tom

By: Tom.C **__The Majapahit Empire__** The Empire in Java was strong, powerful and confident. They believed that they could win battle against South Sumatra. The story gives the impression that the people of South Sumatra were concerned and caring about the people of their community. The people of South Sumatra were scared about a battle with the Majapahit empire as they knew that the Majapahit army had more strength and power than they did. The people of South Sumatra were clever by thinking up a great plan. The Majapahit Empire in Java was going to attack South Sumatra. The people of South Sumatra held a meeting because they were concerned that too many of their people would die, as they did not have the strength, power or numbers to have a fair fight. It was decided, after the suggestion from the leaders of South Sumatra, that they would have a buffalo fight instead. It was agreed that the side whose buffalo died, would then lose the battle. The Majapahits sent out their largest buffalos and the Sumatra people sent out a hungry newborn calf to fight. The newborn calf’s horns had been sharpened and sharp knife-like points had been attached. When the calf saw the large buffalo, it ran straight under the large buffalo’s belly, thinking it was it’s mother. The razor sharp horns cut the large buffalo, killing it instantly. The people of South Sumatra were declared the winners. The Majapahits were impressed with the clever strategy used by the people of South Sumatra.
 * __ Minangkabau __** – Folk Tale of Indonesia –
 * 1) 2. __ Main Characters __
 * __The Leaders of South Sumatra __**
 * 1) 3. __ Summary of Minangkabau __

Strength and power do not always win. The weak can become strong. It is the planning and clever strategies that can win over strength. Indonesia is a country with many rich but also many poor people. This story is about the two different groups, with the Majapahit Empire being the rich, and the people of South Sumatra being the poor. In many of the Indonesian villages, family and caring for the people of the community are very important and this message comes across in the story. The people of South Sumatra are concerned about going into battle with the Majapahit because they are concerned about how many of their people would die or be hurt. This story is very important to the culture and beliefs of people in South Sumatra, which is shown in the buildings today. Many of the houses have roofs that curve upwards and are pointed at the ends as a reminder of the calves pointed horns. 1. ﻿6. __Is your page a story or a myth?__ This story is an Indonesian legacy for the South Sumatra for the weaker have risen above the powerful with their mind. All around Indonesia people have roofs shaped in the same way as that of the horns on the baby calf.
 * 1) 4. __ Moral of the Story __
 * 1) 5. __ Identify things in the story that tell us that this is an Indonesian story __.