In the remote village of Nuabune, located high on top of the mountains in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea, there existed a legend known as Sineboilai. This tale revolved around an old lady who lived alone, shrouded in mystery and fear. The villagers believed that anyone who ventured up the mountains to her cottage would never return.
For years, the men of the village had gone hunting in the mountains, but each time they disappeared, leaving their families behind to weep and mourn their loss. The women and children cried out in hope, yearning for their loved ones to return, but their pleas were left unanswered.
One day, a renowned hunter in the village decided to challenge the legend. Determined to uncover the truth, he gathered his two cousins and set off towards the mountains. As evening approached, darkness enveloped the landscape, and they stumbled upon the cottage of the old lady.
Approaching cautiously, they found her sitting by the fire. They mustered the courage to speak to her and requested shelter for the night. The old lady, seemingly kind-hearted, agreed and prepared a meal for the weary hunters.
Unbeknownst to the old lady, the hunters were well-aware of her dark secret. They had heard the tales of her swelling body, suffocating and killing those who slept in her presence. Aware of her plan, they feigned sleep, waiting for the opportune moment to catch her in the act.
As they sat by the fire, exchanging stories to stay awake, their eyes grew heavy with exhaustion. After consuming the old lady's meal, they drifted into a light slumber. The old lady, thinking the hunters were fast asleep, allowed her body to swell, preparing to claim her victims as she had done countless times before.
But the hunters remained vigilant, one of them clutching anaxe tightly in his hands. As the old lady's body expanded, threatening to engulf the room, the hunter swiftly swung his axe, striking her swollen belly. The shock caused her to lose control, unable to deflate her body as she had always done.
Realizing the danger, they were in, the hunters pushed the old lady out of the cottage and watched as she rolled down the mountainside. Her body, heavy and lifeless, crashed into the earth, creating a deep hole in the ground.
The villagers, hearing of the hunters' triumph, ventured to the spot where the old lady had fallen. To their amazement, they discovered a vast well, its waters glistening with purity. The well became a symbol of victory over darkness, a source of fresh drinking water for the village of Nuabune.
Word quickly spread of the miraculous well, and neighboring villages marveled at its existence. People from far and wide would journey to Nuabune to behold the well that had emerged from the defeat of the malevolent old lady. They witnessed the clear, refreshing water that flowed endlessly, a testament to the courage and resilience of the hunters.
The well became a cherished asset for the villagers, providing them with sustenance and relief from the scorching heat of the sun. It became a gathering place, where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and friendships blossomed. The villagers would often sit by the well, drawing inspiration from the tale of triumph that had birthed its existence.
Over time, the legend of Sineboilai evolved into a cautionary tale, reminding the people of Nuabune to remain vigilant and steadfast in the face of adversity. It served as a reminder that bravery and unity could conquer even the darkest of forces.
Generations passed, and the village of Nuabune thrived, guided by the enduring spirit of their ancestors. The wellof Sineboilai remained a revered landmark, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of their forefathers. It stood as a constant reminder that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, there is always hope and the potential for triumph.
To this day, the villagers of Nuabune continue to gather at the well, sharing stories of their ancestors' bravery and the significance of Sineboilai. The legend lives on, etched in their hearts and minds, reminding them to confront their fears and overcome challenges with unwavering determination.
As the sun sets over the mountains, casting a golden hue on the well, the villagers raise their cups, toasting to their ancestors and the well that symbolizes the indomitable spirit of Nuabune. And as they take a sip of the cool, refreshing water, they are reminded that the legend of Sineboilai is not just a story of the past but a guiding light for their futures.
For years, the men of the village had gone hunting in the mountains, but each time they disappeared, leaving their families behind to weep and mourn their loss. The women and children cried out in hope, yearning for their loved ones to return, but their pleas were left unanswered.
One day, a renowned hunter in the village decided to challenge the legend. Determined to uncover the truth, he gathered his two cousins and set off towards the mountains. As evening approached, darkness enveloped the landscape, and they stumbled upon the cottage of the old lady.
Approaching cautiously, they found her sitting by the fire. They mustered the courage to speak to her and requested shelter for the night. The old lady, seemingly kind-hearted, agreed and prepared a meal for the weary hunters.
Unbeknownst to the old lady, the hunters were well-aware of her dark secret. They had heard the tales of her swelling body, suffocating and killing those who slept in her presence. Aware of her plan, they feigned sleep, waiting for the opportune moment to catch her in the act.
As they sat by the fire, exchanging stories to stay awake, their eyes grew heavy with exhaustion. After consuming the old lady's meal, they drifted into a light slumber. The old lady, thinking the hunters were fast asleep, allowed her body to swell, preparing to claim her victims as she had done countless times before.
But the hunters remained vigilant, one of them clutching anaxe tightly in his hands. As the old lady's body expanded, threatening to engulf the room, the hunter swiftly swung his axe, striking her swollen belly. The shock caused her to lose control, unable to deflate her body as she had always done.
Realizing the danger, they were in, the hunters pushed the old lady out of the cottage and watched as she rolled down the mountainside. Her body, heavy and lifeless, crashed into the earth, creating a deep hole in the ground.
The villagers, hearing of the hunters' triumph, ventured to the spot where the old lady had fallen. To their amazement, they discovered a vast well, its waters glistening with purity. The well became a symbol of victory over darkness, a source of fresh drinking water for the village of Nuabune.
Word quickly spread of the miraculous well, and neighboring villages marveled at its existence. People from far and wide would journey to Nuabune to behold the well that had emerged from the defeat of the malevolent old lady. They witnessed the clear, refreshing water that flowed endlessly, a testament to the courage and resilience of the hunters.
The well became a cherished asset for the villagers, providing them with sustenance and relief from the scorching heat of the sun. It became a gathering place, where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and friendships blossomed. The villagers would often sit by the well, drawing inspiration from the tale of triumph that had birthed its existence.
Over time, the legend of Sineboilai evolved into a cautionary tale, reminding the people of Nuabune to remain vigilant and steadfast in the face of adversity. It served as a reminder that bravery and unity could conquer even the darkest of forces.
Generations passed, and the village of Nuabune thrived, guided by the enduring spirit of their ancestors. The wellof Sineboilai remained a revered landmark, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of their forefathers. It stood as a constant reminder that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, there is always hope and the potential for triumph.
To this day, the villagers of Nuabune continue to gather at the well, sharing stories of their ancestors' bravery and the significance of Sineboilai. The legend lives on, etched in their hearts and minds, reminding them to confront their fears and overcome challenges with unwavering determination.
As the sun sets over the mountains, casting a golden hue on the well, the villagers raise their cups, toasting to their ancestors and the well that symbolizes the indomitable spirit of Nuabune. And as they take a sip of the cool, refreshing water, they are reminded that the legend of Sineboilai is not just a story of the past but a guiding light for their futures.
Support Mary Dorothy Ilau
