Hikayat Hang Tuah (2001)

The Timeless Epic of Loyalty, Valor, and Justice.

Hikayat Hang Tuah is a monumental work in Malay literature, celebrated as a traditional epic that intertwines heroism, loyalty, and the complexities of justice. This narrative chronicles the life of Hang Tuah, the legendary warrior of the Malacca Sultanate, and his companions—Hang Jebat, Hang Kasturi, Hang Lekir, and Hang Lekiu—who together embody the ideals of courage and camaraderie. The most poignant episode in the tale is the tragic confrontation between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, where themes of loyalty to the ruler clash with the pursuit of justice, leading to a moral quandary that has sparked extensive scholarly debate.

Inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2001, Hikayat Hang Tuah is recognized as a national literary classic, not only among the Malays but also across the Malay Archipelago. The National Library of Malaysia preserves two manuscripts of this epic, MSS 1658 and MSS 1713, both penned on aged European paper approximately 200 years ago. The authorship remains anonymous, a testament to the rich oral traditions and collaborative storytelling practices of the time. These manuscripts are meticulously conserved in acid-free boxes within a secure environment, ensuring their protection for future generations.