The Analysis of Ecological Myths of Folklore in Karo

Haris Sutan Lubis

, Ikhwanuddin Nasution

, Emma Marsella

Chairman of Indonesian Literature study program, Faculty of Culture Science, Universitas Sumatera Utara,

Jalan Universitas no.19, Medan, Indonesia

Keywords: Myth, Folklore, Ecology of Literature, Karo.

Abstract: Ecological myth could become a means of environmental expression which is closely related to the

Universe.Ecological myth of Karo people entirely expresses the richness of local wisdom. This study aims at

taking ecological myth treasures inventory of Karo people in Juhar district, Karo regency and describing the

ecological myth classification.This investigation makes use of Ecology of literature and concept of myth as

the research approach. The study of Ecology of literature encounters Ecology and literary work. Paradigm of

Ecology toward literary work intends an Ecological approach to come up to literary works. Qualitative and

inventory method of keeping records and notes as well as interviewing informants are applied in this research.

The results reveals that there 10 ecological myth treasures of Karo people with a classification of the myth of

the origin of a place, myth of ritual worship, the myths of supernatural beings, and the myths of heroism.

1 INTRODUCTION

Ecology is a combination of two Greek words,

oikoswhich means home, and logos which means

science or learning. In other words, ecology is a study

of the mutual relationship between living things and

their environment (Endraswara, 2016: 3). Ecology is

a science between the organism and their

environment (McNaughton and Wolf, 1998: 1).

Ecology as a discipline of science that examines the

relationships of organisms or groups of organisms,

such as humans, animals, plants, and their

environment (Odum, 1996: 3).Myth is oral narrative,

is the stories told by words from mouth to mouth. The

term refers to stories developed and transmitted orally

(Olrik, 1992). Other names isfolk literature that refers

to every story which are spread in a collective

(Windstedt, 1969). On these definitions can be argued

that ecological myth are myths in which there is a

relationship between human and their environment.

Folklore that is related with the ecological myth is

examined through literary ecological studies. This

study analyzes the relationships of literature, human,

and environment. Endraswara (2016: 17) states that

literary ecology is a way of looking at understanding

environmental issues in a literary perspective.

Folklore often depicts the myth of life, especially

the main character. There are so many myths that

expressed in folklore. Including in Karo folklore.

Literary ecology has a duty in the searching of

folklore that has nuance of ecological myth or

environmental myth of nature. Keraf (2010: 173-174)

reveals that in the community custom, the obligation

not to disturb nature is usually maintained and

comprehended fully through restriction. For example,

nature (it also could be rocks or certain trees) is sacred

so it should not be tampered. Restriction (taboos) as a

negative ritual worship.

Collecting the ecological myths is important to do

because it implies that the essence of a myth is not

just a fairytale, but it can be an environmental wisdom

and capable of giving a positive influence. The traces

of ecological myths can still founded in Karo folklore.

It takes some understanding of the literary ecology

study that there is a mutual relationship between

human and the natural surroundings. It means,

humans and the environment as a literary living space

are affects each other. According to Sukatman (2012:

1) myth serves to: (a) pick up and stabilize the culture,

(b) presenting hints of life, (c) endorsing cultural

activities,(d) give meaning to human life, (e) provide

a model of knowledge to explain things that do not

make sense.

Lubis, H., Nasution, I. and Marsella, E.

The Analysis of Ecological Myths of Folklore in Karo.

DOI: 10.5220/0010069311891193

In Proceedings of the International Conference of Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental and Ramiﬁcation Researches (ICOSTEERR 2018) - Research in Industry 4.0, pages

1189-1193

ISBN: 978-989-758-449-7

1189

2 METHODS

This research use qualitative method as the main

priority. Its chosen the qualitative descriptive format.

According to Bungin (2007), qualitative descriptive

format aims to describe and explain the meaning of

various phenomena of social reality that exist by

expressing characteristics, characters, traits, models,

signs, or images of a particular condition, situation, or

phenomenon. Data collection in this research is done

with recording and writing techniques,

documentation, and structured interview. Location of

Research is in Karo District. Data analysis is done

through three stages of interactive models, namely

data reduction, data presentation, and verification.

There three stages take place simultaneously. In data

collection, researchers collect primary data and

secondary data. Folklore text analysis is done with

logical and realistic interpretations based on

problems. Data were analyzed by using literature

ecology approach.

3 DISCUSSION

3.1 The Treasury of Karo’s Ecological

Myths

3.1.1 PuluBalang Statue (Kutambaru)

Pulu Balang Statue folklore tells about the belief of

Kutambaru residents on the PuluBalang statue that

can protect livestock from thieves. But thieves still

comes. Residents blame the PuluBalang statue. After

that, heavy rain fell caused floods hit the village.

However, the nature disasters seem to bring benefits.

They again respected and worshiped the PuluBalang

statue as before.

3.1.2 Guru Diden

A master guru in Karo named GuruDiden. Seven

PakpakPituSedalanen (Tujuh Guru

PakpakPituSedalanen) feel curious and also

unrivaled. The seven PakpakPituSedalanen want to

tested the power of Guru Diden, but their hands are

even trapped in the ground. Guru Diden with his

magical power released the seven hands of the teacher

who has surrendered earlier. But it happened, after the

seven hands were uprooted, splashed water that ran

very swift from the seven holes. The water continuous

to radiates and flows.

3.1.3 Beru Dayang and the Origin of Rice in

Karo

There was an orphan girl named BeruDayang.

BeruDayang is considered a figure who giving rice

for human, so that rice is highly respected. Karo

people are obedient to the prohibitions and orders

related to the contents of the story. The population

continuous to worship the BeruDayang with a party

called Mere Page. At the time Mere Page was held,

people were prohibited from working for two days in

the fields. The two days as specially used to adore

BeruDayang happily for the harvest.

3.1.4 The Ilang-Ilang

The Ilang-Ilang mentioned has a long body like a

giant. His mother was sick. In order for his mother to

recover soon, the Ilang-Ilang looking for leaves of

pumpkin shoots to be cooked. Then, the leaves of the

pumpkin shoots as much as a handful are placed on

his mother’s stomach, but his mother was died. The

Ilang-Ilang is believed to emerge if there are residents

who obtain property in a bad way.

3.1.5 Beru Renggang Kuning

BeruRenggangKuning is a story about a girl named

RenggangKuning who likes to do weird things.

However, her behavior changed because of his

father’s advice that asked her to study. One day,

robber came to RenggangKuning’s house. Because of

the event, RenggangKuning promised to give priority

to her family. Quietly remembered Nande’sadvice,

that said “anything can prevail in this world and the

earth never distinguishes goodness and wickedness.

Wherever you stand, do your best”. While close the

window, Renggang praying to Sinabung.

3.1.6 Beru Ginting Sopo Mbelin

BeruGintingSopoMbelin tells the story of a girl who

was left dead by her father and her mother because of

her uncle and her aunt. Her uncle was about to take

over their wealth. BeruGinting was sold to a

merchant. BeruGintingSopoMbelin was abandoned

somewhere she did not know so she couldn’t go

home. On the way she encountered many people and

animals who were nice to her, one of them name

RubiaGande, an old woman, who then raised

BeruGinting as her child.

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3.1.7 Pawang Ternalem

The story of PawangTernalem is about a child who is

not recognized by society because he was born on a

bad day. According to society confidence, if any baby

is born on a bad day then it must be killed because it

can bring bad luck. Every ways people do to kill

PawangTernalem, but always fail. Finally,

PawangTernalem was treated by an old man named

RubiaGande and taught

PawangTernalemaKanuragan. With that ability

PawangTernalem able help people.

3.1.8

Jangak

Based on the story from the ancestors of Karo, Jangak

is believed to be a helper to someone in a

financedifficulties. People who are helped by Jangak

are usually considered as kind and helpful to others as

well. Jangak is a mysterious figure.

3.1.9

Pinta-Pinta Ring

This story tells about BungaNcole (Ncole Flower), a

child of a king, PenguluJuma Raja. Because a lot of

debt from the hit-or-miss, their property is exhausted

and make they must stay in the forest. Father and

mother of BungaNcole then died in that forest. Then

a snake gave her a ring that can be used if she has a

request.

3.1.10

Palas Sipitu Ruang

This story tells about a house of the PituRuang or

PalasSipituRuang. The house consists of seven

rooms. King Umang who has built the house finally

married and has a daughter. King Umang’s father-in-

law came to the PituRuang’s house to visit his

granddaughter. When about to go home, King Umang

ordered through his wife, that his father-in-law should

not look back while walking. However, out of

curiousity, the father-in-law looked back. The house

disappears as a sudden and leaves its foundation

stones as many as sixteen stones that line up to form

a square. His granddaughter had become a stone and

his son-in-law and his daughter is nowhere to be

found.

3.2 Ecological Myth of Folklore in

Karo

3.2.1 Myth of the Origin of a Place

Every nation has myth asan origin of a place, to

explain and marks of place. In the mythology of Karo,

there are many places that have its origins. One of the

myths of the origin of a place that contained in Karo

is the origin of the name Gundaling.

The Provenance of Gundaling Hill (Bukit Gundaling)

The story of Gundaling Hill Beginning in the period

before Indonesia became independent. It is said in

that time, there was a young Englishman who lived in

Berastagi as a propagator of the Christian religion.

One day, while walking on a hill, he meets a girl who

is the native of Berastagi. The girl has a beautiful

place with long hair. Her politeness made the young

man fell in love with her. They finally got to know

each other. They’re talking happily. Because it was

late afternoon, the girl has to came back home. Since

then, the man always remember the girl and always

want to meet her again, and the girl does too. They

often meet on the hill and finally vowed in

relationship.

Unfortunately, the girl’s parents did not approved

the relationship and matched the girl to another man.

One day, they promised to meet again on the hill. But

the girl never came. She was married with another

man. The days after that, the man always come to the

hill, paced up and down while calling for his love,

said “darling” thousand times. Finally, he decided to

leavedBerastagi. Before he go, he staring up the hill

when he met his girl. Then he said “goodbye darling”

time after time. The citizens didn’t understands what

did he say because of the different language, so they

just heard it “gundaling”. Since then, the hill called

with Gundaling.

3.2.2

The Myth of Ritual or Worship

As the development of sacred rituals and ceremonies

based on a belief in mythology, social institutions are

structured; religious. The impact of it gave birth to

social stratification, community life based on lineage

and professions closely related to the devotion of

sacred values. The top position is occupied by kings

and descendants as direct heirs of the power of the

God, followed by religious leaders, bodyguards and

royal troops, and the lowest stratification of social

stratification is occupied by ordinary people. This

happens also in Karo society. In Karo folklore, found

the myth of ritual and worship of Mount Sinabung.

Sinabung Mount Ritual

Sinabung rituals are usually held at Lau Kawar Lake

by releasing a still-live chicken together with other

offerings there and then bathing purify themselves on

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the lake by using a herb to wash the head (erpangir).

In Gurukinayan, they also often hold a worship ritual

against Mount Sinabung if they got a danger signs.

There are three most important ritual locations related

to the mountains in Tanah Karo, the hot springs of

Lau Debukdebuk, Sibiangsa (geothermal) in Mount

Pertekteken, and Sibayak Crater. All three are

gathered in the myth of Master Bidder.

In general, the Karo people see mountains

interconnected with each other representing the social

relations between regions. A myth, for example, tells

the story of competition between Mount Sinabung

and Mount Sibayak in fighting over a beautiful girl,

GunungBarus. The battle ensued until, finally,

Sinabung Mountain sacked the neck of Mount

Sibayak until his head was caught into DelengKutu

(near Gurusinga Village). Many people suspect this

story is related to the last eruption of Mount Sibayak.

Until the 1970s many young Karo youths who wove

love climbed Mount Sinabung on the belief that, if

they manage to climb the peak, then their relationship

will reach the marriage level.

Si Beru Dayang

Karo community rituals associated with rice planting

are inspired through the myth of the story of Si Beru

Dayang.There was an orphan girl named

BeruDayang. BeruDayang is considered a figure that

lowers the human food of rice, so that rice is highly

respected, the people of Karo are obedient to the

prohibitions and orders related to the contents of the

story. Residents continue to adore Si

BeruDayangwith a party called mere page. At the

time the page was held, the public was forbidden to

work two days in the fields, for two special days to

happily adore "Si BeruDayang" for the harvest.

3.2.3

The Myth of Supernatural Beings

The supernatural or supernatural myth ("supra"

means "above", and "nature" meaning nature, first

used in 1520 - 1530 AD) is a term for events that

cannot be explained by natural law, or are above and

beyond nature. Actually every human being has ever

or will experience things that fall into the

categorySupranatural but sometimes less understood

or indeed negated because it does not make sense, so

there are also some people who think the supernatural

is not there and just a bedtime tale. In Karo folklore,

also found the myth of supernatural beings, creatures

believed to be helpful or destructive.

Si Ilang-Ilang

The Ilang-Ilang mentioned has a long body like a

giant. Her mother was ill. In order for her mother to

recover soon, The Ilang-Ilang looking for leaves of

pumpkin shoots for cooking. Then, the leaves of the

pumpkin shoot as much as it is placed on the mother's

body. Instantly his mother died on the leaves of

pumpkin shoots. The Ilang-Ilang is believed to

emerge if there is a resident who obtains property

through unfavorable means.

Beru Renggang Kuning

BeruRenggangKuning is a story about a girl named

RenggangKuning who likes to do weird things.

However, her behavior changed because of his

father’s advice that asked her to study. One day,

robber came to RenggangKuning’s house. Because of

the event, RenggangKuning promised to give priority

to her family. Quietly remembered Nande’sadvice,

that said “anything can prevail in this world and the

earth never distinguishes goodness and wickedness.

Wherever you stand, do your best”. While close the

window, Renggang praying to Sinabung.

3.2.4

Myth of Heroism

The mythical myth is a myth that tells about the

figures who fight for the truth. Usually, this character

has special powers. In the Karo community, heroic

tales are still found in the stories of his people.

Pawang Ternalem

The story of PawangTernalem is about a child who is

not recognized by society because he was born on a

bad day. According to society confidence, if any baby

is born on a bad day then it must be killed because it

can bring bad luck. Every ways people do to kill

PawangTernalem, but always fail. Finally,

PawangTernalem was treated by an old man named

RubiaGande and taught

PawangTernalemaKanuragan. With his new ability

PawangTernalem able help people.

Beru Ginting Sopo Mbelin

BeruGintingSopoMbelin tells the story of a girl who

was left dead by her father and her mother because of

her uncle and her aunt. Her uncle was about to take

over their wealth. BeruGinting was sold to a

merchant. BeruGintingSopoMbelin was abandoned

ICOSTEERR 2018 - International Conference of Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental and Ramiﬁcation Researches

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somewhere she did not know so she couldn’t go

home. On the way she encountered many people and

animals who were nice to her, one of them name

RubiaGande, an old woman, who then raised

BeruGinting as her child.

4 CONCLUSIONS

The results of this research shows that there are ten

treasures of the ecological myth of Karo with the

classification of ecological myths, namely the myth

of the origin of a place, the myth of ritual or worship,

the myth of supernatural being, and the myth of

heroism. The myth of the origin of a place contained

in Karo folklore, as in the story titled The Provenance

of Gundaling Hill. The myth of ritual worship is

contained in the story ofSinabung Mount Ritual, and

Si BeruDayang. The myth of supernaturalbeings

contained in Si Ilang-ilang and

BeruRenggangKuning story. The myths of heroism

showed in the story of PawangTernalem, and

BeruGintingSopoMbelin.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was funded by University of Sumatera

Utara in accordance with the TALENTA research

implementation contract ofUniversity of Sumatera

Utara Estimate Year 2018 No.:

2590/UN.5.1.R/PPM/2017, date March 16, 2018

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