Hang Tuah - Early Life and Background

Early Life and Background

Hang Tuah was born in Kampung Sungai Duyong, Melaka. His parents were Hang Mahmud and Dang Merdu Wati. His parents owned a small shop near Kampung Bendahara. When Hang Tuah was small, he worked as a woodcutter in his parents shop. Hang Tuah grasp of religious knowledge and his skill in the art of self-defence became obvious even when he was just ten years old. Hang Tuah had four special friends of his own age and they were Hang Kasturi, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir and Hang Lekiu and they were known as The Five Comrades. The five of them on the advice of Hang Tuah learned the art of self defence from a teacher who called Guru Ali Putera who practiced the art of self defence at the top of a mountain. Hang Tuah also learned to meditate.

Hang Tuah appearance in the history of the region began when some men ran amuk near Kampung Bendahara. Tun Perak came with a party of guards to investigate the incident, but was also attacked. His guards fled, but when Hang Tuah and his friends who happened to be at a nearby stall, saw what was happening and rushed to save Tun Perak. They fought the amuk group and killed them all.

Tun Perak was amazed by the courage of Hang Tuah and his friends and he rewarded them for their gallant service with a suit of clothes each and appointed them as commanders. They were also presented to Sultan Muzaffar Syah and they became a well known legend in the history of Melaka