Narrative 3 - The Legend of Toba Lake

The Legend of Toba Lake

The Legend of Toba Lake tells the story of a young orphan farmer who lived in the northern part of Sumatra. Long ago, the young man earned his living from farming and fishing. One day, while fishing, he caught a beautiful golden brown fish that transformed into a stunning princess in his hands. This princess had been cursed to turn into a creature if touched by a human, as punishment for breaking a sacred rule. Because the young man had touched her, she turned into a human princess.

Mesmerized by her beauty, the young man proposed to her. She agreed, but only on the condition that he must never reveal her origin as a fish. He accepted, and they got married and had a son. However, their son had a bad habit — he always wanted more food and often ate everything.

One day, the boy ate all the food meant for his father. In a burst of anger, the man revealed the secret of his wife’s origin. This broke his promise, and as a result, his wife and son disappeared. From the spot where they had stood, springs emerged, and the water kept flowing and growing until it formed what we now know as the vast Lake Toba.

What is the main topic of the text?

• A prince searching for his family

• A fisherman who discovers a magical fish

• The legend behind the creation of Lake Toba

• A boy who lives in a village near a lake

The Legend of Toba Lake

The Legend of Toba Lake tells the story of a young orphan farmer who lived in the northern part of Sumatra. Long ago, the young man earned his living from farming and fishing. One day, while fishing, he caught a beautiful golden brown fish that transformed into a stunning princess in his hands. This princess had been cursed to turn into a creature if touched by a human, as punishment for breaking a sacred rule. Because the young man had touched her, she turned into a human princess.

Mesmerized by her beauty, the young man proposed to her. She agreed, but only on the condition that he must never reveal her origin as a fish. He accepted, and they got married and had a son. However, their son had a bad habit — he always wanted more food and often ate everything.

One day, the boy ate all the food meant for his father. In a burst of anger, the man revealed the secret of his wife’s origin. This broke his promise, and as a result, his wife and son disappeared. From the spot where they had stood, springs emerged, and the water kept flowing and growing until it formed what we now know as the vast Lake Toba.

What is the purpose of the text?

• To describe daily life in North Sumatra

• To explain how to catch magical fish

• To entertain readers with a traditional legend

• To compare myths from different cultures

The Legend of Toba Lake

The Legend of Toba Lake tells the story of a young orphan farmer who lived in the northern part of Sumatra. Long ago, the young man earned his living from farming and fishing. One day, while fishing, he caught a beautiful golden brown fish that transformed into a stunning princess in his hands. This princess had been cursed to turn into a creature if touched by a human, as punishment for breaking a sacred rule. Because the young man had touched her, she turned into a human princess.

Mesmerized by her beauty, the young man proposed to her. She agreed, but only on the condition that he must never reveal her origin as a fish. He accepted, and they got married and had a son. However, their son had a bad habit — he always wanted more food and often ate everything.

One day, the boy ate all the food meant for his father. In a burst of anger, the man revealed the secret of his wife’s origin. This broke his promise, and as a result, his wife and son disappeared. From the spot where they had stood, springs emerged, and the water kept flowing and growing until it formed what we now know as the vast Lake Toba.

Why did the princess and her son disappear?

• Because they were cursed by the gods again

• Because the father broke his promise

• Because the son misbehaved

• Because the father left them alone

The Legend of Toba Lake

The Legend of Toba Lake tells the story of a young orphan farmer who lived in the northern part of Sumatra. Long ago, the young man earned his living from farming and fishing. One day, while fishing, he caught a beautiful golden brown fish that transformed into a stunning princess in his hands. This princess had been cursed to turn into a creature if touched by a human, as punishment for breaking a sacred rule. Because the young man had touched her, she turned into a human princess.

Mesmerized by her beauty, the young man proposed to her. She agreed, but only on the condition that he must never reveal her origin as a fish. He accepted, and they got married and had a son. However, their son had a bad habit — he always wanted more food and often ate everything.

One day, the boy ate all the food meant for his father. In a burst of anger, the man revealed the secret of his wife’s origin. This broke his promise, and as a result, his wife and son disappeared. From the spot where they had stood, springs emerged, and the water kept flowing and growing until it formed what we now know as the vast Lake Toba.

What can be inferred about the young man’s character?

• He always kept his promises

• He valued honesty more than love

• He let his emotions control his actions

• He never truly loved the princess

The Legend of Toba Lake

The Legend of Toba Lake tells the story of a young orphan farmer who lived in the northern part of Sumatra. Long ago, the young man earned his living from farming and fishing. One day, while fishing, he caught a beautiful golden brown fish that transformed into a stunning princess in his hands. This princess had been cursed to turn into a creature if touched by a human, as punishment for breaking a sacred rule. Because the young man had touched her, she turned into a human princess.

Mesmerized by her beauty, the young man proposed to her. She agreed, but only on the condition that he must never reveal her origin as a fish. He accepted, and they got married and had a son. However, their son had a bad habit — he always wanted more food and often ate everything.

One day, the boy ate all the food meant for his father. In a burst of anger, the man revealed the secret of his wife’s origin. This broke his promise, and as a result, his wife and son disappeared. From the spot where they had stood, springs emerged, and the water kept flowing and growing until it formed what we now know as the vast Lake Toba.

What is the meaning of the word “mesmerized” in the sentence: “Mesmerized by her beauty, the young man proposed to her”?

• Confused

• Fascinated or deeply attracted

• Disappointed

• Angry