Folklore And Fairy Tales

The Story of Rangga Gading

Once upon a time, there lived a young man named Rangga Gading. He was very powerful, but unfortunately often misused his magic by committing robbery and theft. Rangga Gading is a shrewd thief, he was never caught. This is because he has the power to change himself into whatever he wants. It can be transformed into an animal, a tree, a stone, or water.

Once, Rangga Gading stole five buffalo. The theft was deliberately carried out during the day to show off worship. When the villagers find out their buffalo are stolen, they are in a hurry to hunt for the thief. Rangga Gading laughed at the actions of the residents, and an idea appeared in his head to prank them. With his power, the Ivory Rangg turned the buffalo's legs upside down, so that the footprints of the animals' feet were in opposite directions. The people who follow the trail are deceived, they just get away from the buffalo.

Desperate citizens then decided to arrest Rangga Gading in the market. They assume, Rangga Gading will definitely sell the buffalo there. But Rangga Gading base did not want to lose, he changed the buffalo horn that had been curved upwards into downwards. The buffalo skin that was black was turned white. Thus, save him from the pursuit of the masses who want to capture him.

One day, Rangga Gading heard a news about the sacred land in Karangmunggal village. It is said that the land contains gold so that the land is closely guarded by state guards and village elders so as not to be disturbed. The news made Rangga Gading actually become tempted to want to have it. He immediately climbed up on the coconut tree. After reaching the top, the release as a palm midrib and with his knowledge, the midrib can fly to fly carrying him towards the village of Karangmunggal.

Arriving at Karangmunggal village, Rangga Gading transformed himself into a cat so as not to be known by the state guards and village elders. Of course the guards were fooled. Rangga Gading's common cat was calmly swooping on the gold-containing land. Then put all the gold into the sack he was carrying. After the sack was fully filled, Rangga Gading immediately flew back using the same midrib, heading to his hiding place.

Before arriving at his hiding place, Rangga Gading stopped for a while to rest. In a quiet place, he opened the loot, then he took a handful of gold and laughed out loud. He felt victorious and started to become arrogant. The young man then hung his golden sack on a tree branch, then undressed to bathe in a well near his resting place.

Rangga Gading did not know that his movements were noticed by a great grandfather. The great-grandfather immediately knew what Rangga Gading had done, and was very sad if the young man's devotion was used for things that were not good. He was determined to change the young man to be better.

When Rangga Gading finished bathing, how surprised he saw the magic iakek standing on the edge of the lake. His face was radiant and using a turban and white robe signified a man of high knowledge.

“Who are you, old man? How do you know my name and why do you ask me that? Don't you know that I'm so good?” Rangga Gading began to boast.

“I know you're so blessed, young man. That's exactly why I asked.”

“Go old man, do not disturb me or I will. before finishing his sentence, suddenly Rangga Gading fell drooping to the ground. His body felt weak without power. He knew it was his great grandfather who made him so.

“Ampun, grandpa...jeez!” Rangga Gading said. “Alright, I will repent and become your disciple, but please stop this. My body feels weak and sick once.”

“Alright, I keep your promise.” the grandfather also stopped his spell. Rangga Gading's body returned as usual. Submissively the young man then followed the great grandfather to the teacher. The teacher belonged to the great grandfather, that is where Rangga Gading learned how to use his knowledge and magic for good things.

The young man studied very diligently. His science is heightened, but his nature remains humble. He stopped stealing and robbing, and helped the people around him more. Grandfather was very happy with the change, and asked Rangga Gading to lead the college if later it was gone. Rangga Gading also accepted the responsibility.

When the great grandfather died, Rangga Gading also led a peguruan. There were more and more students, and the college became famous everywhere. The name Rangga Gading is also known as a kind-hearted saint.