Mahsuri was the daughter of a Malay farmer who moved from their native Negeri Pulau to the island of Langkawi in search of a better life. She was the most beautiful woman in all of Langkawi and married the warrior Wan Darus or Wan Derus. The village chief's wife Wan Mahora was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty. She spread a rumour that Mahsuri was unfaithful and was having an affair with Dearman in the absence of Wan Darus. Eventually, the rumours grew strong enough that the villagers openly accused her of adultery. Mahsuri pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her. Mahsuri was to be tied to a tree and stabbed to death. When she was stabbed, white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi to have seven hundred generations of bad luck.