Mahsuri, who was the most beautiful woman in Langkawi married a warrior Wan Darus. When her husband had to go for war, Mahsuri was left behind. During this time Mahsuri befriended a young man named Deraman.

The village chief 's wife was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty and spread a rumour that Mahsuri was having an affair with Deraman. Eventually the rumours grew strong enough that the villagers openly accused her of adultery. Mahsuri pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her. She was to be tied to a tree and stabbed to death but it didn't work.

Mahsuri told them to kill her with her family's "Kris". When she was stabbed, white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi to have seven generations of bad luck.