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But did you know that Malaysia has its fair share of beautiful and courageous princesses whose amazing stories have been made into theatre productions, movies and books?
Here are six legendary princesses from Malaysian history and folklore that are just as beautiful and skilled as Belle, Elsa and Mulan.
1. Puteri Gunung Ledang
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Many Malaysians have grown up enthralled by the tale of Puteri Gunung Ledang and her seven impossible demands for any man seeking her hand in marriage; a golden walkway from Melaka to Gunung Ledang, a silver walkway from Gunung Ledang to Melaka, seven trays of mosquito hearts, seven trays of the hearts of germs, seven barrels of young betel nut juice, seven barrels of virgin tears and a silver cup of blood from Sultan Mansur Shah’s own son.
In fact, the tale was so popular that it was even made into a film in 2004 starring M Nasir and Tiara Jacquelina. Made with a production cost of US$4 million, Puteri Gunung Ledang was the first big-budget Malaysian movie ever made.
2. Princess Hang Li Po
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Till today, Princess Hang Li Po is one of Melaka’s most relevant figures, appearing in history textbooks as the daughter of the Chinese Ming Emperor, who was sent to be married to the sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mansur Shah for diplomatic purposes.
Under the royal command of Sultan Mansur Shah, a well was constructed for Hang Li Po at the foot of Bukit Cina, a Chinese settlement offered by the Sultan to Hang Li Poh as a gift.
Hang Li Po’s well is still in existence to this day although it is no longer used as a water source but as a wishing well instead.
Legend has it that if you drink the water of the well or throw a coin into its depths, you will return to Melaka.
3. Princess Zaleha
Princess Zaleha or better known as Puteri Lindungan Bulan is a rather tragic tale from Kedah.
The daughter of Sultan Sulaiman Shah, she was known as the beautiful one when compared to her elder sister, Princess Mariam. It was also said that white blood ran through her body.
The story goes that the Prince of Acheh dreamt of both sisters but only sought out Zaleha because of her white blood. Sultan Sulaiman Shah however tricked him into marrying Mariam instead.
However, the ruse was quickly discovered when Mariam accidentally cut her hand while preparing betel, revealing her naturally red blood. The Prince flew into a rage at this sight and waged a bloody war on Kedah.
Gripped by panic, the Sultan hid Zaleha in an underground bunker so dark that not even moonlight was able to penetrate.
Legend has it that the Sultan eventually lost the war against the Prince’s invading forces but Zaleha was never found and died alone in the bunker, hence the name Puteri Lindungan Bulan because even the moonlight could not find her hiding place.
4. Princess Walinong Sari
Did you know that Pahang has its own version of Mulan? Not only was Princess Walinong Sari known for her beauty but more importantly, for her swordsmanship and exceptional Silat skills.
News of the beautiful and skilled Walinong Sari reached Raja Mambang Segara, the celestial king of Gunung Tahan, who disguised himself as an ugly man in order to meet her without the knowledge of others.
When he did set eyes on her, he was taken aback by her beauty, although she wore a veil that revealed only her eyes. He challenged her to a Silat fight and the princess gamely accepted.
The Silat fight dragged on for three long days and three long nights with both highly-skilled opponents putting up a good fight.
Alas on the last day, the princess’ veil fell, revealing her astounding beauty. Exhausted and stunned by this sight, Raja Mambang fainted.
In the process of trying to revive him, his disguise was washed away revealing his true identity. According to folklore, the princess fell in love with him instantly.
While these events were taking place, Raja Mambang’s father came to hear of the Silat battle and was utterly shocked to learn that a mere mortal had defeated a celestial being.
In his rage, he sent bolts of lightning down on earth, causing Raja Mambang to immediately take flight. He was never seen again.
Later that night, the princess dreamt of a wise man who revealed to her that Raja Mambang was in Gunung Tahan. Legend has it that she journeyed to Gunung Tahan, searching for her beloved.
5. Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang
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This legend revolves around two princesses, Santubong and Sejinjang who were sent from a celestial kingdom to help bring about peace between two feuding villages on earth.
Before leaving for Earth, they were told of the one rule they had to obey – never to quarrel under any circumstances.
However, drama soon ensued when both princesses fell in love with the handsome Prince Serapi. Angered, the Gods transformed them both into mountains.
Some say that Mount Santubong looks like a woman lying on the ground. Others claim that Mount Sejinjang is surrounded by three islands because the princess’s head had been brutally bludgeoned with a pole.
6. Naga Bari
Among the locals, particularly the Iban community, Bukit Aup which is located in Sibu, is considered a sacred place where a benevolent spirit called Naga Bari dwells.
Legend has it that Naga Bari is a beautiful Iban princess who helps those who seek her divine assistance, especially childless couples.
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