Semeru

by Trevor Halfhide

The Legend of Semeru

         The people of East Java have always lived in awe of the great volcano Semeru, but they also live in fear.  Local legend says that long ago a strange tribe, who came from the sky, descended on the region and made the mountain their home.  The local people were always at war with the strange tribe because they had great powers... and great treasures.  The local people were eventually able to beat the strange tribe, but before their defeat the tribe left a great beast to defend the treasure in the middle of the mountain.  Every time the beast breathed out it exhaled plumes of smoke and ash, and when it was angry it would spit fire and large burning rocks.  When the local people tried to approach the mountain, the beast's anger became so hot that the dirt of the mountain itself seemed to turn to liquid, killing the intruders.

          The great beast still lives in the mountain.  It is always awake and always aware of those who come seeking its treasure. 

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It also scares babies!

Questions about this site? Contact me @ thalfhide@mail.colgate.edu