The Legend and Curse of the King of Selayar Island in South Sulawesi
Once upon a time in the shimmering waters of Sulawesi Selatan, there lay an enchanting island known as Pulau Selayar. This beautiful island was cradled by the azure sea, boasting lush green hills, sandy beaches, and secret caves that whispered tales from long ago. Its vibrant coral reefs sparkled beneath the waves like a treasure chest filled with jewels, making it a paradise for both sea creatures and sailors alike.
On this island, the legend of the Cursed King was woven into the very fabric of its history. It was said that many moons ago, when the world was young, a mighty king named Raja Guntur ruled Pulau Selayar with wisdom and grace. His presence was commanding, with eyes like molten gold that could pierce through the darkest of nights. The people adored him for his kindness and his deep connection with the sea that surrounded their home.
Raja Guntur had a grand palace adorned with seashells and coral, overlooking the vast ocean. Every evening, he would stand on the balcony and gaze over his kingdom, listening to the gentle whisper of the waves. However, as the tides ebbed and flowed, so did the fate of the island.
One fateful day, a mysterious sorceress named Nyi Roro approached Raja Guntur with a proposition. She offered him an exquisite necklace made of rare pearls that shone like stars, claiming it would bring prosperity and protection to his kingdom. Eager to secure the future of his people, Raja Guntur accepted the gift without hesitation. Little did he know, the necklace was cursed, tied to the sorceress's twisted desires.
The moment he placed the necklace around his neck, shadows began to creep out from the depths of the sea. The waves turned angry, and a storm surged forth, engulfing the island in chaos. Nyi Roro, returning for the necklace, revealed her true intentions. “With this curse, you shall lose your kingdom! Your spirit will be trapped within the island’s heart, forever bound to the waves!” she cackled before disappearing into the tempest.