The Death of Manggung
Written by H. Joplin Mosiun
March 29, 2023
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Part 8 of the history and origins of the Penampang Kadazan.
Since the inception of the Tangara, communities have been divided over which faction to support. The existence of two dominant groups, the Bangkaakon and the Tangara, caused a rift in society to the point where some families were divided in their loyalties and forced to choose between the two.
The Tangara were persistent in their efforts to amass support for their group. Based on a story passed down through generations, there was a time when peculiar individuals entered a settlement, initially appearing friendly and non-threatening. It was later discovered that these individuals were trying to recruit people into their newly-formed group and persuade them to adopt their beliefs.1 During that era, it was typical of different sects or cults to engage in a popularity contest by promoting their beliefs and offering benefits to attract more followers.2 However, certain groups resorted to aggressive tactics to compel communities to pledge their allegiance to their faction. Provocations were directed at communities sympathetic to the Bangkaakon in Sugud and staunch supporters of the old guard.
Manggung's presence in the Nosoob and Kobusak area caused villages to be in a state of panic and distress. After raiding villages in Nosoob, he eventually chose to settle down in the area and subsequently began asserting authority over the locals.3 His brute demeanour and violent conduct instilled fear in the hearts of the people.
According to folklore, Manggung was a ruthless giant who spared nothing in his path, not even a hill that obstructed his way. He effortlessly split the hill in half with a single blow of his bare hand, leaving the villagers awestruck and terrified. However, witnessing this spectacle also spurred them into action, and they resolved to come together and find a way to drive Manggung out of their land. The villagers kept a close eye on his movements, daily routes, and paths, and eventually, they identified a route lined with vaang reeds. The villagers sharpened these reeds into stakes and placed them in the ground, hidden from view. One day, Manggung, unaware of the trap, stepped on the sharp vaang stalks, causing him to stumble and lose his balance. He fell to the ground, and the sharp stalks pierced his abdomen, killing him instantly. Upon hearing of his demise, the people of Nosoob rejoiced and celebrated the death of their oppressor.4
Manggung, like Monsopiad, was from Kurai. He was known for his prowess in battle as well as his reputation as a voyeur and womanizer. He was married to a well-known Bobohizan, but this did not deter him from engaging in extramarital affairs. One popular folktale depicts Manggung as having leapt over seven hills to escape the wrath of his enraged wife after she caught him in the act of infidelity.5
There are multiple accounts of how Manggung met his demise. One narrative suggests that Monsopiad killed him due to his misdeeds, while another version narrates how his wife placed a curse on him that ultimately caused his death.
To be continued.
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