A Thematic Analysis of Sacrifice and Promise-Breaking in the Legend of Lake Toba and Tsuru No Ongaeshi: A Comparative Literary Study
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the themes of sacrifice and broken promises in the Indonesian Lake Toba legend and the Japanese story of Tsuru no Ongaeshi through a comparative literature approach. Both stories share similar motifs: the relationship between humans and non-human creatures transformed into humans, as well as the existence of prohibitions or promises that must not be broken. This study used qualitative methods with thematic analysis techniques to identify and interpret key themes in both texts. The results show that the theme of sacrifice in the Lake Toba legend is manifested through the dedication of female characters in domestic and family life, while in Tsuru no Ongaeshi, sacrifice emphasizes the concept of moral and spiritual reciprocity. Meanwhile, the broken promise in both stories serves as a turning point that determines the plot. The Lake Toba legend ends with a collective natural disaster, while Tsuru no Ongaeshi ends with a personal and emotional separation. These differences reflect the differing cultural values between Indonesian and Japanese societies regarding the moral consequences of human actions. Nevertheless, both stories emphasize the importance of maintaining trust and commitment in relationships. This research shows that the themes of sacrifice and broken promises are universal values that are present in various cultures, but are interpreted differently according to their respective social and cultural contexts.
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