Southeast Asian FolkloreSingaporean Tales

Badang the Strongman

A humble slave gains mythical strength from a spirit to become Singapore’s legendary hero.

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Illustration for Badang the Strongman - a singaporean tales Southeast Asian Folklore story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the legend of Badang the Strongman, a humble slave who gained mythical strength from a water spirit to become the hero of ancient Singaporean lore.

Badang was a humble slave who worked in the service of a village headman in ancient Singapura. Every day, he set fish traps in the river, only to find them empty and littered with fish bones each morning. Determined to find the thief, he hid in the reeds and captured a terrifying water spirit. The spirit begged for its life and offered to grant Badang any wish. Badang, wishing to work more efficiently for his master, asked for immense strength. The spirit agreed on one condition: Badang had to consume what the spirit threw up. Overcoming his disgust, Badang did so and instantly felt a divine power coursing through his body. He became the strongest man in the land, famously clearing entire forests in a day and defending the kingdom's honor in a rock-throwing contest against a foreign champion. He hurled a massive boulder—now known as the Singapore Stone—all the way from a hill to the mouth of the Singapore River.

The Moral

Strength is a gift that should be used for the benefit of others, and true greatness often begins with humble hard work and courage.

“With the strength of a hundred men, I shall protect this land and serve my King.”

Fun Fact

A fragment of the actual 'Singapore Stone' mentioned in the legend is preserved and can be seen today at the National Museum of Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Badang the Strongman?

The story teaches that great power is a responsibility that should be used to serve one's community. It also highlights how courage and sacrifice can lead to extraordinary transformations.

How did Badang get his strength?

Badang captured a water spirit that was stealing his fish. In exchange for its release, the spirit granted him superhuman strength after Badang consumed the spirit's regurgitated food.

What is the Singapore Stone?

The Singapore Stone is a large fragment of a sandstone slab that originally stood at the mouth of the Singapore River. Legend says it is the boulder Badang threw during a strength competition.

Where does the legend of Badang come from?

The story is a famous piece of Malay folklore recorded in the Sejarah Melayu, or the Malay Annals, which details the history of the Sultanate.

Who was Badang's rival in the strength contest?

Badang competed against a champion from India named Wadi Bijaya. While the challenger could only lift a massive stone to his knees, Badang threw it across the river mouth.

Was Badang a real person?

While Badang is a legendary figure, historians believe the tale reflects the real-world strength and cultural pride of the ancient inhabitants of the Kingdom of Singapura.