MANY people find it hard to believe in the existence of dragons. In the modern world, they are often regarded as mythical creatures existing only in folklore, legends, and stories passed down through generations. However, in Kampung Jemoreng, a village in Matu, Sarawak, a local legend continues to be remembered by the community.
The story begins with a married couple who lived in the village. For many years, they had hoped to have children, and their wish was finally fulfilled when the wife became pregnant with twins. Their life was simple, and the husband worked hard in the garden to support the family. Although they lived modestly, they remained thankful for the blessing they had received.
One day, the wife went into labour while her husband was away, and no one knew where he had gone. Concerned about her condition, the villagers came together to search for him. After some time, he finally returned home, just as his wife was preparing to deliver the babies they had long awaited.
The first baby was delivered safely, a healthy baby girl. Everyone felt relieved and happy. However, when it was time for the second child to be born, the midwife became confused and frightened. She could not see the head of a human baby, and the mother struggled for a long time. To everyone’s shock, the second child was not a human, but a male serpent. News of the unusual birth spread quickly through the village, and the people were astonished by what had happened.
Despite the strange circumstances, the parents did not reject the serpent child. Instead, they accepted him as part of the family, raising him with the same love and care they gave to his twin sister. They provided both children with food, shelter, and affection without discrimination. The bond between the twins grew strong, and they were said to be very close despite their physical differences.
As the years passed, the girl grew into a child while the serpent became larger and larger. Eventually, his body grew enormous, resembling a giant snake, or what the people called a dragon. Even so, his mother’s love for him never changed. She continued to treat him fairly, and over time the villagers also became used to his presence.
Because the serpent never harmed anyone and was known to be the child of the family, he was gradually accepted by the community. Eventually, the serpent became too large to enter the house. Whenever he wanted to see his parents or spend time with his sister, he would raise his head beside the house and speak to them from outside. Since there was no room for him indoors, he stayed beneath the building. As time passed, the movement of his huge body formed long hollows and tracks in the ground, trails that later became the paths he regularly used whenever he travelled.
When the twins grew older, the sister reached adulthood and was soon to be married. She deeply wished for her brother to attend her wedding because she loved him dearly and could not imagine such an important occasion without him. At the same time, she worried that his large size would cause difficulties for the family during the ceremony. Realising this, the serpent made a selfless decision. He chose to leave and live elsewhere so that he would not burden the family, promising that he would return on the day of the wedding.
When the wedding day arrived, the serpent kept his promise. He returned by following the path he had used since he was young. As his huge body moved across the land, the old trails became wider and deeper. His sister was overjoyed to see him, and his presence completed the celebration. After attending the wedding, he left once again and continued his journey.
According to the villagers, the path created by the serpent eventually turned into a river, which later became known as Sungai Naga. Some villagers believe that snakes are rarely seen in the area because the serpent was regarded as their leader. Even today, some locals still believe that the serpent visits wedding ceremonies held by his descendants. It is said that whenever such a wedding takes place, rain will fall as a sign that he has returned to witness the event and bless the family.
The legend of Sungai Naga is more than a supernatural tale. It reflects the values of love, acceptance, and family relationships. Although the story may seem extraordinary, it remains an important part of the village’s heritage and identity. For those who continue to preserve it, the legend is not only about a dragon or a river, but also about loyalty, remembrance, and the enduring strength of family ties. – DayakDaily
Armin Haffidzudin bin Ideris is a 20-year-old student who proudly calls Sibu his hometown. Outside of his academic pursuits and writing, he stays active by jogging and unwinding to his favourite music.
Armin is one of the Top 10 winners (Adult category) for DayakDaily’s 2026 Writing Competition with the theme “Sarawak Folklore”.
