Origin and Legends of Langkawi

Langkawi. To me, it is one of the most beautiful islands on earth. Consisting of 104 archipelagos, it is tranquil and calm.

Picture of Tranquility

It looks almost untouched by human activities and their forms of water sports as entertainment. Despite jet skis skidding on the surface of the ocean, or divers invading the homes of underwater life, the seas remain light blue, just the colour that it's supposed to be. There are no brown oil stains, or foamy seawater bubbles floating around. Just the clear, blue water, ocassional white waves and its light, gentle sands for comfort.

According to ancient legend, the eagle (Lang) is the guardian for the people in this isle. Proudly perched on the piece of brown (kawi) rock, the eagle is ever ready to soar high up into the skies, spreading its wings, ready to fight and defend, protecting the inhabitants of this island.

*Note: The italicized words are in Sanskrit language.

The Protector-The Eagle

Several historical events are associated with the island of Langkawi. One of them tells of a young woman, by the name of Mahsuri bte Pandak Mayah who lived in the 19th Century. She was the most beautiful woman on the island at that time. She was the object of envy of all the young men and women. Married to a warrior, her husband, Wan Darus, was required to venture out of the island for several months at a time. Perhaps, being lonely, she befriended and became close to a young man named Deraman. Naturally, rumours were perpetrated and soon, everyone accused her of committing adultery. Mahsuri was framed. Somebody had intended harm to come upon her. She vehemently denied and insisted upon her innocence. Nevertheless, none of her close ones stood up to defend her. She was promptly tied to a tree and stabbed to death.

Mahsuri's Home

Before she heaved her last breath, Mahsuri told her 'punishers', "If I am innocent, it will be white. If I am in the wrong, the blood flowing out from my body will be red. All of you, think carefully before you stab me. I will curse seven generations of yours to have continuous bad luck I am wrongly prosecuted."

Of course, none of the people believed that the blood flowing from her veins would be white when stabbed. So, they gathered together and came to a consensus. "Mahsuri, " The judge announced, "We hereby believe that you are guilty of committing adultery. You have wronged your husband , betrayed his trust and set a bad example to our young children. Hence, you will be sentenced to death!"

Mahsuri shook her head, bowed down in sadness and defeat. The prosecutor took a knife, and stabbed Mahsuri right in the middle of the heart. The moment the tip of the sword poked through her delicate skin, white fluid poured out continuously, as if every inch of Mahsuri's soul were insisting, "I'm innocent! I'm innocent!"

The guard withdrew his sword instantly. Yet, it was too late. Mahsuri's soul had already left its body, leaving the curse to take effect and curse its inhabitants for seven generations. Siamese invaded Langkawi not long after that, taking control of the whole island. Farmers tried to plant crops on their land but none of them survived, no matter how hard they tried.

Whether it is just a true legend, or an old wives tale, there is much room for speculation. Nevertheless, seven generations after the death of Mahsuri, Langkawi island has once again begun to thrive, both through tourism, and its agricultural industry. Indeed, it has so much to offer that one just has to look deep into the hearts of its oceans and jungles, and it will leave one yearning for more.

One of the 104 Archipelagos in Langkawi