Hang Tuah

The most loyal and valiant hero of Malay folk legend.

Life

Five sworn brothers

Hang Tuah is a hero of the classical Malay works Hikayat Hang Tuah and the Malay Annals; according to legend, he was the admiral (Laksamana) of the navy under Sultan Mansur Shah of Malacca in the 15th century.

Falsely accused

Legend has it that he and his four sworn brothers were superb fighters who served as the sultan's envoys to many lands. When someone slandered him, the sultan ordered him put to death, but the chancellor secretly hid him. Later his sworn brother Hang Jebat rebelled to avenge the wrong done to him; Hang Tuah reappeared and, on the sultan's orders, killed Hang Jebat with his own hands.

Loyalty and righteousness

Scholars have yet to reach a consensus on whether he really existed.

Legacy

The story of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat has prompted long-running debate in Malay society over "loyalty" versus "righteousness."

Major works & achievements

• Hikayat Hang Tuah (legend)

Did you know? He is said to have left a famous saying: "The Malays shall never vanish from the earth."

Key dates

• 1460Legendary period of activity (approx.)