Tambun
Ngaju · demigod · Ngaju traditional religion; continuing · Recorded classification
Tambun is one of the two great warrior-ancestors of the Ngaju, celebrated with his kinsman Bungai in the origin epic Tetek Tatum. In the cycle the two defend the realm of their aunt, the queen Nyai Undang, against an invading host, and Tambun in particular is remembered as invulnerable to weapons. The pairing 'Tambun Bungai' stands in Central Kalimantan as the emblem of Ngaju martial ancestry and identity. Sources differ on whether Tambun and Bungai were brothers or cousins.
Domains
- war
- ancestry
Powers
- withstands weapons unharmed
- leads the war-band in defence of the homeland
Relations
- companion: BungaiInseparable comrades and kinsmen; sources differ on whether they were brothers or cousins.Tjilik Riwut, Maneser Panatau Tatu Hiang (2003), Tetek Tatum. (primary)
- ally: Nyai UndangHis aunt and sovereign, whose realm he defends.Tjilik Riwut, Maneser Panatau Tatu Hiang (2003), Tetek Tatum. (primary)
Sources
- Tambun is a warrior-ancestor of the Ngaju, celebrated with Bungai in the Tetek Tatum epic and remembered as invulnerable.: Tjilik Riwut (comp. Nila Riwut), Maneser Panatau Tatu Hiang: Menyelami Kekayaan Leluhur (Palangka Raya: Pusakalima, 2003), the Tetek Tatum epic. (primary)