The ecological ontology of Balum Beudé in Acehnese children's stories: Universal motifs and the contribution of local literature to world literature
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: Balum Beudé is a mythological entity in Acehnese children’s stories that represents the relationship between humans and the aquatic environment. In Acehnese children’s stories, this figure serves not only as a frightening character but also as a medium for passing down ecological wisdom that shapes the community’s perspective on nature. This study examines the ecological ontology in the representation of Balum Beudé using a comparative literature approach and an ecological ontological perspective. This study compares Balum Beudé with similar motifs such as Kappa (Japan), the Kelpie (Scotland), the Rusalka (Slavic), and Mami Wata (Africa) to highlight both their commonalities and local distinctiveness. The findings reveal that Balum Beudé is not merely a local cultural heritage but part of a network of universal motifs that document the relationship between humans and nature. Through this lens, Acehnese children’s stories contribute to the global literary discourse by offering an ecological epistemology rooted in the local wisdom of the Nusantara. Thus, Acehnese local literature can be viewed as an active participant in the dynamics of transnational literature.
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