Legends

  Sample Stories

How Surabaya was Named

Once upon a time, on the coast in Java called Tanjung Perak, there lived a variety of sea animals.  They lived in peace and harmony.  Only an octopus, called Cumi could not get along with the other sea creatures.  Cumi is very cruel and messy.

One day Cumi goes to a fish's house-called Suro.   He tells Suro that one of the crocodiles, Boyo, will soon attack Suro.  Suro and Boyo, are both good and kind to each-other. They are best friends, So of course he does not believe Cumi.  Cumi has many arguements with Suro who will not believe him.   Cumi's tales are not true at all.  Cumi is a big liar!

Finally, Cumi goes to Boyos house.  This time Cumi's lies are so believable that Boyo believes what Cumi has to say.  He gets upset and swims in a hurry to Suro's house.  Boyo is very angry; he is also strong and cruel.  He attacks Suro and wounds him.  Suro is still calm and does not fight back.  Knowing that Boyo will never stop attacking him, Suro becomes brave and strong.  He fights Boyo bravely.  The sea turns red with their blood.

In the place where they fought was built the city called Suroboyo. Suroboyo is a Japanese word derived from Suro and Boyo. (Suro- fish, means brave and Boyo-crocodille, means danger.) Suroboyo city therefore means "Brave in danger".

(Suroboyo is pronounced and spelled Surabaya. )