[285] The most usual name of the crocodile-spirit, as given in such charms as I have succeeded in collecting, is Sambu Agai, or, as it is also called, Jambu Rakai. [↑]
[286] Kira-kira means “accounts.” [↑]
[287] Selangor Journal, vol. iii. No. 6, pp. 93, 94. [↑]
[288] The shortness of the crocodile’s tongue, which is a mere stump of a tongue, has probably given rise to this idea. [↑]
[289] Also sometimes called “Apa daya,” lit. “What device?” or “What resource?” The front teeth are also sometimes called kail sĕluang, or “sĕluang” hook, or hook for catching the sĕluang, a small fish resembling the sardine.—Vide H. C. C. in N. and Q. No. 4, sec. 95, issued with No. 17 of the J.R.A.S., S.B. [↑]
[290] The question of the mental attributes ascribed to the crocodile is one of great interest, as it is credited by Malays with a human origin. It is not alleged to shed tears over his victim; but, as the above account shows, it is far from insensible to the enormity of manslaughter. At the same time, it is credited with strong common sense (since it is known to “laugh” at those misguided mortals “who pole a boat down stream,” no less than the tiger which “laughs” at those who “carry a torch on a moonlight night”), and also has a strict regard for honesty. (Vide infra.) [↑]
[291] Rewritten from Sel. Journ. vol. iii. No. 19, pp. 309–312. [↑]
[292] A native-built canoe hollowed out of a tree-trunk is no doubt referred to. [↑]
[293] Mangrove, of various species, chiefly Rhizophoreæ. [↑]