Si Ginjai -- National Museum of Jakarta

[ganjawulung]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Additionally:- Pak Ganja, if every keris that I have seen was truly the work of Ki Nom--- and I would have seen only a tiny fraction of all "Ki Noms" in existence--- the Honoured Ki Nom would have had to live to at least 500 years of age, and worked non-stop 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

From Majapahit to Mataram

HE AIN’T HEAVY HE’S MY BROTHER

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Bridge:
If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with gladness
And love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, He's my brother

Yes, it’s just an old song of UK’s pop group in the 60s, The Hollies. The song was long leading the pop-chart in the end of 1969, (it was said) not only in UK, but also in other parts of the world. Many young Indonesians at that time, was fascinated too with this melodious song, which sung by Allan Clarke. Did we know the really meaning of this song? Litterally, maybe yes. But not the real meaning, which might propelled the inspiration of the composer.

"He Ain't Heavy" was composed by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. The pair were introduced to each other by Johnny Mercer at a California nightclub. Despite the fact that Russell was dying of cancer and that the pair met in person only three times, they managed to turn out "He Ain't Heavy". The Hollies soon recorded the emotional ballad, featuring the piano talents of Elton John, and with Allan Clarke providing a heartfelt rendition of the lyrics.

Another explanation for the origin of the title "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is that of a Vietnam War photo. Supposedly, the image depicted a GI carrying a Vietnamese man on his back. The journalist had asked if he'd been carrying him far, and the soldier had smiled at the camera and said, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother."

Which one was the real meaning of the beautiful song? Both? Yes. Maybe both. We don’t know what was really happened in the mind of the composers.
Now in the internet era, in 2000s, we can easily find the right answer on such “not important” question. Just click the button in your laptop, browsing the Wikipedia, then all is clear in a sudden. But in the 60s? You may imagine as you want. Interprete yourself the meaning of the lyric.

Ki Nom
Now on Ki Nom, the “composer” of many fascinating kerises during his life as an empu. Was he long living? Or was Ki Nom just composite, as Alan said? Maybe both are right, or maybe both are wrong. Ten gentlemen, maybe will result ten interpretations too.

The last king of Majapahit was Girindrawardhana (1474-1519). Then, came Demak era, the kingdom that first built by Raden Patah (1478-1518). The last king (Sultan) was Sunan Prawoto (1546-1561). Then came another period of Pajang, with only one period of King Hadiwijoyo alias Joko Tingkir (1561-1575?).

Ki Ageng Pemanahan got “tanah perdikan” (tax free land) from Joko Tingkir, land locating in Mataram. Then, came the next period of Mataram Islam kingdong. Panembahan Senopati was the first king (1575-1601), second was Sunan Prabu Hanyakrawati (1601-1613). The golden era of Mataram Islam was in the reign of Sultan Agung Hanyakrakusuma (1613-1645).

From the end of Majapahit (Girindrawardhana) to the Matram era -- the attack to the Dutch in Batavia by Sultan Agung in 1628 and 1629 (Ricklefs, 1995:67)., it went on for 110 years (from 1519 to 1629). The question – related to Ki Nom – was it possible, Ki Nom lived for more than 100 years of age?

(Once again, I’m sorry Alan, to mix again history and interpretation on tradisional story on Ki Nom…). Was Ki Nom real, or just composite? That is still a big question…

(I beg your pardon, Alan for wandering too much)

Ganjawulung