traditional_art
The legend of the white elephant: The origin story of guel dance
SZ
By Shella Zahara
13 September 2026
Characters
There are two main characters in the story: Sengeda and Bener Meriah. They are brothers and the sons of Raja Linge the Twelfth. Bener Meriah is also connected to the White Elephant in the story, while Sengeda is the brother who later learns how to tame the elephant.
Setting
The story takes place in the Gayo region of Aceh, Indonesia, particularly in the historical context of the Linge Kingdom. The story also takes place in a traditional setting involving the Gayo community and the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam.
Conflict
The main conflict begins with jealousy and betrayal between the two brothers. Bener Meriah died because of jealousy and betrayal from his half-brother, Sengeda. After Bener Meriah's death, Sengeda had a dream in which Bener Meriah appeared as a White Elephant. In the dream, Bener Meriah taught Sengeda how to capture and tame the elephant so that it could later be presented to the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam.
Ending
The story ends with Sengeda learning how to tame the White Elephant. The movements used to tame the elephant later became the inspiration for Guel Dance. Today, Guel Dance continues to be performed by the Gayo people as a way to preserve their history, cultural values, and ancestral stories for future generations.
Reflection
"The Legend of the White Elephant tells the story of two brothers, Sengeda and Bener Meriah, from the Linge Kingdom. After Bener Meriah dies because of jealousy and betrayal, he appears to Sengeda in a dream as a White Elephant. In the dream, he teaches Sengeda how to capture and tame the elephant. The movements used to tame the elephant later become the inspiration for Guel Dance, a traditional dance of the Gayo people in Aceh. Through this legend, Guel Dance preserves the history, values, and cultural identity of the Gayo community."