The legend of Malin Kundang (The rebellious son) II

The ship of the rock - Malin Kundang

A long time ago, there was a fisherman living at Batang Arau. He several children but only one son. He gave his son the best possible education. He wanted him to do well and become famous.

When the boy had finished school, his father found a job for him on a large ship sailing to foreign countries. He realized that he would not see him again for many years. But he knew that his son was clever and hard-working and he hoped that his son might have the chance to become a ship’s officer.

The years passed. The fisherman’s daughters married and left home. The fisherman became old and died. His widow lived by herself.

Malin Kundang Story

One day, the villagers came running to the old woman to tell her that her son had returned. “I don’t believe you,” she said

“Yes,” they said, “He’s the captain of a ship which has just sailed into the harbor from Singapore. Come and see for yourself.”

The old woman put on her best clothes. She cooked some food to give her son. She remembered the food he liked best when he was a small boy.

She hired a rowing boat to take her out to the ship which was anchored in the harbour.

She saw a tall handsome man standing on the deck of the ship. It was her son! Even after all these years, there was no doubt about it.
 “Son,” she called out, “don’t you recognize me? I’m you mother,” Tears came to her eyes.

“Who are you?” he replied. “I don’t know you. Don’t let her come aboard,” he instructed his sailors.

 Next day, the old woman came again but her son refused to see her. On the third day, he told his sailors to drive her away. “Why does this old woman come to my ship?” he asked. “I don’t mind giving her a few cents but I don’t like her saying that she’s my mother,”

Malin Kundang -The rebellious son story

“Very well, my son,” the old woman said. “God will surely punish you for being so wicked. How can you refuse to recognize your own mother?” she gazed at him for a long time but he said nothing.

Suddenly, a huge black cloud covered the sun. it became as dark as night. The wind roared with a terrible noise. The sea became very rough and the waves beat against the side of the ship. The ship rocked to and fro. The mast came tumbling down with a great “Cra-a-a-ash”. The ship was driven like a coconut shell across the harbor. Before anyone could do anything about it. It turned over and sank. Then it rained so heavily that it was impossible to see more than a few yards. When the storm stopped, the old woman looked for the ship again. But there was nothing except a large rock sticking out through the water. Her son and his ship were never seen again. 

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