Princess Laiamon and Crocodile

(A Folktale from Kalimantan)

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Laiamon. She was the daughter of a
Dayak chief. One morning, she was taking a bath in a river. While she was swimming in
the river, suddenly, a crocodile caught her leg.
Laiamon was surprised and cried, "Oh, please don't eat me!" The crocodile
laughed. "I won't let you go. I will eat you!" Laiamon was a smart girl. She quickly said,
"My father is a chief. He is rich and he can grant your wish if you set me free" ."Is that
right?" asked the crocodile. "Yes." "OK," said the crocodile. "Tell your father to give me a
baby to eat every day."
Then Laiamon was set free and quickly went home. She told her father everything.
Her father gathered his people and discussed what the crocodile had asked. Tomorrow
morning, the chief and the villagers went to the river bank. They brought a pig and wanted
to give it to the crocodile.
The crocodile asked, "Do you bring what I want?". "We can only give you a pig
this time," said the chief. There are no babies in our village now.". "Liar!"
"No, l'm not. Later, we will bring a baby to you it there Is one in the village !
"Are you sure?"
"Sure!" answered the chief convincingly.
"Okay, then. Give it to me."
The chief and his people threw the pig and the crocodile quickly ate it up. He
was delighted for the pig tasted delicious. However, not long after that, the crocodile's
stomach ached. He felt very ill. Soon, it died.
Laiamon was surprised, "Father, what did you do to the crocodile?". Her father
answered calmly, "We put poison inside the pig's belly. The crocodile had harmed and
killed many people. He deseved it." Then he turned to his daughter, "You are so brave. I
am proud of you, Laiamon. Remember my daughter. You can beat evil things with
bravery."