Badang and the Great Stone
The champion of Singapura meets his match
Preview the first three pages. Sign in to read the whole book.
Explore the libraryRead a preview
Badang and the Great Stone
Badang was a servant who cleared forest near a river. Night after night, someone ate the fish from his trap and left only bones.
He hid among the reeds to learn who did it. A wild-haired river spirit came to the trap, and Badang stepped out to face it.
Badang and the Great Stone
The frightened spirit promised Badang a gift if he let it go. Badang chose strength, hoping it would help him clear the forest.
With his new power he pulled up great trees. His master saw what Badang had done, heard his story, and gave him his freedom.
Badang and the Great Stone
The ruler of Singapura invited Badang to court. There a newly built boat sat on land. First fifty people, then hundreds, tried to launch it, but none could budge it.
Badang stepped forward and sent the boat flying across the water. The ruler named him a champion.
Enjoying the story? Sign in to read the whole book.
Browse all storiesAbout this retelling
Explore this illustrated story at four reading levels. Each level follows the same essential events.
Collection: Southeast Asian tales
Retelling: Singapore · after the Malay Annals
For parents: Focuses on Badang’s contest with Nadi Vijaya Vicrama; the source begins with enslavement and a river spectre
Public-domain source: View the recorded source edition