Cultural Wisdom in the Legend of Paya Terbang: Exploring Oral Literature from North Aceh

Abstract

Instilling literary values in children is crucial, especially during their formative years of growth and development. These values, when cultivated from an early age, have the potential to become deeply ingrained and guide children’s behavior in the future. As a nation renowned for its eastern culture, Indonesia faces the challenge of preserving its cultural identity amidst the rapid currents of globalization. The increasing dominance of foreign cultures threatens the sustainability of local cultural heritage, including folklore and legends, which are rich in meaning and moral lessons. To ensure the resilience of local culture, efforts must be made to preserve and promote traditional narratives, such as the legend of Paya Terbang in North Aceh Regency. This study aims to identify and describe the values embedded in the legend of Paya Terbang. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected using listening and recording techniques, with the primary data source being the legend itself, obtained through interviews with informants. The findings reveal that the legend of Paya Terbang encapsulates religious, social, and moral values, which are relevant for cultural preservation and the transmission of ethical principles to future generations.