the first full moon of sorrow.

The Tragic Legend of Waltang and Ngedikes

Long ago, when the land of Palau was still young and the moonlight shone pure upon the waters, there lived a man named Waltang, from the high village near the sea. He was known for his kindness, his laughter, and his gentle spirit. Each full moon, Waltang would climb to the top of the sacred hill known as Bekeu Detiml, where he would meet his beloved, Ngedikes. Their love was secret but strong — a promise whispered under the moonlight that they would always find each other at that same place, no matter what the tides of life might bring. And for many moons, they did. Their laughter echoed through the night air, and the people of Ungil Mood would say, “Even the stars envy their love. ”But one night, under a full and silent moon, Ngedikes did not come. Waltang waited until the moon faded and the dawn arrived, but she never appeared. He returned the next full moon, and again, she did not come. Month after month, Waltang climbed the hill, his heart growing heavier with each lonely night. Then, on one quiet full moon, Waltang decided to hide behind a great tree near their meeting place, hoping to see her again — even from afar. At last, he saw Ngedikes, walking along the moonlit path. But she was not alone. She held the hand of another man, walking with him toward Ngeburch Village, their silhouettes glowing softly in the silver light.

Waltang’s heart broke like the waves against the rocks below. The hill that once brought him joy now filled with unbearable sorrow. Blinded by grief, Waltang took a vine — a detiml vine — and climbed the tallest tree on the hill. There, under the same full moon that had once witnessed their love, he tied the vine around his neck and gave his spirit back to the wind. He hoped that when Ngedikes passed again, she would see him — and know the pain his heart could no longer hold. When the villagers found him the next morning, they wept. They said the moon itself dimmed that night, veiling her face in clouds. From that moment on, the hill of Bekeu Detiml was no longer a place of lovers’ joy, but one of remembrance. It is told that Waltang’s act was the first suicide in Palau’s history, a story whispered through generations — a reminder of how love, when bound too tightly to sorrow, can break even the gentlest soul. And yet, on certain full moon nights, some still say they see a figure standing beneath the tree at the top of Bekeu Detiml — waiting, watching, and listening for the footsteps of Ngedikes in the moonlight.

Every full moon, lovers of Ungil Mood gather atop Bekeu Detiml Hill to honor the eternal flame of Waltang and Ngedikes’ love, a bond that time can never dim.