Long ago, in the heart of the Khasi Hills, stood the majestic Shillong Peak, sacred to the spirits and gods. It was a place of mystery, shrouded in thick forests where demons and dragons lurked, casting curses on any mortal brave enough to wander in. However, in the midst of the dangers, there lived a god on the mountain – unknown to the Khasis at first but later revealed through the wisdom of a man named U Shillong.

U Shillong, a man of great insight, discovered the powerful deity residing on the mountain and began to teach the people the proper ways to offer sacrifice and show reverence. The god became known as U ‘Lei Shillong, and in time, the mountain itself took the name Shillong. Revered throughout the land, the god of Shillong was benevolent and protective, guarding his people from sickness and misfortune.

However, the most fascinating tale surrounding U ‘Lei Shillong was about one of his daughters – a goddess who came to live among mankind.

In the village of Pomlakrai, nestled near the Cave of Marai, a group of young cowherds often gathered to play and practice archery. A towering rock near the cave stood undisturbed for years, its peak unreachable. One day, as the boys played their usual games, they were startled to see a young girl sitting atop the rock, watching them silently.

“Who’s that?” one of the boys whispered, wide-eyed. “She wasn’t here before.”

The others, equally bewildered, took a step back. “Is she a spirit?” another asked, voice trembling. Without another word, they dashed back to the village, leaving their cattle behind.

Breathless and panicked, the boys told the villagers about the strange girl. “She’s sitting on the rock no one can climb!” they exclaimed.

The village chief, U Mylliem Ngap, a man known for his wisdom, gathered a group and set off to investigate. When they arrived at the rock, there she was—a girl of such beauty that the men were awestruck. Her clothes shimmered, finer than anything they had seen.

“She must be from a wealthy family,” one of the men murmured. “But how did she get up there?”

They called out to her, “Come down! You’re in danger!” But the girl did not move or respond. Growing anxious, U Mylliem Ngap gestured to the jungle. “Cut some bamboo,” he ordered. “We’ll make a long pole to help her down.”

Once the pole was ready, they lifted it to her, but she sat still, unmoved. As the day waned and the sun began to sink, the men became desperate. “We can’t leave her here! She’ll die!” one cried out.

U Mylliem Ngap scanned the area, eyes falling on a patch of wildflowers near the cave. With quick hands, he gathered a bunch and tied them to the end of the pole. He raised it again toward the girl, and her face lit up with delight. She reached out for the flowers, but each time she moved closer, U Mylliem Ngap lowered the pole just slightly, urging her down, step by step.

At last, the girl touched the ground, and the villagers sighed in relief.

“Who are you, child?” U Mylliem Ngap asked gently. But the girl only smiled, her eyes filled with an otherworldly light. She said nothing of her origins, but the villagers took her in, and U Mylliem Ngap raised her as his own daughter.

Over the years, the girl, whom they named Ka Pah Syntiew, grew wise and respected. Her foster father often sought her counsel in matters of the village, for she possessed an uncanny wisdom. Her judgments were fair, and soon, people from other villages came to seek her guidance. They began to call her “Ka Siem,” meaning the Queen.

When she came of age, U Mylliem Ngap arranged for her marriage to a nobleman, U Kongor Nongjri. Together, they had many children, all of them as comely and noble as their parents. Life in the village flourished under her leadership, and her fame spread far and wide.

One day, after her children had grown, Ka Pah Syntiew gathered them around her. Her face was solemn but calm as she spoke. “I must tell you the truth of who I am,” she began, her voice soft but firm. “I am not of this world. I am the daughter of U ‘Lei Shillong, the god of the mountain. I was sent to live among mankind, but my time here is ending.”

Her children, stunned, pleaded with her to stay. “You cannot leave us, mother!” they cried.

But Ka Pah Syntiew smiled gently. “My time has come. I must return to the mountain.”

The next morning, she walked alone toward the Cave of Marai, disappearing into the mist. No one dared follow, for they knew the goddess had returned to her father. Her descendants, however, remained among the Khasis, known to this day as the Siems of Shillong, noble chiefs who trace their lineage to the goddess who lived among men.

And so, the legend of Ka Pah Syntiew—the goddess who became a part of mankind—endures, passed down through generations, a reminder of the divine presence that once walked the earth.

A folk story from Meghalaya, sourced from Folk-Tales of the Khasis, by K. U. Rafy

Edited by Archie Joshi

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