Story Summary
Discover The Legend of Lake Toba, an Indonesian myth where a broken promise to a fish-princess leads to a great flood that creates a massive volcanic lake.
In the lush lands of North Sumatra lived a lonely fisherman named Toba. One day, he caught a magnificent golden fish that transformed into a beautiful woman before his eyes. She agreed to marry him, but only on one sacred condition: he must never speak of her origins as a fish to anyone. Toba promised, and they lived happily, eventually having a son named Samosir. As Samosir grew, he became quite lazy and often ate his father's meals. One afternoon, when Samosir ate the lunch intended for his father, Toba lost his temper and shouted in rage, 'You lazy son of a fish!' At that moment, the earth shook and the sky turned black. Realizing the secret was out, the mother told Samosir to run to the highest hill. A massive flood erupted from the ground, drowning the valley and Toba with it. The mother vanished back into the water, and the vast flood became Lake Toba, with the hilltop where Samosir stood becoming the island at its center.
The Moral
The story teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and the destructive power of uncontrolled anger.
“A promise once broken can never be mended, and the waters of regret run deep.”
Fun Fact
Geologically, Lake Toba is a massive caldera formed by a supervolcanic eruption approximately 74,000 years ago, which is believed to have caused a global volcanic winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Legend of Lake Toba?
The primary moral is to always keep your promises, as breaking a sacred vow can have irreversible consequences. It also serves as a warning against letting anger cloud your judgment and words.
Who are the main characters in the Legend of Lake Toba?
The main characters are Toba, a fisherman; his wife, who was originally a magical golden fish; and their son, Samosir, for whom the island in the lake is named.
How was Lake Toba formed according to the legend?
The lake was formed when Toba broke a sacred promise to his wife by calling his son the 'son of a fish.' This triggered a supernatural flood that filled the entire valley.
Is Lake Toba a real place?
Yes, Lake Toba is a real and massive natural lake in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is the site of one of the largest known explosive volcanic eruptions in Earth's history.
What was the secret Toba had to keep?
Toba had to keep the secret that his wife was actually a transformed golden fish. If he ever revealed this origin, a great disaster was destined to strike.
What does Samosir Island represent in the story?
Samosir Island represents the high ground where the son, Samosir, fled to escape the rising floodwaters. It remains at the center of the lake to this day.
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