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Southeast Asian Folklore

11 stories, retold short enough for one lesson.

11 stories

Badang the StrongmanCourageStrength is a gift that should be used for the benefit of others, and true greatness often begins with humble hard work and courage.Grades 4–8Level 4

Hang Tuah the WarriorFairnessUnwavering loyalty to leadership is a virtue, but it can lead to tragic personal loss when justice is not balanced with wisdom.Grades 4–8Level 3

Mahsuri's CurseHonestyThe destructive power of jealousy and false accusations can lead to consequences that haunt a community for generations.Grades 4–8Level 5

Sin Xay the HeroHonestyTrue heroism is defined by virtue and courage, and while deceit may temporarily flourish, truth and justice will always prevail.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Clever Rabbit JudgeHonestyTrue justice requires wisdom to outsmart the ungrateful, and one should never trust those who repay kindness with cruelty.Grades 4–8Level 3

The Glass Palace ChronicleClevernessTrue authority is derived from spiritual merit and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.Grades 4–8Level 5

The Legend of Angkor WatClevernessHuman excellence and civilization reach their highest potential when they strive to reflect divine beauty and harmony.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Legend of SingapuraKindnessTrue leadership requires the courage to explore the unknown and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Orphan and the SpiritKindnessTrue wealth is found in kindness and generosity, while greed only leads to misfortune.Grades 4–8Level 4

The Princess of Mount LedangKindnessPower and wealth have their limits, and one should never sacrifice their humanity or the well-being of others for the sake of selfish desires.Grades 4–8Level 5

The Rabbit in the MoonKindnessTrue generosity is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the depth of the sacrifice made for the sake of others.Grades 4–8Level 4