont get the fish? Even one fish? Its not like usual. Huh!” he complained. Then prepared the equipments then went home. Suddenly he heard a sound. He heard a baby crying.

“wait, what’s the sound? Where’s the owner?”

He followed the sound. He was shocked when he saw a baby the edge of the river behind a big rock.

“oh my God, a beautiful baby. How pity you are. Where’s your mom? Let’s go home with me”

Then Awang Gading took the baby home. At the night awang gading met the leader of his village to showed up whats he found.

“sir... sir...!! open the door please” called Awang Gading

“wait a minute!!” said the leader

“what’s up awang gading” asked the leader

Then awang gading explained that he found a baby girl the edge of the river.

“blessed awang gading. U believed by the king of the river to treat her. So treat her well” he requested.


             The next day, Awang Gading  held a small party. A wang invited all his neighbors. Awang Gading gave the baby a name Dayang Kumunah.

Years by years Dayang Kumunah growth up into a very beautiful girl and polite. She also diligently. And awang gading very loved her so much.

“my sweety,my sweety” scream Awang,

“yeah daddy, whats up?” Dayang answerd

“can you help me, to clean up the house? I’m so tired” said Awang gading, along day, he fishing and got a lot of fish.

“sure, dad! Go to the bed, and take a rest dad.” Asked Dayang Kumnah.

Dayang was a diligent and kind of heart. sHe also friendly. But she never laughed

One day, came a rich man, named Awangku Usop

“dude, i saw a beautiful lady, is she your daughter?” asked him

“exactly, she’s my daughter. Whats wrong?” said awang gading

He was bewitched when he saw her. And told to awang gading to apply Dayang kumunah.

the application was accepted. But dayang gave one condition.

“i’ll marry you, but i have one condition?” said Fayang

“whats that? Tell me?” asked usop

“Kanda Usop, we actually come from two different worlds. I came from the river and have different habits with humans. I will be a good wife, but do not ask me to laugh, can you?” pleaded dayang. And usop accepted it.

Their wedding was held at a very festive party.All the neighbors and relatives of the bride and groom are invited. Meals are available in abundance. The entire invitation was happy to see the couple. Dayang Kumunah a very pretty girl and Awangku Usop a very handsome young man. It's a perfect match.

Dayang Kumunah and Awangku Usop live happily. However, their happiness did not last long. A few weeks after the wedding, AwangGading died. To months Dayang Kumunah sad though Awang Usop always tries his heart is happy. Fortunately, sadness Dayang Kumunah immediately relieved with the birth of children of five. 

“ohh baby, look at u, you’re so pretty like ur mom” said usop

Although it now has five children, Awangku Usop feel happiness is not complete before seeing Lady Kumunah laugh.

One day, the youngest daughter began to walk with limping. All the family members look happy laugh, but not fot Dayang Kumunah

“daddy look, he was walk. So cute. Hahaha”

“yeah daddy, look. Mom look”

“dayang, laugh now, its fun” asked usop

“i cant kanda” explained dayang.

“now! Please laugh! Please!” asked usop

“if you love me, please”

Finally, Dayang laughed. When laughter is, behold, at the mouth of the fish gills Dayang Kumunah signifying his descent fish. After that, Dayang immediately ran to the river. Awangku Usop and their children wonder and followed him. Dayang's body slowly turned into a fish. Awangku Usop and children left behind. Awangku Usop has reneged on his promise to ask Lady Kumunah laugh.

Awangku Usop soon realized his err and apologized. He asked Dayang Kumunah return to their homes. However, it was too late.Dayang has been plunged into a river. She has a beautiful fish with body shape and shiny skin without scales. Her face resembles a human expression. Her tail as if a pair of crossed legs.People call it catfish.

Awangku Usop and children are very sad. They promised not to eat catfish because they are regarded as family. That is why there are some people who do not eat Malay catfish.