Timun Mas | English Version | Versi Bahasa Inggris

Timun Mas is a beautiful girl who is kind-hearted, smart, and brave. She is very dear to his mother, Mbok Srini. One day, an evil giant comes to eat Timun Mas. Why? And do the mother and daughter survive? You had better read the following story.

***

There was a kampong in Central Java wherein a widow lived. She was Mbok Srini. She was childless and after the death of her husband, she lived alone. The hope to have a child faded away with time. She only prayed for a miracle, that someday she could be a mother.

One night, she had a dream. A giant creature told her to go to the jungle where she usually collected firewood. There she would find a package under a big tree. In the morning the widow woke up, not believing what she just dreamt.

“Could it really happen to me?” she asked to herself.

The widow decided to give it a go. Full of hope, she rushed to a place as pointed in her dream. In the jungle, she sought the package and, surprisingly, found it under an enormous tree. It contained a cucumber seed.

“What is this?” murmured her.

She was still in confusion when suddenly a loud laughter broke out behind her. She just realized that there was a giant standing there.

Mbok Srini was taken aback. It was the giant she met in his dream! So frightened she became.

“Have mercy, Mister Giant. Don’t eat me,” begged Mbok Srini with a pale face.

“I won’t, old woman, I won’t. Don’t you want a child?” asked the giant.

“You… You are right, Mister Giant,” answered Mbok Srini.

“Grow that seed and you will have a daughter. But remember this. I will come to you when she grows up and take her. I’m going to taste her delicious flesh,” said the giant.

“That is fine, Mister Giant. I will give her back to you when it’s time.”

The giant vanished. The woman planted the cucumber seed in her yard. Full of hope, she took care of the plant very carefully. Two months later, the cucumber was ripening. It weirdly yielded only one fruit, but it was much bigger than usual cucumbers. Its color was golden and it was very heavy. Mbok Srini cut it off and took it inside her hut. There she cut the cucumber in halves and sound a baby girl so adorable.

“Aaaaa! Aaaaa! Aaaaa!” the baby cried once she was taken out.

Mbok Srini was so happy to hear a baby’s cry she had been wishing for. She named the baby Timun Mas.

“There there… Don’t cry my sweet baby,” Mbok Srini tried to comfort Timun Mas.

The old widow could not be happier. Tears run down on her wrinkled cheeks. She raised Timun Mas with the affection of a real mother. The baby grew up a beautiful girl. She was kind-hearted too. Mbok Srini loved her so much. She forgot her vow that someday the giant would come up to take the girl back.

One night, Mbok Srini dreamed of the giant coming up to her. The dream reminded her of her vow. Since then, she often sat on the porch alone, mourning all day long. She might soon lose her beloved daughter but was bent on to keep her. She just did not know what to do.

Timun Mas noticed that something had been concerning her mother. That day, she chose to spend the afternoon at home and sat beside her.

“Mother, why do you often look sad recently?” asked Timun Mas.

Reluctantly, Mbok Srini revealed everything to her. She told her that she was not really her daughter, that a giant gave her to her and would take her once she grew up.

“I’m sorry, my daughter. All this time I kept this for myself.”

Timun Mas could not speak a word. She was speechless, not believing what she just heard. She looked down for a while, then up again, as if she had taken a decision.

“I don’t want to go with the giant. Whatever happens, I’m staying here with you, mother,” said Timun Mas firmly.

The day finally came. From afar, Mbok Srini and Timun Mas could hear the giant’s steps. In panic, Mbok Srini told Timun Mas to act ill.

“Hey, old widow! Where’s the girl? I suppose she looks very tasty by now. It’s been years. Haha!” said the giant.

The widow came out of her hut. Timidly, she came closer to the giant.

“I’m sorry. She is severely ill at the moment. Her flesh will not be fresh. What if you come back in three days? Let her recover first,” coaxed Mbok Srini. She tried to get more time to find a way to save Timun Mas.

“Is she really? Well, all right then. I will come again in three days. You’d better make sure she is ready,” answered the giant.

After the giant left, Mbok Srini walked out to see a hermit who lived in a mountain. She just recalled about him and wanted to know if he could help.

“I’m going to the mountain. There is a hermit, a friend of my late husband, who probably can help us out. You stay here and don’t go out,” Mbok Srini said to Timun Mas.

“But be careful mother,” said the girl.

Mbok Srini headed for the mountain right away. There, she met the hermit and let him know what she came for.

“Wait a moment. I’ll get you something that might help,” said the hermit.

Not long after, he showed up with four little bundles of things and gave them to Mbok Srini.

“Take these for your daughter. They contain cucumber seeds, needles, salts, and shrimp paste. Use them one at a time while in danger. Let’s hope we could defeat the giant, Mbok Srini,” explained the hermit.

Mbok Srini felt a bit relieved. She came home and handed the bundles to Timun Mas.

Two days later, the giant turned up. He looked so hungry and raring to eat the girl.

“Well, well, old widow. Where’s my girl now?” asked him.

“You again, giant. I believe you are very hungry now,” Mbok Srini answered. Timun Mas came out fearfully and stood beside her mother.

“Don’t be afraid. If he comes to you, you should run. Run as fast as you can. Open the bundles to protect yourself,” Mbok Srini whispered to her daughter.

“Yes, mother,” answered Timun Mas.

The giant could not wait anymore. He was drooling already. But when he stuck out his hand to grab the girl, she ran away. He chased her with far longer steps. Slowly, he could catch up with the girl. Realizing the situation, Timun took one of the bundles and opened it.

She untied a bundle, which turned out to contain cucumber seeds. She poured the seeds on the ground and in a very short time the area became a cucumber garden. The plants grew thickly, wrapping around the giant. Timun took her time to take off. The giant could free himself of the plants shortly. He had not given up.

The giant forced Timun to open another bundle, containing needles. She scattered it everywhere and they magically turned into tall and sharp bamboo. They wounded the giant’s feet but he did not stop his run.

Timun opened a bundle for the third time. It was salt inside. The girl spread the salt out, turning the ground into a lake. The giant stepped in it and roared as his wounds touched the salt water. It held him back, but only for a while. The giant forced his way across the lake. Timun Mas began to be very anxious. She had only one bundle left. Knowing that the giant had reached the land, she opened the bundle. Shrimp paste spread all over the ground and formed a muddy quicksand. The giant stepped on it and got trapped. He vainly struggled to get up. A moment later, he lost his strength. He was sucked down and died. Timun had made it. She got rid of the giant forever.

With all her strength left, Timun walked home. Mbok Srini hugged her right away. She cried in happiness to see her sole daughter safe. They were so grateful to God the Almighty. There was no giant anymore. From then on, they lived together peacefully and happily.

***

The above story shows us that bad intentions lead to misfortunes. The giant character conveys this message. Besides, Timun Mas holds that one must work hard and be fearless and optimistic to get through the obstacles and problems of life. Mbok Srini and Timun Mas need to take the risk and put aside their fear to free themselves from the giant.

Roro Jonggrang : The Legend Of Prambanan Temple | English Version | Versi Bahasa Inggris

Rara Jonggrang is the charming daughter of King Baka who rules in Prambanan Kingdom. Once upon a time, a warrior from Pengging Kingdom named Bandawasa comes to propose her. Rara answers that she will accept his proposal on one condition: he must first build her no less than a thousand temples and two wells in a night. Can Bandawasa make it? Find out in the following story of Rara Jonggrang!

***

A long time ago in the kingdom of Prambanan, there lived an ogre king named Baka. He looked scary yet possessed godlike supernatural power. With small surrounding kingdoms all submitting to him, he ruled an immense size of territory. Despite his ghastly physical appearance, King Baka had a very beautiful human daughter. Rara Jonggrang was her name and she was so dear to the king.

Far away from Prambanan, there was also a kingdom as big called Pengging. The kingdom had been known to have a strong warrior named Bandawasa. His power came mainly from his weapon, a club called Bandung. Besides, he had the ability to call a troop of spirits in a blink of an eye whenever he needed help.

There came a time when the king of Pengging wanted an expansion. He commanded Bandawasa together with other warriors to conquer Prambanan.

“Bandawasa! Ready your soldiers to attack Prambanan!” instructed the king.

“Yes, King! I will do it right away," answered Bandawasa with a bow.

Bandawasa was heading to Prambanan along with his soldiers. They ran amuck into the palace right away after they arrived. King Baka reacted instantly by ordering his military to block Bandawasa’s troop. A blood-shedding war was inevitable with Prambanan troop massacred. King Baka himself got killed by Bandawasa’s weapon. Since the great victory, the cold-blooded commander was given a new calling, Bandung Bandawasa.

After the war, the king of Pengging trusted the new conquest to Bandawasa. He was assigned to take care of Prambanan and whatever in it, including King Baka’s family. “This is my gratitude to you, Bandawasa. I hope you’re happy,” said the king.

“It’s an honor, my King, thank you for your generosity. I promise to do my best to keep it for you,” answered the commander.

Bandung Bandawasa now resided in the royal palace of Prambanan. On the very first day of his occupation he was already mesmerized by the beauty of Rara Jonggrang. He wanted her to be his wife.

“O, Princess Rara Jonggrang! You are a goddess. I want you to be my wife,” said Bandung Bandawasa.

Instead of answering him, Rara sat in silence, panic, and fear. The truth was she hated Bandung Bandawasa so much for murdering her father. At the same time, she was too timid to refuse the proposal because however strong she was, the man was no match for her. After a while, an idea popped up in the princess’ head.

“Well, Bandung Bandawasa, I will marry you. But I have a condition,” said Rara Jonggrang.

“What is it, my dear princess?” asked Bandung Bandawasa.

“Before you can marry me, I want you to build me a thousand temples and two wells. I will give you one night to do all that,” answered Rara Jonggrang.

Sure he was able, Bandung Bandawasa agreed with the princess. When the night fell, he called on his unseen troop of spirits to help him out. Shortly after, thousands of them came up to build the temples and wells like Rara Jonggrang wanted. They worked very quickly that by the middle of the night there were nearly a thousand temples done; only three temples and two wells left to build.

Rara Jonggrang had been watching them working and now started to feel uneasy. “They are almost done by now. What do we do?” asked Rara Jonggrang to one of her lady-in-waiting.

“Poise, Princess. There must be a way-out," cheered the maid.

Rara Jonggrang went on thinking strenuously and finally found an idea. She would make it like it was daybreak to make the spirits stop working before completing the temples. 

“Wake up your friends, maid! Quick! Tell them to burn the hay and pound the rice! Oh, and pour flowers in the streets too!” Rara Jonggrang shouted.

“Right away, Princess!” answered the maid whilst rushing into the palace to get her friends up.

The royal servants did their princess’s command well. Before long, a reddish beam shone from the east where they burnt the hay. Some of them then began to pound the rice—something people usually did in the morning. The smell of the flowers could be felt faintly and meanwhile, the roosters started crowing.

Bandung Bandawasa’s troops were taken aback to realize that the sun was about to rise. Afraid of getting burnt by the sunshine, they hurried to get off and leave the work. They were all gone whereas there was only one temple more to a thousand. Few big rocks were scattered at the place.

“Hey!! Where are you going!? It wasn’t morning yet!" shouted Bandung Bandawasa at his troop.

The spirits did not care about the work anymore. Left alone, Bandawasa tried to build the last temple himself. However, he failed because the morning really came when he had not finished it. Rara Jonggrang was relieved. She went up to him and said, “What happened, Bandawasa? It seems you have fallen short.”

Bandawasa realized that the princess had cheated him. He was furious that he released his anger by turning Rara Jonggrang into a statue.

“You’ve been unfair to me, young lady. Now you’ll be the thousandth temple,” said Bandawasa wrathfully.

Rara Jonggrang became a statue, a very beautiful one. Until today, the statue is still there in a big room inside Rara Jonggrang Temple in Prambanan Temples Complex. The other temples around it are known as Sewu Temple.Sewu is a Javanese word for a thousand.

***

Thus the story of Rara Jonggrang ended. The above tale is a folklore legend that bears morals for daily life. A major message in the story is cheating and deceitfulness will cause misery for the doer. This is shown by Rara Jonggrang’s effort to fail Bandung Bandawasa’s work to avoid marrying him. Consequently, she is turned into a statue.

A Malay word of wisdom says:

Apa tanda orang yang licik (What shows a deceitful)
Janji mungkir cakap berbalik (Promises broken, word not walked)
Kalau suka bersifat curang, (If you like to cheat on others)
Alamat kepala dimakan parang (You’ll suffer like your head chopped with a knife)

Jaka Tarub And Seven Angels | English Version | Versi Bahasa Inggris

A long time ago in the village of Tarub, there lived a widow called Mbok Randha Tarub. Since the death of her husband, she took a boy as a son. Years passed by, the boy was now a man. People called him Jaka Tarub.

Jaka Tarub was a good guy. He liked to help other people. Every day he assisted his mother to cultivate their farm, from which they earned a living. Despite only a foster child, Jaka Tarub was much dear to Mbok Randha. She loved him like her own son.

Time was fleeting very fast. Jaka Tarub turned up a handsome and well-mannered man. Many girls dreamt to be his wife but the young man had never had a thought about starting a family. He wanted to make his mother happy first. Jaka worked very hard that the farm yielded abundant crops. Mbok Randha, who was very generous, shared them with her neighbors.

One day, Jaka and his mother were sitting around on the porch. “Jaka, my son. I see you have grown up very well. You have come to an age at which you should begin thinking of marrying someone. Go find a girl, Son, I want a grandchild," said the old widow with a smile.

“But I don’t want to get married yet, Mbok,” answered Jaka.

"Who will take care of you after I die? You'll need a woman, young man,” said Mbok Randha again.

“Don’t say that, Mbok. You’ll live long enough,” Jaka responded shortly.

Several days later, Jaka Tarub was taking a rest when he realized that he had not seen his mother that day. “It’s midday, but mother hasn‘t woke up. Strange…,” murmured Jaka Tarub. He went to his mother’s room. “Mother, are you sick?” asked Jaka while touching his mother’s forehead softly.

“I think so,” Mbok Randha answered weakly.

“You’ve got fever, Mother,” Jaka was surprised.  He rushed out to find some leaves to compress his mother. Sadly, Mbok Randha could not hang on. She breathed her last not long after.

The death of his mother left Jaka Tarub alone. He was often seen daydreaming. His farm was neglected. “It would be useless I’m working. Who will I share the rice with when it crops?” said Jaka to himself.

One night, Jaka dreamt of himself eating a deer meat. When awake in the morning, he found himself craving for the same meat he ate in his dream. That morning, Jaka went to the wood carrying a blowpipe. He strolled through big trees but there was no deer. He wondered where the animals went that he saw none of them. He was in a jungle where not many people had gone so it was really weird.

Jaka sat below a tree near a pond to take a rest. The cool breeze quickly sent him to sleep.

Then, faintly Jaka heard some women laughing from the pond. He opened his eyes, wondering who were there. He looked upon the pond. There were seven gorgeous women playing around in the water, having a good time. The young man Jaka was astounded by their extraordinary beauties. “They must be fairies,” Jaka thought. At the edge of the pond, Jaka saw their shawls and clothes. Without having a long thought, he took one of the shawls and hid it.

“Sisters, it’s afternoon already. We have to get back to heaven,” said a fairy. They all got out of the water and put their clothes back on. Unfortunately, one of them—apparently the youngest fairy—did not find her shawl, without which she would not be able to fly.

“Sisters, I couldn’t find my shawl!” she cried.

They sought the shawl together until dusk and found nothing. “Nawang Wulan, we could not wait for you any longer. It is probably your fate to stay here on Earth,” said a fairy. “We should leave you here,” she added.

Nawang Wulan was weeping alone. Jaka Tarub, who had been there all along, came out pretending to know nothing. He said he wanted to help her. He took Nawang Wulan to his house and soon married her. Jaka Tarub’s life was back cheerful. They lived happily as a couple, moreover after the birth of their daughter, Nawangsih.

One day in the kitchen, Nawang Wulan said to Jaka Tarub, “My husband, I’m cooking rice. Would you watch it for me while I’m taking a bath at the river? But don’t open the pan. Just don’t.” Jaka was alone in the kitchen. He grew curious about what was inside the pan. Despite what his wife had said, he opened it. There was only a single grain of rice in it. “This is why the rice in the barn never decreased. Nawang only needs a single grain to cook a full pan of rice,” he muttered.

Nawang Wulan got home and found that there was still a grain in the pan. She was disappointed by her husband for not doing what she told. It resulted in her losing her power, too, so she had to pound and wash the rice as other people did. Since then, the amount of rice in the barn decreased. With the floor was slowly uncovered, Nawang finally found her lost shawl under the heap of rice. She revealed that it was her husband that stole and hid her shawl all this time. Immediately, she put on the shawl and went to see her husband.

“My husband, I had to go back to heaven. Take care of Nawangsih and make her a small hut near our house. Take her there every night then I will come to breastfeed her. But you should stay away,” said Nawang Wulan. She soared into the sky afterwards.

Jaka Tarub knew he could do nothing but following Nawang’s command. Every night, he could only look at his wife and daughter from afar. When Nawangsih fell asleep, Nawang Wulan would go back to heaven. It went on like this until Nawangsih grew up.

Jaka Tarub and Nawangsih could feel that Nawang Wulan was watching them all the time. They believed in every trouble they faced, she would help them out in mysterious ways.

*Mbok : Mother

Lutung Kasarung | English Version | Versi Bahasa Inggris

Lutung Kasarung is a poem well known in Sundanese society in West Java, Indonesia. The poem tells about the journey of Sanghyang Guruminda from heaven to earth in which he turns into a lutung, a long-tailed black monkey. On earth, he gets lost in a jungle, thus the name Lutung Kasarung (The Lost Monkey). There he meets Purbasari, an expelled princess. Despite his monkey form, Lutung Kasarung gets married with the princess. How does it come? Find out in the following story of Lutung Kasarung. 

***

In ancient time in West Java, there lived a wise king called Prabu Tapa Agung who reigned in Pasir Batang Kingdom. The king fathered seven daughters; each of them had an unbearably beautiful look. They were Purbararang, Purbadewata, Purbaendah, Purbakancana, Purbamanik, and the youngest, Purbasari. Of the princesses, five of them were already married and being queens for other kingdoms. Only Purbararang and Purbasari were yet to get married. Purbararang, however, had already had a fiancé, a well-built and agreeable man called Raden Indrajaya. He was a son of one of the king’s ministers.

In the last few days, Prabu Tapa Agung often sat alone looking mourning on his throne. There seemed to be a big problem in his mind. So the queen tried to talk to him.

“My husband, you’ve been looking sad for days. What is it bothering you? Maybe I can help,” asked the queen in a soothing voice.

“Oh, honey, I am getting old. I could no longer lead this kingdom well. I've been thinking of stepping down. But..." said Prabu Tapa Agung.

“But what, my husband?” asked the queen again.

Prabu Tapa Agung told her that he could not yet decide which one of Purbabarang and Purbasari would succeed him. According to the reigning traditional law, the most rightful successor would be Princess Purbabarang as she was the oldest daughter. But the king himself did not think she would fit the position, knowing her traits. She was an arrogant, boastful, and sly woman. Purbabarang frequently made a tactless decision that caused bad situations. The king preferred his youngest daughter to replace him. Contrary to her sister, she was kind, wise, and clever. In the end, the king made up his mind. Purbasari would be queen once he retired.

Purbabarang refused the decision. She could not accept that her father favored Purbasari over her. Feeling she deserved to be queen, Purbabarang lamented the bad news to her fiancé.

“My father is being unfair. He is planning to crown Purbasari instead of me. I am his oldest child for God’s sake,” moaned the princess.

Raden Indrajaya, Purbabarang’s fiancé, became angry at once.

“It can’t happen that way. You’re the real queen!” shouted him.

“What do we do?” Purbabarang panicked.

“We need to get rid of your impudent sister,” said Indrajaya.

After a long discussion, they decided to see a psychic, Ni Ronde. They asked her for help to cast a spell on Purbasari.

Several days later, Pasir Batang Palace burst into a tumult. All of a sudden, Princess Purbasari was struck by a bizarre illness. She felt itchy all over her body and there were black spots on her skin. The king was surprised to see his dearest princess' condition. He called a few medicine men right away but she did not get better. Purbabarang, meanwhile, took advantage of the adversity. She urged her father to send Purbasari into exile.

“Father, maybe this is what we get when we don’t comply with our tradition. The ancestors must be offended and cursing Purbasari. I’m afraid our entire kingdom will get the curse too,” reasoned Purbabarang.

Prabu Tapa Agung was coaxed. Reluctantly, he moved his youngest daughter to the forest to ensure that the kingdom would stay safe. Purbasari realized she did not have any other choices than to accept everything.

The king commanded his prime minister, Uwak Batara Lengser, to take Purbasari to the jungle. After making a hut for the princess deep in the wood, the kind-hearted prime minister advised the princess, “Be patient, Princess. This hardship shall end soon, may God protect you. I will come here every now and then to deliver food and drink. You’d better take a rest now.”

“Thank you, Uncle. Your word calms me down,” said Purbasari.

Since then, Purbasari lived alone in the jungle. To amuse herself, every morning she took a stroll around to see the landscape and have fun with the animals. In only a few days, she had already made a lot of friends. The animals were so kind to her. They helped the princess to get fruits.

One day, while Purbasari was playing around with the animals, someone was staring from afar. It turned out that he was a lutung, black monkey. He came over to the hut before long. The princess was taken aback when she realized a scary creature standing beside her.

“What are you doing, monkey? Please leave!” Purbasari looked scared.

“Don’t be afraid of me, Princess. I won’t do any harm,” answered the monkey.

Purbasari was even more frightened to know that the monkey could speak like human.

“Who are you?” she asked timidly.

“My name is Guruminda, the son of Sunan Ambu who dwells in heaven. I did something bad that I was expelled to earth in this body,” the monkey explained.

The princess calmed down. Asking no more questions, she smiled and introduced herself. Their situation was almost similar as both were expelled to the jungle. They soon became good friends. Since then, Purbasari called the monkey Lutung Kasarung, meaning the lost monkey. Wherever the princess went, the monkey was behind her. He helped her pick fruits every time she felt hungry.

On a full-moon night, quietly Lutung Kasarung went to a tranquil place to meditate. There, he begged God to help Princess Purbasari get rid of her illness. Not long after that, the ground on which he sat turned into a pond. The water was so pure, fresh, and fragrant. When the sun beamed its light at daybreak, Lutung rushed to see Purbasari to take her to the pond.

“Hey, Tung!” Purbasari was confused.

“Where are you taking me to? Oh, here. What a beautiful pond that is.”

“Get in the water, Princess. It will cure you,” said Lutung Kasarung.

Purbasari slowly walked into the water. Miraculously, just a moment after she soaked herself in the pond, the black spots on her skin disappeared, leaving no traces whatsoever. Her skin was back clean and immaculate as it had used to. She was speechless, being amazed and happy at the same time.

“Thank you, Tung. Very kind of you,” said her gratefully.

What happened that morning only made Purbasari love the monkey more. Never did she complain about living with him and other animals in the jungle. Her heart had meld with the jungle life, forgetting her real home.

One day, Prime Minister Uwak Batara Lengser visited her and got taken aback to know that the princess had got rid of her illness. He then tried to take her back to the palace.

“My Princess, for the sake of your father, would you come back to our palace?” said the prime minister.

Deep inside her heart, Purbasari felt so hard to leave the jungle. But then she realized that it was not her place to be with the animals and that she was more needed in the palace.

“Well, Uncle, let's go back home. But on one condition, you have to let me bring Lutung along. He has helped me greatly that I won’t be able to thank him enough,” said the princess.

“As you wish, my Princess. I think the king would love to see that monkey,” said the prime minister.

Princess Purbasari went back to the palace with Prime Minister Uwak Batara Lengser and Lutung Kasarung. There they were welcomed cheerfully by the whole palace, except Princess Purbararang and Raden Indrajaya. While the others were laughing and crying in happiness, the mean couple was busy devising another plan.

“Father, I don’t agree with your decision to enthrone Purbasari. I am your most rightful heir. For justice, Father, I urge you to hold a contest. The winner will get the throne, the loser will get hanged,” said Purbararang.

No matter how he did not like the idea, for justice Prabu Tapa Agung granted Purbararang’s wish. There was going to be two contests: cooking contest and long-hair contest. Urged by her father, Purbasari accepted the challenge.

“Don’t you worry, Princess! I sure will help you,” whispered Lutung Kasarung.

“Thanks, Lutung. I hope you will,” answered Purbasari.

On the given day, the people of Pasir Batang gathered in the palace court to see the contest. Not long after, the two daughters of Prabu Tapa Agung came up. The first was cooking contest, in which the tastier food would determine the winner.

When ready, a gong was hit to start the contest. Purbararang promptly prepared the spices, helped by tens of royal servants. Purbasari, on the contrary, tried to do things as quick as she could with only Lutung Kasarung lending her a hand. Soon after, Purbararang was almost done. She seemed happy to see her sister start panicking. But then, Lutung used his supernatural power. He called some heaven's fairies to get down to earth and help Purbasari. Nobody could see them. Aided by the fairies, Purbasari finished cooking in time with much tastier food. She finally came out as the winner.

Going on to the second contest, in which their hair-lengths would be compared, Purbabarang was confident. She untied her hair to show how long it was. The princess’ hair was dark and thick and hung to below her knees.

“Come on, Purbasari! Show me your hair! You won’t win again this time!” said Purbararang arrogantly.

Purbasari bowed her head, speechless. Her hair was no more than waist long.

“Why quiet, Princess?” asked Lutung Kasarung who stood beside her.

“Well I’m losing this one, Lutung,” whispered Purbasari.

“Don’t you worry, Princess. I will call some fairies to make your hair longer,” said the monkey.

Not long after Lutung Kasarung meditated, another flock of fairies came to lengthen Purbasari’s hair without anybody noticing. When the princess untied her hair, everyone was amazed. It was a dark, sparkling, soft hair hung loose to her heels. Purbararang could not believe what she just saw. She was embarrassed and shocked as her sister got the better of her again. But she did not run out of ideas at all. She called on his father for another contest: which one was handsomer between the princess’ men.

“If Purbasari wins again, I won’t mind to get hanged,” said Purbararang in front of the people.

Prabu Tapa Agung was not sure about the contest as Purbasari had not had any men with her yet. If some random man was commanded to be her fiancé at the time, he could not be handsomer than Indrajaya. Purbasari, however, was willing to take the challenge. The king nodded his head.

Proudly, Purbabarang came out on the stage holding Indrajaya’s arm. “O, people of Pasir Batang! Have a look at my fiancé, Indrajaya! I will sure be queen of this kingdom, won’t I?” exclaimed Purbararang.

Everyone would agree that Indrajaya was indeed a charming man. Nobody could match his look. They were sure that Purbasari would lose this time, moreover when she awkwardly got on the stage with Lutung Kasarung.

“This is my future husband!” said Purbasari proudly.

“Yes, this monkey is my fiancé!” she yelled again.

Purbararang, Indrajaya, and the rest of people laughed at the seemingly disturbed princess.

“Hey, Purbasari! Isn’t there any handsomer monkey than that one?” mocked Purbararang.

Lutung Kasarung was insulted. He could not stand seeing Purbasari being a subject of despising laughter. He tried to gather power to turn into his original form. Apparently, after what he did to Purbasari, heaven forgave all his wrongdoings. A moment later, he changed into the charismatic and handsome Guruminda. Everybody was mesmerized by his look, including Purbasari herself.

With Purbasari winning the contest, she inherited the throne of the kingdom. Purbasari and Indrajaya should be hanged for losing but Purbasari did not have the heart to do that. She did not want to kill her own sister. She cancelled the punishment and let her sister stay in the palace with her.

Purbasari became the Queen of Pasir Batang Kingdom. She was known to be a wise leader in his prosperous and peaceful homeland.

***

Lutung Kasarung, like normally folklore stories, contains morals. There are at least two things we could learn from the above story: 1) we should never look down on other people, and 2) we should be willing to forgive and give up grudges.

Purbararang challenges Purbasari to fight for the kingdom’s throne, thinking her younger sister will not be able to do anything to beat her. Surprisingly, Purbasari does with the help of Lutung Kasarung. As a result, Purbararang is threatened with hanging.  Indeed, we should not look down on anybody. Here is a passage from the Malay verses of wisdom:

Kalau suka merendahkan orang, (If you like to hold others in disdain)
Alamat badan dimakan parang. (You might get a blade trouncing your body)

Later on, Purbasari does not hold a grudge for her sister, even after she gets hurt. She forgives Purbararang, sets her free from hanging, and lets her stay with her in the palace. It is with forgivingness like this that a family should keep themselves from disputes and enmity. As said in the Malay verses of wisdom:

Kalau suka memaafkan orang, (Forgive others)
Kusut selesai sengketa pun hilang. (Over be dispute, quarrel no more)
Kalau suka bermaaf-maafan, (Apologize to each other)
Hidup rukun hati pun nyaman. (Live peacefully, feel serenity)

Legenda Gunung Arjuna

Pada suatu ketika Arjuna bertapa di puncak sebuah gunung dengan sangat tekunnya, hingga berbulan – bulan. Karena ketekunannya hingga tubuhnya mengeluarkan sinar yang memiliki kekuatan yang sangat luar biasa. Karena perbawanya yang hebat jika burung berani terbang di atasnya pastilah jatuh tersungkur. Makhluk apapun tak berani mengganggu.

Begitu khusuknya Arjuna bersemedi hingga menimbulkan goro-goro di Kahyangan Suralaya, Kahyangan geger. Kawah condrodimuko mendidih menyemburkan muntahan lahar. Bumi bergoncang, Petir menggelegar di siang bolong, terjadi hujan salah musim hingga menimbulkan banjir, menyebarkan penyakit, orang yang sore sakit pagi mati, pagi sakit sore mati. Bahkan gunung tempatnya bertapa menjadi terangkat menjulang ke langit.

Para Dewa sangat kuatir, mereka berkumpul mengadakan sidang dipimpin oleh Batara Guru. “Ada apa gerangan yang terjadi di Marcapada , kakang Narada. Hingga Kahyangan menjadi geger” sabda Batara Guru, sebagai kata pembuka meskipun sebenarnya dia sudah mengetahui jawabannya.

Akhir dari Sidang Paripurna Para Dewa memutuskan bahwa hanya Batara Narada lah yang bakal sanggup menyelesaikan masalah. Seperti biasanya Bidadari cantikpun tak akan sanggup membangunkan tapa Arjuna. Batara Narada segera turun ke Marcapada, mencari titah yang menjadi sumber goro-goro. Sesaat ia terbang, ngiter-ngiter di angkasa.

Dilihatnya Arjuna sedang bertapa di puncak gunung. Bersabdalah Batara Narada “Cucuku Arjuna bangunlah dari tapamu, semua orang bahkan para Dewa akan menjadi celaka bila kau tak mau menghentikan tapa mu”. Arjuna mendengar panggilan tersebut, karena keangkuhannya jangankan bangun dari tapanya, justru dia malah semakin tekun. Dia berfikir bila dia tidak mau bangun pasti Dewa akan kebingungan dan akan menghadiahkan banyak senjata dan kesaktian.

Gunung Arjuno

Punden Mahkutoromo

Gowa Naga Geni Tampuono

Betara Narada gagal membangun kan tapa Arjuna, meskipun dia sudah menjanjikan berbagai kesaktian. Dengan bingung dan putus asa, segera terbang kembali ke Kahyangan. Sidang susulanpun segera di gelar untuk mencari cara bagaimana menggulingkan sang Arjuna dari tapanya.

Candi Watu Kursi

Patung Eyang Semar

Lembah Kijang ( Lali Jiwo )

Akhirnya diutuslah Batara Ismaya yang sudah menjelma menjadi Semar untuk membangunkan tapa Arjuna. Bersama dengan Togog berdua mereka segera bersemedi dimasing-masing sisi gunung tempat Arjuna bertapa. Berkat kesaktian mereka tubuh mereka berubah menjadi tinggi besar hingga melampaui puncak gunung. Lalu mereka mengeruk bagian bawahnya dan memotongnya. Mereka melemparkan puncak gunung itu ketempat lain.

Arjuna segera terbangun dari tapanya. Dan memperoleh nasehat dari Semar bahwa tindakannya itu tidak benar. Gunung tempat Arjuna bertapa itu diberi nama Gunung Arjuna. Potongan gunung yang di lempar diberi nama Gunung Wukir.

Dongeng : Legenda Candi Prambanan

Alkisah, pada dahulu kala terdapat sebuah kerajaan besar yang bernama Prambanan. Rakyatnya hidup tenteran dan damai. Tetapi, apa yang terjadi kemudian? Kerajaan Prambanan diserang dan dijajah oleh negeri Pengging. Ketentraman Kerajaan Prambanan menjadi terusik. Para tentara tidak mampu menghadapi serangan pasukan Pengging. Akhirnya, kerajaan Prambanan dikuasai oleh Pengging, dan dipimpin oleh Bandung Bondowoso.

Bandung Bondowoso seorang yang suka memerintah dengan kejam. “Siapapun yang tidak menuruti perintahku, akan dijatuhi hukuman berat!”, ujar Bandung Bondowoso pada rakyatnya. Bandung Bondowoso adalah seorang yang sakti dan mempunyai pasukan jin. Tidak berapa lama berkuasa, Bandung Bondowoso suka mengamati gerak-gerik Loro Jonggrang, putri Raja Prambanan yang cantik jelita. “Cantik nian putri itu. Aku ingin dia menjadi permaisuriku,” pikir Bandung Bondowoso.

Esok harinya, Bondowoso mendekati Loro Jonggrang. “Kamu cantik sekali, maukah kau menjadi permaisuriku ?”, Tanya Bandung Bondowoso kepada Loro Jonggrang. Loro Jonggrang tersentak, mendengar pertanyaan Bondowoso. “Laki-laki ini lancang sekali, belum kenal denganku langsung menginginkanku menjadi permaisurinya”, ujar Loro Jongrang dalam hati. “Apa yang harus aku lakukan ?”. Loro Jonggrang menjadi kebingungan. Pikirannya berputar-putar. Jika ia menolak, maka Bandung Bondowoso akan marah besar dan membahayakan keluarganya serta rakyat Prambanan. Untuk mengiyakannya pun tidak mungkin, karena Loro Jonggrang memang tidak suka dengan Bandung Bondowoso.

“Bagaimana, Loro Jonggrang ?” desak Bondowoso. Akhirnya Loro Jonggrang mendapatkan ide. “Saya bersedia menjadi istri Tuan, tetapi ada syaratnya,” Katanya. “Apa syaratnya? Ingin harta yang berlimpah? Atau Istana yang megah?”. “Bukan itu, tuanku, kata Loro Jonggrang. Saya minta dibuatkan candi, jumlahnya harus seribu buah. “Seribu buah?” teriak Bondowoso. “Ya, dan candi itu harus selesai dalam waktu semalam.” Bandung Bondowoso menatap Loro Jonggrang, bibirnya bergetar menahan amarah. Sejak saat itu Bandung Bondowoso berpikir bagaimana caranya membuat 1000 candi. Akhirnya ia bertanya kepada penasehatnya. “Saya percaya tuanku bias membuat candi tersebut dengan bantuan Jin!”, kata penasehat. “Ya, benar juga usulmu, siapkan peralatan yang kubutuhkan!”

Setelah perlengkapan di siapkan. Bandung Bondowoso berdiri di depan altar batu. Kedua lengannya dibentangkan lebar-lebar. “Pasukan jin, Bantulah aku!” teriaknya dengan suara menggelegar. Tak lama kemudian, langit menjadi gelap. Angin menderu-deru. Sesaat kemudian, pasukan jin sudah mengerumuni Bandung Bondowoso. “Apa yang harus kami lakukan Tuan ?”, tanya pemimpin jin. “Bantu aku membangun seribu candi,” pinta Bandung Bondowoso. Para jin segera bergerak ke sana kemari, melaksanakan tugas masing-masing. Dalam waktu singkat bangunan candi sudah tersusun hampir mencapai seribu buah.

Sementara itu, diam-diam Loro Jonggrang mengamati dari kejauhan. Ia cemas, mengetahui Bondowoso dibantu oleh pasukan jin. “Wah, bagaimana ini?”, ujar Loro Jonggrang dalam hati. Ia mencari akal. Para dayang kerajaan disuruhnya berkumpul dan ditugaskan mengumpulkan jerami. “Cepat bakar semua jerami itu!” perintah Loro Jonggrang. Sebagian dayang lainnya disuruhnya menumbuk lesung. Dung… dung…dung! Semburat warna merah memancar ke langit dengan diiringi suara hiruk pikuk, sehingga mirip seperti fajar yang menyingsing.

Pasukan jin mengira fajar sudah menyingsing. “Wah, matahari akan terbit!” seru jin. “Kita harus segera pergi sebelum tubuh kita dihanguskan matahari,” sambung jin yang lain. Para jin tersebut berhamburan pergi meninggalkan tempat itu. Bandung Bondowoso sempat heran melihat kepanikan pasukan jin.

Paginya, Bandung Bondowoso mengajak Loro Jonggrang ke tempat candi. “Candi yang kau minta sudah berdiri!”. Loro Jonggrang segera menghitung jumlah candi itu. Ternyata jumlahnya hanya 999 buah!. “Jumlahnya kurang satu!” seru Loro Jonggrang. “Berarti tuan telah gagal memenuhi syarat yang saya ajukan”. Bandung Bondowoso terkejut mengetahui kekurangan itu. Ia menjadi sangat murka. “Tidak mungkin…”, kata Bondowoso sambil menatap tajam pada Loro Jonggrang. “Kalau begitu kau saja yang melengkapinya!” katanya sambil mengarahkan jarinya pada Loro Jonggrang. Ajaib! Loro Jonggrang langsung berubah menjadi patung batu. Sampai saat ini candi-candi tersebut masih ada dan disebut Candi Loro Jonggrang. Karena terletak di wilayah Prambanan, Jawa Tengah, Candi Loro Jonggrang dikenal sebagai Candi Prambanan

Dongeng : Legenda Tangkuban Perahu

Di Jawa Barat tepatnya di Kabupaten Bandung terdapat sebuah tempat rekreasi yang sangat indah yaitu Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. Tangkuban Perahu artinya adalah perahu yang terbalik. Diberi nama seperti karena bentuknya memang menyerupai perahu yang terbalik. Konon menurut cerita rakyat parahyangan gunung itu memang merupakan perahu yang terbalik. Berikut ini ceritanya.

Beribu-ribu tahun yang lalu, tanah Parahyangan dipimpin oleh seorang raja dan seorang ratu yang hanya mempunyai seorang putri. Putri itu bernama Dayang Sumbi. Dia sangat cantik dan cerdas, sayangnya dia sangat manja. Pada suatu hari saat sedang menenun di beranda istana, Dayang Sumbi merasa lemas dan pusing. Dia menjatuhkan pintalan benangnya ke lantai berkali-kali. Saat pintalannya jatuh untuk kesekian kalinya Dayang Sumbi menjadi marah lalu bersumpah, dia akan menikahi siapapun yang mau mengambilkan pintalannya itu. Tepat setelah kata-kata sumpah itu diucapkan, datang seekor anjing sakti yang bernama Tumang dan menyerahkan pintalan itu ke tangan Dayang Sumbi. Maka mau tak mau, sesuai dengan sumpahnya, Dayang Sumbi harus menikahi Anjing tersebut.

Dayang Sumbi dan Tumang hidup berbahagia hingga mereka dikaruniai seorang anak yang berupa anak manusia tapi memiliki kekuatan sakti seperti ayahnya. Anak ini diberi nama Sangkuriang. Dalam masa pertumbuhannya, Sangkuring se lalu ditemani bermain oleh seekor anjing yang bernama Tumang yang dia ketahui hanya sebagai anjing yang setia, bukan sebagai ayahnya. Sangkuriang tumbuh menjadi seorang pemuda yang tampan dan gagah perkasa.

Pada suatu hari Dayang Sumbi menyuruh anaknya pergi bersama anjingnya untuk berburu rusa untuk keperluan suatu pesta. Setelah beberapa lama mencari tanpa hasil, Sangkuriang merasa putus asa, tapi dia tidak ingin mengecewakan ibunya. Maka dengan sangat terpaksa dia mengambil sebatang panah dan mengarahkannya pada Tumang. Setibanya di rumah dia menyerahkan daging Tumang pada ibunya. dayanng Sumbi yang mengira daging itu adalah daging rusa, merasa gembira atas keberhasilan anaknya.

Segera setelah pesta usai Dayang Sumbi teringat pada Tumang dan bertanya pada pada anaknya dimana Tumang berada. Pada mulanya Sangkuriang merasa takut, tapa akhirnya dia mengatakan apa yang telah terjadi pada ibunya. Dayang Sumbi menjadi sangat murka, dalam kemarahannya dia memukul Sangkuriang hingga pingsan tepat di keningnya. Atas perbuatannya itu Dayang Sumbi diusir keluar dari kerajaan oleh ayahnya. Untungnya Sangkuriang sadar kembali tapi pukulan ibunya meninggalkan bekas luka yang sangat lebar di keningnya.Setelah dewasa, Sangkuriang pun pergi mengembara untuk mengetahui keadaan dunia luar.

Beberapa tahun kemudian, Sangkuriang bertemu dengan seorang wanita yang sangat cantik. Segera saja dia jatuh cinta pada wanita tersebut. Wanita itu adalah ibunya sendiri, tapi mereka tidak saling mengenali satu sama lainnya. Sangkuriang melamarnya, Dayang Sumbi pun menerima dengan senang hati. Sehari sebelum hari pernikahan, saat sedang mengelus rambut tunangannya, Dayang Sumbi melihat bekas luka yang lebar di dahi Sangkuriang, akhirnya dia menyadari bahwa dia hampir menikahi putranya sendiri. Mengetahui hal tersebut Dayang Sumbi berusaha menggagalkan pernikahannya. Setelah berpikir keras dia akhirnya memutuskan untuk mengajukan syarat perkawinan yang tak mungkin dikabulkan oleh Sangkuriang. Syaratnya adalah: Sangkuriang harus membuat sebuah bendungan yang bisa menutupi seluruh bukit lalu membuat sebuah perahu untuk menyusuri bendungan tersebut. Semua itu harus sudah selesai sebelum fajar menyingsing.

Sangkuriang mulai bekerja. Cintanya yang begitu besar pada Sangkuriang memberinya suatu kekuatan aneh. Tak lupa dia juga menggunakan kekuatan yang dia dapat dari ayahnya untuk memanggil jin-jin dan membantunya. Dengan lumpur dan tanah mereka membendung air dari sungai dan mata air. Beberapa saat sebelum fajar, Sangkuriang menebang sebatang pohon besar untuk membuat sebuah perahu. Ketika Dayang Sumbi melihat bahwa Sangkuriang hampir menyelesaikan pekerjaannya, dia berdoa pada dewa-dewa untuk merintangi pekerjaan anaknya dan mempercepat datangnya pagi.

Ayam jantan berkokok, matahari terbit lebih cepat dari biasanya dan Sangkuriang menyadari bahwa dia telah ditipu. Dengan sangat marah dia mengutuk Dayang Sumbi dan menendang perahu buatannya yang hampir jadi ke tengah hutan. Perahu itu berada disana dalam keadaan terbalik, dan membentuk Gunung Tangkuban Perahu(perahu yang menelungkub). Tidak jauh dari tempat itu terdapat tunggul pohon sisa dari tebangan Sangkuriang, sekarang kita mengenalnya sebagai Bukit Tunggul. Bendungan yang dibuat Sangkuriang menyebabkan seluruh bukit dipenuhi air dan membentuk sebuah danau dimana Sangkuriang dan Dayang Sumbi menenggelamkan diri dan tidak terdengar lagi kabarnya hingga kini.

Dongeng : Cindelaras

Raden Putra adalah raja Kerajaan Jenggala. Ia didampingi seorang permaisuri yang baik hati dan seorang selir yang cantik jelita. Tetapi, selir Raja Raden Putra memiliki sifat iri dan dengki terhadap sang permaisuri. Ia merencanakan suatu yang buruk kepada permaisuri. “Seharusnya, akulah yang menjadi permaisuri. Aku harus mencari akal untuk menyingkirkan permaisuri,” pikirnya.

Selir baginda, berkomplot dengan seorang tabib istana. Ia berpura-pura sakit parah. Tabib istana segera dipanggil. Sang tabib mengatakan bahwa ada seseorang yang telah menaruh racun dalam minuman tuan putri. “Orang itu tak lain adalah permaisuri Baginda sendiri,” kata sang tabib. Baginda menjadi murka mendengar penjelasan tabib istana. Ia segera memerintahkan patihnya untuk membuang permaisuri ke hutan.

Sang patih segera membawa permaisuri yang sedang mengandung itu ke hutan belantara. Tapi, patih yang bijak itu tidak mau membunuhnya. Rupanya sang patih sudah mengetahui niat jahat selir baginda. “Tuan putri tidak perlu khawatir, hamba akan melaporkan kepada Baginda bahwa tuan putri sudah hamba bunuh,” kata patih. Untuk mengelabui raja, sang patih melumuri pedangnya dengan darah kelinci yang ditangkapnya. Raja menganggung puas ketika sang patih melapor kalau ia sudah membunuh permaisuri.

Setelah beberapa bulan berada di hutan, lahirlah anak sang permaisuri. Bayi itu diberinya nama Cindelaras. Cindelaras tumbuh menjadi seorang anak yang cerdas dan tampan. Sejak kecil ia sudah berteman dengan binatang penghuni hutan. Suatu hari, ketika sedang asyik bermain, seekor rajawali menjatuhkan sebutir telur. “Hmm, rajawali itu baik sekali. Ia sengaja memberikan telur itu kepadaku.” Setelah 3 minggu, telur itu menetas. Cindelaras memelihara anak ayamnya dengan rajin. Anak ayam itu tumbuh menjadi seekor ayam jantan yang bagus dan kuat. Tapi ada satu keanehan. Bunyi kokok ayam jantan itu sungguh menakjubkan! “Kukuruyuk… Tuanku Cindelaras, rumahnya di tengah rimba, atapnya daun kelapa, ayahnya Raden Putra…”

Cindelaras sangat takjub mendengar kokok ayamnya dan segera memperlihatkan pada ibunya. Lalu, ibu Cindelaras menceritakan asal usul mengapa mereka sampai berada di hutan. Mendengar cerita ibundanya, Cindelaras bertekad untuk ke istana dan membeberkan kejahatan selir baginda. Setelah di ijinkan ibundanya, Cindelaras pergi ke istana ditemani oleh ayam jantannya. Ketika dalam perjalanan ada beberapa orang yang sedang menyabung ayam. Cindelaras kemudian dipanggil oleh para penyabung ayam. “Ayo, kalau berani, adulah ayam jantanmu dengan ayamku,” tantangnya. “Baiklah,” jawab Cindelaras. Ketika diadu, ternyata ayam jantan Cindelaras bertarung dengan perkasa dan dalam waktu singkat, ia dapat mengalahkan lawannya. Setelah beberapa kali diadu, ayam Cindelaras tidak terkalahkan. Ayamnya benar-benar tangguh.

Berita tentang kehebatan ayam Cindelaras tersebar dengan cepat. Raden Putra pun mendengar berita itu. Kemudian, Raden Putra menyuruh hulubalangnya untuk mengundang Cindelaras. “Hamba menghadap paduka,” kata Cindelaras dengan santun. “Anak ini tampan dan cerdas, sepertinya ia bukan keturunan rakyat jelata,” pikir baginda. Ayam Cindelaras diadu dengan ayam Raden Putra dengan satu syarat, jika ayam Cindelaras kalah maka ia bersedia kepalanya dipancung, tetapi jika ayamnya menang maka setengah kekayaan Raden Putra menjadi milik Cindelaras.

Dua ekor ayam itu bertarung dengan gagah berani. Tetapi dalam waktu singkat, ayam Cindelaras berhasil menaklukkan ayam sang Raja. Para penonton bersorak sorai mengelu-elukan Cindelaras dan ayamnya. “Baiklah aku mengaku kalah. Aku akan menepati janjiku. Tapi, siapakah kau sebenarnya, anak muda?” Tanya Baginda Raden Putra. Cindelaras segera membungkuk seperti membisikkan sesuatu pada ayamnya. Tidak berapa lama ayamnya segera berbunyi. “Kukuruyuk… Tuanku Cindelaras, rumahnya di tengah rimba, atapnya daun kelapa, ayahnya Raden Putra…,” ayam jantan itu berkokok berulang-ulang. Raden Putra terperanjat mendengar kokok ayam Cindelaras. “Benarkah itu?” Tanya baginda keheranan. “Benar Baginda, nama hamba Cindelaras, ibu hamba adalah permaisuri Baginda.”

Bersamaan dengan itu, sang patih segera menghadap dan menceritakan semua peristiwa yang sebenarnya telah terjadi pada permaisuri. “Aku telah melakukan kesalahan,” kata Baginda Raden Putra. “Aku akan memberikan hukuman yang setimpal pada selirku,” lanjut Baginda dengan murka. Kemudian, selir Raden Putra pun di buang ke hutan. Raden Putra segera memeluk anaknya dan meminta maaf atas kesalahannya Setelah itu, Raden Putra dan hulubalang segera menjemput permaisuri ke hutan.. Akhirnya Raden Putra, permaisuri dan Cindelaras dapat berkumpul kembali. Setelah Raden Putra meninggal dunia, Cindelaras menggantikan kedudukan ayahnya. Ia memerintah negerinya dengan adil dan bijaksana.