In the eastern part of Kalimantan, next to the Mahakam River, is a district called Muara Kaman. It was once a kingdom ruled by Queen Aji Bidara Putih, who they said was very beautiful and well as very wise and sensitive. She received many offers of marriage from many princes and kings ,but she refused them all because she cared so much about taking care of her country and her people.
A Chinese junk (ship) appeared in the harbour one day, loaded with trading goods and highly trained soldiers. Their envoys (messengers) brought gold antiques and superb porcelain as gifts before announcing a proposal of marriage from a Chinese prince.
The queen was cautiously respectful and didn't refuse the proposal straight away, saying she needed time to mull it over first. Once the envoys had left the palace, the queen called a trusty court officer and asked him to infiltrate the Chinese junk and find out more about the prince.
The court official managed to get past the guards on the junk and finally, he found the prince's room. Unfortunately, there were no holes through which he could peek, so he put his ear to the wall. He heard the prince munching at his dinner, making loud, crude, burping noises as he ate and noisy slurping, gulping sounds as he drank. To the court official the sounds reminded him of a wild boar in the forest.
He left and returned speedily to the palace to the report to the queen that the prince was not a creature not of this world, certainly not human! The queen was shocked and dismayed and when the envoys returned to the palace the next day, she told them politely that she had to refuse the prince's proposal.
The news enraged the prince who then ordered his men to raid Muara Kamam. They met little resistance, and soon they were outside the walls of the palace. Queen Aji Bidara Putih stood at the walls of the palace chewing the leaf of a betel vine which she held in one hand whilst singing a mantra at the same time. She then threw the vine at the Chinese soldiers and it turned into giant centipedes. The Chinese soldiers retreated as fast as they could. But three centipedes chased them and sunk the prince's junk.
The site of the sunken ship is known today as Danau Lipan and the prince's treasures lie hidden with the wreck at the bottom of the lake.
Key words: envoy, junk, slurp, retreat, enrage, raid, proposal, boar, peek, infiltrate.
What do you think? Post a comment.
Of the three stories, Queen Sima, Jayabaya or Queen Aji, which one seems to be a myth?
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77 comments:
Mr.Phil, the Queen Aji story seems like a myth because how can 3 betel vines turn into monstrous centipedes?
KENNETH
3D
I think The Queen Aji Bidara Putih is a myth because it's impossible in the real life that the Chinese soldiers can turn to giant centipedes and a ship became a lake.
Darrell 3D
how can she turn into a centipedes? or not?
dennis 3D
it is also incredible!
DENNIS 3D
I think the story that have a tittle Queen Aji Bidara Putih seems like a myth than Queen Sima and Jayabaya.
Shannon 3D
Exactly Kenneth, it's a myth trying to explain what do you think?
Phil
Darrell,
I don't think the Chinese soldiers turned into giant centipedes, did they?
Phil
Dennis anything is possible in mythology, because mythology is greater than life!
Phil
Shannon,
I think you on to it. Why do you think it's a myth?
Phil
I think this story is awesome!
Queen Aji Bidara Putih must be very pretty if every prince come far to her palace to ask for her hand in marriage! And she is also very wise and the prince should not be mad! People should have their right to choose if they want to marry him / her or not?!?!
Judith 3D
I think queen aji story might be a myth because it has animals that doesnt excist
nick
I thing the story seems not like myth Mr.Phil how come a ship can be change into a lake.
Wiliam 3D
Mr.Phil, do you think it's a myth or not?
Judith 3D
I've heard this story Mr.Phil. The story sound great. I think this story is a myth, because 3 betel vines couldn't turn into centipedes.
Corin
i've heard this story,i think it is a myth because how can 3 beetle vines turn into monstorous centepeds?
natalie 3a
Yoeur comment is the best,Corin!
P
are you sure about the story this story must be a myth the 3 betel vines are impossible to turn to centipedes
gaby 3A
Mr.Phil actually I don't realy understand the story because I don't understand most of the words.......
Angela Stacia
3D
I think Queen Aji Bidara Putih seems like myth than The story of Jayabay and Queen Sima.
Claudia 3D
Mr.Phil this story is cool.The amazing part is when Queen Aji Bidara Putih throw 3 betel vines to the soldiers and become a giant centipedes.I thind Queen Aji Bidara Putih is myth because it is more myterious.
Shania Ie 3D
i haven't the story but i kinda like it.
Jason 3A
I think the story of Queen Aji Bidara Putih is a myth because in real life it's impossible that the Chinese soldiers can turn into a giant centipedes and a ship became a lake.
Sherline 3D
MR.PHIL THE MYTH STORY WAS QUEEN AJI'S STORY, BECAUSE HOW CAN BETEL VINES TURN INTO A GIANT CENTIPEDE????? AM I RIGHT!!
BY THE WAY, MR.PHIL HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO DANAU LIPAN ????
BRIAN 3A
Judith,
For someone as young as you, I find your have a very wise mind. I really enjoyed the idea about the Queen's privilege to choose and the fact that the prince need not have become so angry.
Excellent work.
Phil
whoo,scary that was scary anyway why 3 betel vines can be giant monstorous centipides? Is it magic?
Nathan 3A
Nick,
By "animals that don't exist," I guess you men the giant centipedes, is that correct.
But of course, who's to say that the centipedes weren't huge, particularly if you've never seen them before, or perhaps they were people dressed a centipedes to scare away enemies.
Even so, I think this is more an example of a myth as you say.
Phil
William, I think the ship was sunk and went to the bottom of the sea or lake as it is nowadays.
Phil
whoo,scary that was scary anyway why 3 betel vines can be giant monstorous centipides? Is it magic?
Nathan 3A
Judith, I think when a story has something supernatural about it, it is a myth. In this case, Queen Aji appears to have powers greater than human. That's why I think it is more myth than legend.
Phil
whoo,scary that was scary anyway why 3 betel vines can be giant monstorous centipides? Is it magic?
Nathan 3A
Corin,
I have to agree with you that of the three stories you have read, this one is best described as myth because the centipedes are beyond the real world.
Well written.
Phil
Natalie, you share similar ideas to Corin, and I think both of you understand what makes you think this story is a myth.
Good work.
Phil
By the way Corin, the comment with the funny spelling of "yoer" is not written by me. It's a fake. So you have fan in the crowd there somewhere.
Phil
Gaby,
First things first. I think you must have been in a huge hurry when you wrote this. No full stops. No capital letters and yet this morning I thought you were extremely careful with these things in your Big Book.
However, I think you are correct - centipedes from vines.
Agela 3D,
Never worry if you don't understand words, just read it (the text) again and pick out the words that really have you "stumped" ( too tricky) and check those words in the dictionary.
In a story as long as this one, you might find that only about three words are truly tricky and frustrating, the rest just guess, and you know, 9 times out of 10, you'll be very close to the meaning. So never panic.
Phil
Claudia,
You have got the right idea. Your comment is interesting and then suddenly stops because you don't explain why you feel this way.
That's the whole idea Claudia. Explain your thoughts because they're yours. Never worry about being right or wrong. Got it?
Next time!
Phil
Shania,
Yes mysterious, beyond explanation, unworldly. Your explanation is mature. And I agree, It is a great story.
Phil
Jason, You wear glasses, so it can't be your eyes. I need to check your thumbs because I suspect you've got more than two. That might explain why you write, "I haven't the story....."
You "haven't WHAT the story!!!!"
Plus you make no attempt to explain.
1 point out of 10 and I got it!!!!
hehehehehe
Phil
Sherline,
You have written an excellent comment as usual. I have to challenge your use of the word "impossible", unlikely yes, well "impossible".
So, ask yourself, how would the centipedes become believable?
What if they weren't really centipedes but something that the trained Chinese soldiers never expected.
I agree, that this story is most likely a myth, but the centipedes thing is unlikely though perhaps not impossible. it depends on how you see it.
Phil
Brian, No, I've never been to the lake. have you?
I think you're right. It's difficult to explain the centipedes, isn't it?
Phil
Mr.Phil,I think that Queen Aji bidara putih is not wise sending only her cort officer. Because when the cort oficer was next to the prince room he only heared the prince eating ,not seeing. And when she sunk their junk Queen Aji bidara putih just made an enemy
or started a war with another country.
In my opinion,better the Queen invites the prince to come to her palace. And if she did not like the prince just say it nicely,so they can be friends instead.
KENNETH
3D
wow that story was awesome!it was incredible when they turn into thecentipedes, i like the story is kinda like a mythbut it was nice.
angela 3A
For me Queen Sima and Queen Aji stories are myth, but Jayabaya is a true story.
PETER 3A
Nathan,
Your "magic" idea is very interesting indeed. Your not just a pretty face are you?
Nobody else mentioned magic and it well be that Queen Aji did something that made the Chinese soldiers imagine such things as giant centipedes.
Very good Nathan!
Phil
Good comment again Peter!
You say Jayabaya is believable and that the two "Queen" stories are myths. Nobody else thought that.
Have you ever heard of "exaggeration"? It means making things appear more than what they really are.
Do you suppose hat the people of Queen Sima were indeed very honest, but that the pot of gold and jewels was really to exaggerate their honesty?
What do you think?
Phil
Finally, I have to say that anyone reading these comments ( any adult) would be very surprised to discover that the comments were written by Year 3 students.
The standard of your reading comprehension and explaining has dramatically improved in just three weeks.
Everyone, you can pat yourselves on the back. Serious!
Phil
I think Queen Aji Bidara putih is a very nice story.Does Queen Aji did have magic power? If it is so that was cool.
Priska3D
Great comment Kenneth. You really thought about alternatives and the consequences that could have arisen out of this story.
Good work.
Ms. R.
Priska, It is a nice story, isn't it?
Btw have a little look at your question carefully. You notice that you Does and did in the same question. Is that possible to do that?
I'm interested in the idea of magic though. - good thinking there.
Phil
Mr.Phil, I like the story. It's fantastic. I think Queen Aji Bidara Putih is a myth because how come 3 betel vines can turn into a centipedes? Oh yes Mr.Phil where did you get the story of Queen Aji Bidara Putih,The Jayabaya and the Queen Sima? Could you please tell me? I want to know it!
Sydney Tanoe
3A
Kenneth, Come on boy, spit it out! You've got a joki back there at home, haven't you?
If I'm wrong, tell me, because your second comment is lumayuncle!!! heheheheheheheehe.
Phil
Sydney, Yes, I thought you guys would like these stories. Make sure that don't forget them in the future.
My plan is to find one more story for next week and that should be enough for this Unit, "Our Country".
After that, I promise that will tell where to find these stories, OK?
Btw, I think it is a myth too. The interesting thing though, is why do you think people told stories as myths?
Have you thought about that?
Phil
Hey you guys! Who's first to guess the meaning of Danau Lipan in English?
Phil
Angela 3A,
So you really liked it, huh?
Yes, if you think about it, it is very interesting.
I know everybody talks about the giant centipedes, but it's even more interesting when you think of different explanations for unusual events in stories like this.
I think you should check out some of the other kids comments, because there are some good ones.
Make sure that you look at at Kenneth's comment at the end.
Phil
Mr.Phil, I like the story. It's fantastic. I think Queen Aji Bidara Putih is a myth because how come 3 betel vines can turn into a centipedes? Oh yes Mr.Phil where did you get the story of Queen Aji Bidara Putih,The Jayabaya and the Queen Sima? Could you please tell me? I want to know it!
Sydney Tanoe
3A
Mr.Phil, I like the story. It's fantastic. I think Queen Aji Bidara Putih is a myth because how come 3 betel vines can turn into a centipedes? Oh yes Mr.Phil where did you get the story of Queen Aji Bidara Putih,The Jayabaya and the Queen Sima? Could you please tell me? I want to know it!
Hey BIRTHDAY BOY! Where's your comment?
Just pulling your leg - anyway VABIO, thx for your gift today. It very kind of you.
Happy birthday.
Phil
Who wrote the comment at 6:14 with no name!
Don't tell me it's not the same girl again, is it?
Starting with N?
Phil
Could the NO-NAMER possibly be "NUKIP"!!!
P.
I think this story is awesome!
Queen Aji Bidara Putih must be very beautifull if every prince come far to her palace to ask for her hand in marriage
Tata 3A
Yeah Tata, Queen Aji was a stunner!!!
Do you think it is a myth or a legend?
Phil
Mr.Phil,this only a myth because there are no human that turn into giant centipedes!
Martin 3D
This Is Not A Myth Because Along Time Ago People Are Magical Which Happens To Be Very Powerful And There Were Many People Cursed Into An Animal Or Anytihng So The 3 Betel Vines Is Spelled By Queen Aji Bidara Putih To Become Gigantic Centipedes And I Think The Treasure Is Hidden Somewhere Under The Deepest Ocean In The World!
Joji
3D
Martin, I think I have to agree with you that it must be a myth because of the "supernatural" parts - the giant centipedes.
Well done,
Phil
Joji,
I think everybody would say that you are just "blowing a lot of hot air" here.
There are certain things in a story that convince us that they are either, fact, legend or myth.
Fact is truth, legend is based on fact with some exaggeration, and myth is supernataural.
What do you say now, big guy?
Phil
I like the story but it's a little bit bad becouse it may be a magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jason 3d
Mr.Phil I mean it's not bad but it's wierd
jason
I think its kind of her to not marry a king or prince so she could take care of her people
Natania 3D
I think its kind of her to not marry a king or prince so she could take care of her people
Natania 3D
I think its kind of her to not marry a king or prince so she could take care of her people
Natania 3D
I didn't like the story because it isn't real.
Winson 3D
I don't realy like this story because its weird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arif 3A
Jason,
I think your are correct to say that the story is weird. Anyway, it's better than bad.
Does "weird" mean unusual, strange or tricky to explain?
Phil
So, Natania,how would you explain the differences between a myth, a legend and fact?
Phil
Martin, I think you have explained it well enough as myth by telling us that part of the action is beyond human possibility.
Goo idea.
Phil
Winson,
You say the story is weird. What's the weird part? the whole thing or something else?
Phil
Arif,
You are another one using the word, "weird". But if the writer was sitting in your class, surely you would try to explain what exactly you mean by "weird."
Phil
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