Folk tales are mirrors of a people's soul, distilling the wisdom of many generations. Many of the old tales warn the listeners to be respectful of the unseen world around them in the jungle. Mock a spirit, or an animal—disaster will follow! Disobey farming taboos—risk a bad harvest, and famine! neglect the poor and helpless members of your society - the good spirits will avenge these victims! History is preserved in folk tales. Did the hero Datu Merpati really sail his boat overland from Sambas to Santubong? Was Tugau able to wield a sword when he was newly born? Could Keling fight three sets of wicked giants in one day? Old stories re-tell those feats to impress courage and adventure in the minds of young listeners. A lot of folk tales are fables. Farcical tales of a stupid hero like Apai Saloi are pure entertainment, some of the earthy kind. they raise a merry laugh among the audience sitting around flickering lamps in the longhouse verandah.