Mahsuri (legend)

This is the page for the traditional legend.

Mahsuri was the daughter of a couple who moved from their native Phuket to the island of Langkawi in search of a better life (This was due to an Burmese invasion in 1785). She was the most beautiful in all of Langkawi and married the warrior Wan Darus. As was required of him, her husband had to go to war with the attacking Siamese leaving Mahsuri behind to fend for herself.

It was during this time that Mahsuri befriended a traveller named Deraman. The chief's wife, Wan Mahura, was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty. She spread a rumour that Mahsuri was unfaithful and was having an affair with Deraman in the absence of Wan Darus. Eventually, the rumours grew strong enough that the villagers openly accused her of adultery. Mahsuri pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her.

Mahsuri was to be tied to a tree and stabbed to death, but it didn't work. After every execution attempt failed, Mahsuri told them to kill her with her family's keris. When she was stabbed, white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed the inhabitants of Langkawi with seven generations of bad luck.

The kingdom was soon taken over by Siam. The villagers at Padang Mat Sirat burned their own paddy fields rather than let them fall into the hands of the Siamese. Some of the people allege that this is due to the curse, as misfortune after misfortune fell upon Langkawi until the present day where the seven generations span has run its course.

Events featuring Mahsuri

 * Warwick Malaysian Night 2016- Mitos Mahsuri: Chains of the Past