The name Bener Meriah is thought to come from Beuner Meria, son of King Linge XIII. Mude Kala’s poem tells that when they were young, Beuner Meria and her younger sister, Sengeda, were taken by their mother to the Sultanate of Aceh after the death of their father. The throne of the Linge Kingdom was then held by King Linge XIV who was the older brother of King Linge XIII.

When they grew up, Beuner Meria and Sengeda returned to Linge and claimed the throne from their uncle. Unfortunately, the uncle sentenced the two brothers to death. According to legend, Beuner Meria did not die and transformed into a white elephant, while Sengeda’s life was saved by the executioner who was supposed to execute him.

The existence of this white elephant was heard by the Sultan of Aceh. The Sultan of Aceh asked that this white elephant be given to him. When he arrived in the capital of the Sultanate of Aceh, this white elephant went on a rampage. This white elephant’s rampage was successfully tamed by Sengeda. Then he told the origin of this white elephant. The Sultan of Aceh then ordered King Linge XIV to be executed, but Beuner Meria’s mother forgave him. King Linge XIV was only sentenced to pay a fine.

Finally, Sengeda was appointed king of Linge with the title King Linge XV. Meanwhile, the name Beuner Meria was immortalized as one of the areas in Tanah Gayo.