Cupak and Grantang
Bali has many folktales. A several days ago you have read a romantic story entitled “Jayaprana and Layonsari”. Now I will present you a story about two brothers who had different attitude and appearance, “Cupak and Grantang”. This is one of many interesting stories, which are often used as a material of Balinese story telling competition. As for “Cupak and Grantang” this story even inspired a Balinese musician (XXX band) to create a song titled “Cupak and Grantang”. Without further ado, here is the tale:
Cupak and Grantang were two siblings but they had different appearance and attitude. Cupak, the elder was fat, had sideburns, his hair was mess, with a big pot-belly, he loved to eat; a sneaky and bad young man. He was totally different with his brother named Grantang. Grantang was a handsome young man, every woman who saw him would adore him, he had good attitude.
One day, their parent commanded them to work in the farm. Grantang did what he should do like plowing the soil, planting, and cleaning the farm from rice weeds. But what did Cupak do? He played and went around looking for something to eat. Then, when dusk came he came back to the farm.
Grantang had finished doing what their parent told them to do. He saw his brother came but he asked him to get home because their works had finished. On the way, Grantang decided to wash his body on the river before going home and he asked his brother to get home first.
Without any refuse Cupak agreed to Grantang request. Cupak was sneaky. He threw himself to the mud. He walked as if he had done hard work. He shouted for his parents. Then his father came. “You know I finished all of works only by my self while Grantang is having fun with many girls,” shouted Cupak. And his father was very angry with Grantang.
Then Grantang arrived home with tired but clean body. He wanted to take a rest for a while but that desire would never be fulfilled. His father who was angry with him could not control himself. “Why did you let your brother do all the work? You are not my son anymore and leave this home soon; I do not want to look a lazy guy like you, go away!” said his father angrily. Grantang shocked. However he calmed himself down and said:”It is okay if you expelled me. I hope this home will be better without me,” Grantang left his home with tired body and hungry and hurt too.
Knowing that his brother had left home Cupak tried to catch him, he tried to bring him back to home. Cupak persuaded his brother to came back home But Grantang was a determined young man. Along the journey Cupak always moaned that he was very hungry. Grantang asked him to back home but Cupak stuck with his decision to follow his brother.
Finally, they arrived in an unknown region. They approached the food seller. Cupak asked her with impolite words. Then, Grantang repeat the question with such of polite words. “Where is it? Why is this land so quiet? “. Then the food seller replied “This land name Kediri and become quiet because our princess was stolen by I Menaru (name of giant). Without any doubt, Grantang wanted to save the princess. Although, Cupak persuade Grantang not to disturbed I Menaru. He is very scared.
Then Grantang fought I Menaru by himself. I Menaru died by stabbing of Grantang’s Keris (a mean of fighting which is looked like knifes but wavy). Grantang asked his brother’s help to come out him and the princess. Cupak, pulled the princess’ hand and princess succeed to get out. After helping the princess he closed the hole and let Grantang inside.
Find out the fate of Grantang on the next posting
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