There is a legend about Bener Meuriah. He and his brother, Sugenda, are both sons of the 13th Linga King. They had the evidence, but the 14th Linga King, did not believe their testimony. Finally, both of them were punished. Sugenda is saved by Cik Seurule's good hand, but Bener Meuriah meets his misfortune.
One night Cik Seurule dreamed of being visited by Bener Meuriah. He was asked to bring Sugenda to the Sultan of Aceh Darussalam. As is the custom, only Cik Seurule and his servant can meet the Sultan of Aceh Darussalam. Sugenda was then put on a maid dress by Cik Seurule so that he could meet Sultan Aceh Darussalam. Arriving at the Palace of Aceh Darussalam, the situation still looks quiet. Sugenda took the opportunity to draw a white elephant.
Suddenly, a daughter of the Sultan came and was attracted by the image of a white elephant painted by Sugenda. To the Princess, Sugenda explained that the white elephant was in the Lingga forest. The daughter reported the story to the Sultan. Sugenda was called to explain the truth of his story. He then stated that it was an actual story, and be ready to catch a white elephant if ordered by the Sultan.
Sultan then ordered Sugenda to catch the white elephant.
News on the orders of Sultan Aceh Darussalam to catch the white elephant, spread everywhere. Then, people are busy in finding that white elephant to catch it. Up to a year, finding it still ended in failure.
Cik Seurule comes to Sugenda reminding her promise to Sultan Aceh Darussalam. Sugenda apologizes for the delay, and asks Cik Seurule to set up a banquet for the poor at the place where his brother Bener Meuriah has been buried. Cik Sureule permitted the request. After the banquet, Sugenda was asked to play a sad dance and song. As it was going on, suddenly from behind the jungle, a white elephant appeared.
It delighted everyone, especially the king Linga 14th. He imagined that he would get a great gift from Sultan Aceh Darussalam. Soon he ordered his men to bring the white elephant to the Sultan. But it turns out, upon arriving at the Palace of Aceh, white elephant became very fierce and raged. The sultan immediately issued an order that anyone who could tame the white elephant, would be rewarded great. Sugenda immediately intervened to tame the white elephant, and he succeeded.
The 14th Linga King, was then sentenced by the Sultan of Aceh, and removed from his throne by his greed and for having persecuted Bener Meuriah, brother of Sugenda.
So to commemorate and honor Bener Meuriah, the name of the area has been named after him. Its location today is in Syiah Utama or Samarkilang, Bener Meriah, Central Region of Aceh.
And one day, CISAH has traveled to the place where this legend has come, and this is the picture of his journey.
The pictures on the way:
The Guide and the informant: Brother Umar
Buried The Owner of Legend, Bener Meriah
The surrounding area
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