Overview
This folk tale from Bengkulu recounts the story of Princess Gading Cempaka, the Sungai Serut kingdom, and the fulfillment of a royal prophecy involving succession, war, and eventual union with Maharaja Sakti.
Origins of Sungai Serut Kingdom
- King Ratu Agung, originally from Mataram, founded and ruled the Sungai Serut kingdom with wisdom.
- The kingdom gained fame due to Princess Gading Cempaka's exceptional beauty.
Princess Gading Cempaka and the Royal Will
- Putri Gading Cempaka was admired by many but was too young for marriage at first.
- As she matured, King Ratu Agung, nearing death, gathered his seven children and issued two key wills:
- The throne should pass to his son, Anak Dalam.
- In case of disaster, his children should flee to Mount Bungkuk.
Succession and War with Aceh
- After King Ratu Agung's death, Anak Dalam became king, and the kingdom prospered.
- The Aceh prince, Raja Muda, proposed to Princess Gading Cempaka but was rejected.
- Offended, Aceh attacked Sungai Serut, leading to a devastating war.
- Remembering their father's will, the royal family fled to Mount Bungkuk, and the Aceh forces eventually retreated.
Decline and Transition of the Kingdom
- The abandoned Sungai Serut kingdom fell into neglect.
- Four Lebong nobles took over but quarreled until reconciled by Maharaja Sakti from Pagaruyung, who was made king.
- The kingdom was renamed Bangkah Hulu, with Maharaja Sakti ruling effectively.
The Prophecy Fulfilled: Maharaja Sakti and Putri Gading Cempaka
- During his coronation, Maharaja Sakti dreamt of a beautiful woman (Putri Gading Cempaka) and sought her.
- A fortune teller interpreted the dream as a sign to bring the princess back to the kingdom for strength and prosperity.
- Four nobles invited Putri Gading Cempaka and her siblings back; they remembered their father's prophecy and agreed.
- The marriage of Maharaja Sakti and Putri Gading Cempaka and the coronation were celebrated with a grand festival.
Decisions
- Anak Dalam receives the throne: King Ratu Agung appoints Anak Dalam as successor.
- Royal family flees to Mount Bungkuk: Following the late king’s will during the war.
- Maharaja Sakti selected as king: Four nobles and Sultan Pagaruyung agree on a new ruler.
- Princess Gading Cempaka marries Maharaja Sakti: The prophecy is fulfilled through their union.