Indonesian folklore

#Malin Kundang In a small coastal village, a poor widow lived with her son, Malin Kundang. They were very poor, and Malin's mother worked hard to support them. As Malin grew older, he became ambitious and dreamed of becoming rich. One day, he decided to leave the village and seek his fortune. Despite his mother's reluctance and concern, Malin promised to return and left for the city. Years passed, and Malin worked hard, eventually becoming a wealthy merchant. He married a beautiful woman from a noble family and lived a luxurious life. However, in his pursuit of wealth and status, Malin forgot about his mother and his humble beginnings. One day, Malin Kundang's ship anchored near his home village. Hearing the news of his return, Malin's mother, now old and frail, was overjoyed. She rushed to the shore to see her son, bringing with her some traditional food as a gift. However, when she approached Malin and identified herself, he was ashamed of his poor, elderly mother and denied knowing her. In front of his wife and crew, he rejected her, refusing to acknowledge their relationship. Heartbroken and humiliated, Malin's mother prayed to God to punish her ungrateful son. According to the legend, her prayers were answered: a terrible storm suddenly struck, and Malin Kundang was turned to stone along with his ship. The petrified remains of Malin Kundang are said to be visible on the coast near the village, serving as a lasting reminder of the consequences of disrespecting one's parents.

#Sangkuriang Once upon a time, there was a kingdom in West Java ruled by a wise and just king. The king had a daughter named Dayang Sumbi, who was beautiful and intelligent. One day, Dayang Sumbi accidentally dropped her weaving tool, and as it rolled away, she made a vow to marry anyone who returned it to her. To her surprise, it was a dog named Tumang, who was actually a cursed deity. Dayang Sumbi kept her promise and married Tumang, who could transform into a human. Together, they had a son named Sangkuriang. Sangkuriang grew up to be a skilled hunter. One day, while hunting, he accidentally killed Tumang, unaware that the dog was his father. When Dayang Sumbi found out, she was devastated and drove Sangkuriang away. Years later, Sangkuriang returned to his homeland, not recognizing Dayang Sumbi, who had remained youthful due to her supernatural powers. Sangkuriang fell in love with her, not knowing she was his mother, and proposed marriage. Dayang Sumbi recognized him but didn't reveal the truth immediately. To avoid the marriage, she set an impossible condition: Sangkuriang had to build a dam and a large boat in one night. Sangkuriang, using his supernatural abilities, nearly completed the tasks. However, Dayang Sumbi tricked him by faking the dawn with light from a large cloth, causing Sangkuriang to believe he had failed. In anger, he kicked the boat, which then turned upside down and became the Tangkuban Perahu mountain. Realizing the truth about his mother, Sangkuriang disappeared, leaving Dayang Sumbi in sorrow.

#Timun Mas Once upon a time, in a small village in Java, there was an old couple who longed for a child. After many years of waiting, the old woman found a magical cucumber (timun mas) in her garden. When she cut it open, inside was a beautiful baby girl. She and her husband named her Timun Mas, which means "Golden Cucumber." Timun Mas grew up to be a kind and intelligent young woman. However, her life was threatened by a giant named Buto Ijo who had heard about the magical cucumber and was determined to capture Timun Mas for himself. The giant had previously demanded a golden cucumber from the old couple as a condition for leaving them in peace, and now he wanted to claim Timun Mas. To protect Timun Mas, her parents sought the help of a powerful sorcerer who gave them four magical items: a handful of salt, a handful of sesame seeds, a cucumber, and a needle. The sorcerer instructed them to give these items to Timun Mas when the giant came. When Buto Ijo arrived, Timun Mas used the magical items to evade him. She scattered the salt, which turned into a vast, salty sea, slowing down the giant. She then scattered the sesame seeds, which turned into a dense forest of thorns. When the giant managed to get through the forest, Timun Mas used the cucumber to create a deep chasm, which the giant fell into. Finally, she used the needle to summon a swarm of wasps that attacked the giant, forcing him to flee. Thanks to her bravery and the magical items, Timun Mas successfully escaped the giant and returned to her parents, who were overjoyed to see her safe.

#Jaka Tarub Jaka Tarub was a poor young man living in a village in Java. One day, while wandering through a forest, he came across a serene, hidden lake. To his amazement, he saw a group of beautiful celestial maidens, or *bidadari*, bathing in the lake. They were so enchanted that Jaka could hardly believe his eyes. Their beauty was otherworldly, and they were playfully splashing water and laughing. As he watched from behind the trees, Jaka noticed that each maiden had a magical shawl or *selendang* that allowed them to fly back to the heavens. However, he saw one of the maidens, Nawang Wulan, had left her shawl behind. Seizing the opportunity, Jaka took the shawl and hid it under his clothes. When the maidens were finished bathing and ready to return, they discovered that one of their shawls was missing. They searched desperately but could not find it. Unable to return to the heavens, Nawang Wulan was left behind. Jaka approached her and, though initially hesitant, he managed to convince her to come with him. Nawang Wulan eventually agreed to marry Jaka Tarub. They lived a happy life together in the village, and their home was blessed with prosperity and good fortune. They had a daughter named Warna, who was also blessed with beauty. Despite her earthly happiness, Nawang Wulan felt the loss of her celestial life and the separation from her divine realm. Over time, she began to suspect that Jaka had taken her shawl. One day, she found the hidden shawl in their home. Heartbroken but understanding, she revealed to Jaka her true nature and the reason for her departure from the celestial world. Nawang Wulan explained that her departure from her heavenly home was a sacrifice she made for the sake of their love and family. However, with the shawl’s return, she had to fulfill her divine duty and return to the heavens. The separation was painful, but Nawang Wulan assured Jaka that their love had been true and that their daughter, Warna, would be a reminder of their union. With a heavy heart, Nawang Wulan left, soaring back to the heavens with her magical shawl. Jaka Tarub was left behind, grappling with the loss of his beloved wife and trying to raise their daughter on his own. The tale concludes with a reflection on the nature of love, the tension between earthly and divine responsibilities, and the understanding that some sacrifices are necessary for greater duties.

#Golden Snail Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there was a beautiful and fertile land ruled by a wise and just king. Among the many treasures in the kingdom, there was a mystical golden snail that lived in a secret pond deep within the royal gardens. This snail was said to possess magical properties and was highly prized for its supposed ability to grant wealth and prosperity. The king, who was always seeking ways to improve his kingdom, had kept the golden snail a secret. He believed that the snail’s magical qualities would be best used for the good of his people, and he did not want it to fall into the wrong hands. However, rumors of the snail’s existence spread beyond the palace walls, reaching the ears of a greedy and ambitious merchant. The merchant was driven by greed and wanted to obtain the golden snail for himself. He devised a plan to steal the snail, thinking that its magic would make him the richest man in the land. One night, the merchant sneaked into the royal gardens and found the secret pond where the golden snail resided. He carefully captured the snail and took it back to his home. As soon as the merchant brought the snail into his home, strange things began to happen. The once-beautiful and serene surroundings of the merchant’s house started to deteriorate. His wealth began to diminish, and he became plagued by misfortune. The snail, however, seemed unaffected, continuing to live in the merchant’s house. In desperation, the merchant sought the help of a wise old hermit, who lived in the mountains. The hermit, upon hearing the merchant’s tale, advised him that the golden snail's magic could only bring true prosperity if it was used with selflessness and for the benefit of others. The snail’s magic was not meant for personal gain but to help those in need and to foster goodness in the world. Realizing his mistake, the merchant decided to return the golden snail to its rightful place in the royal gardens. He brought the snail back to the pond and restored it to its home. As soon as the snail was returned, the merchant’s misfortune began to lift, and he slowly regained his previous wealth and status. He had learned a valuable lesson about the true nature of prosperity and the importance of using gifts for the greater good. The golden snail, having been returned to its rightful place, continued to thrive in the secret pond. The kingdom’s prosperity also returned, and the king, who had been unaware of the events that had transpired, was pleased to see that his kingdom was flourishing once again.

#Pesut Mahakam In the heart of East Kalimantan, where the Mahakam River winds its way through lush forests and ancient lands, there lived a mystical creature known as Pesut Mahakam. These river dolphins, revered for their grace and wisdom, were not just animals but symbols of harmony between humans and nature. Long ago, the Mahakam River was home to a prosperous village. The people were skilled fishermen who knew the river’s every curve and current. Yet, the true guardians of the river were the Pesut Mahakam, elusive dolphins that brought good fortune to those who respected the river's gifts. One day, a young fisherman named Jaka ventured into the river, eager to catch the legendary giant fish said to bring great wealth. Despite his skill, Jaka had no luck. His nets remained empty, and his heart grew heavy with disappointment. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the water, Jaka spotted a sleek, gray figure surfacing gracefully. It was Pesut Mahakam, a beautiful dolphin with a gentle, smiling face. Jaka had heard tales of these magical creatures and knew this was a rare sight. Determined to make a connection, Jaka approached the dolphin cautiously, lowering his boat’s nets and offering a small portion of his bait as a gift. To his amazement, the dolphin circled the boat, emitting a series of playful clicks and chirps. Jaka felt an inexplicable sense of calm and wonder. As night fell, Jaka watched the stars reflect on the river’s surface, feeling a deep bond with the river and its guardian. Suddenly, the dolphin disappeared into the water, and Jaka’s boat began to move on its own, guided by an unseen force. The river seemed to whisper secrets to him, showing hidden paths and abundant spots. When dawn broke, Jaka’s nets were filled with fish more plentiful than ever before. The villagers were astonished and grateful, but Jaka knew that it was not his skill alone that had brought him this fortune. It was the blessing of Pesut Mahakam, the river’s guardian. From that day on, Jaka became a steward of the river, ensuring that the villagers respected the water and its creatures. The legend of Pesut Mahakam grew, teaching generations about the importance of harmony between humanity and nature. And so, the river continued to flow, its waters shimmering with the legacy of Pesut Mahakam. The dolphins, though rarely seen, remained the silent protectors of the Mahakam River, ensuring that the balance of nature was maintained and that the bond between people and the river remained strong. The story of Pesut Mahakam reminds us that, in the dance of life and nature, respect and harmony lead to true prosperity.

#Lembuswana Once upon a time, in the lush and vibrant land of East Kalimantan, nestled along the mighty Mahakam River, there lived a creature unlike any other. This creature was known as **Lembuswana**, a majestic being with the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, the head of an elephant, and the tail of a fish. Lembuswana was not just a mythical animal; it was the guardian spirit of the Kutai Kingdom, revered and respected by all who lived there. The people of Kutai believed that Lembuswana had been sent by the gods to protect their land and ensure the well-being of its people. It was said that Lembuswana dwelled in the depths of the Mahakam River, emerging only when the kingdom was in peril. One peaceful day, the kingdom of Kutai faced a great threat. An army of invaders, drawn by tales of Kutai's riches, marched towards the kingdom's borders. The people of Kutai, though brave, were fearful, for the invaders were numerous and armed with weapons of iron. As the invaders approached, the skies darkened, and a fierce storm brewed over the river. The wind howled, and the waters of the Mahakam churned violently. From the depths of the river, Lembuswana emerged, its eyes glowing with a fiery intensity. The creature's roar echoed across the land, a sound so powerful that it shook the trees and made the ground tremble. Seeing the magnificent Lembuswana, the invaders were struck with awe and terror. They had never seen such a creature, one that seemed to embody the strength of a lion, the wisdom of an elephant, and the grace of an eagle. The invaders realized they were facing more than just the warriors of Kutai; they were up against the very spirit of the land, embodied in the mighty Lembuswana. With a mighty sweep of its wings, Lembuswana rose into the sky, circling above the invaders, its shadow cast like a dark omen over them. The invaders, shaken and demoralized, turned back in retreat, abandoning their plans to conquer the kingdom. The people of Kutai rejoiced, grateful for the protection of their guardian spirit. They knew that as long as Lembuswana watched over them, their kingdom would remain safe and prosperous. In honor of Lembuswana, the people held grand celebrations, with dances, songs, and offerings to thank the creature for its protection. And so, the legend of Lembuswana lived on, passed down from generation to generation, a reminder of the powerful spirit that watched over the land and its people. The story became a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Kutai Kingdom, and a testament to the deep connection between the people and their natural world. To this day, the image of Lembuswana can be found in the art and culture of East Kalimantan, a proud emblem of the region's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its ancient guardianship.

#The Crying Stone (Batu Menangis) Once upon a time, in a small village in the heart of Kalimantan, lived a widow and her beautiful daughter. The daughter was known far and wide for her striking beauty, but she was also infamous for her vanity and pride. Despite their modest means, the mother worked hard to provide for her daughter, who demanded fine clothes and jewelry, constantly seeking admiration from the villagers. The daughter, however, was ashamed of her poor mother. She often scolded her and refused to acknowledge her in public, believing that her mother's humble appearance was beneath her own high status. The villagers whispered about her arrogance and pitied the hardworking mother, who never complained and only wished for her daughter's happiness. One day, the daughter learned that there would be a grand festival in a nearby town. Eager to show off her beauty, she dressed in her finest clothes, adorned herself with what little jewelry they had, and asked her mother to accompany her. However, she made her mother promise to walk several steps behind her and not to speak to her or claim her as her daughter. As they walked towards the town, they encountered many people who admired the daughter's beauty. The villagers, recognizing her, praised her mother's upbringing, assuming that the humble woman behind the beautiful girl was her servant. The daughter, embarrassed by her mother's plain appearance, did not correct them and instead, rudely dismissed her mother. The mother, hurt and heartbroken, remained silent. However, as they neared the town, the mother's sadness turned into anger. She felt that she had raised a daughter without a heart, one who valued appearances over kindness and respect. She stopped in her tracks, and with tears in her eyes, she pleaded with her daughter to acknowledge her as her mother. The daughter, fearing public humiliation, harshly denied her mother once again, shouting that she had no mother and that the old woman was nothing but a beggar. The mother's heart broke into pieces, and in her despair, she raised her hands to the sky and prayed for justice. She prayed that her daughter would learn the importance of humility and respect, even if it meant being taught a harsh lesson. Suddenly, dark clouds gathered, and a powerful storm erupted. The daughter, caught off guard, was unable to move as her body began to harden. She looked at her hands and feet, realizing with horror that they were turning into stone. She tried to call out to her mother, but it was too late. Her body, now completely petrified, stood in the middle of the road, tears streaming down her face, frozen in a moment of regret. The villagers were astounded to find the beautiful daughter transformed into a stone statue, weeping tears that seemed to flow endlessly. They called it the "Crying Stone" or "Batu Menangis," a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and disrespect. The mother, heartbroken, disappeared from the village, never to be seen again.

# Nyi Roro Kidul Once upon a time, in the ancient kingdom of Pajajaran in Java, there lived a beautiful princess named Kadita. Her beauty was renowned throughout the land, and she was loved by her people. However, her stepmother, filled with envy and ambition, conspired to make her own daughter the next queen. To achieve this, she sought the help of a dark sorcerer to curse Kadita with a terrible skin disease. Kadita's once flawless skin became covered in sores, and the people, fearful and superstitious, began to shun her. Heartbroken and abandoned, Kadita was forced to leave the palace. She wandered aimlessly, seeking a cure for her affliction. One day, she came to the southern coast, where the waves crashed against the cliffs with a powerful force. Desperate and weary, Kadita approached the ocean and, with tears in her eyes, prayed to the spirits of the sea to heal her. Suddenly, the water rose and engulfed her. As the waves retreated, Kadita emerged from the ocean, her skin miraculously healed and her beauty restored. However, she was no longer the same. The sea had claimed her, and she had become one with its spirit. From that day forward, Kadita was known as Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Sea. She was a powerful and benevolent ruler, protecting the waters and the people who lived by the coast. Fishermen and sailors would offer prayers and gifts to her, asking for safe passage and bountiful catches. It was said that she could be seen at times, wearing a green dress and riding the waves on a chariot made of shells.

#Roro Mendut Roro Mendut was a young and beautiful woman living in the Mataram Sultanate in Java. Known for her captivating beauty and strong-willed nature, she became the object of desire for many men, including a powerful nobleman named Tumenggung Wiroguno, a high-ranking officer in the Sultanate's army. Wiroguno desired Roro Mendut to be one of his concubines, but she was already in love with another man, a warrior named Pronocitro. Unwilling to submit to Wiroguno's demands, Roro Mendut stood her ground, refusing to be bought or coerced into a relationship. Her defiance was unusual for a woman of her time, who was expected to be obedient and submissive, especially to a figure of authority like Wiroguno. To maintain her independence, Roro Mendut devised a clever plan. She started a business selling rolled cigarettes, known as "rokok." Her cigarettes quickly became popular, not just for their quality, but because many men wanted an excuse to talk to her. She used the income from this enterprise to support herself and avoid relying on Wiroguno or anyone else. However, Wiroguno's persistence did not wane. He was determined to make Roro Mendut his concubine and even threatened her with dire consequences if she continued to resist. Roro Mendut remained steadfast, refusing to compromise her values or betray her love for Pronocitro. In the end, the situation escalated tragically. The details vary in different versions of the story, but it generally ends with Roro Mendut being killed, either by Wiroguno's men or as a result of the conflict. Pronocitro, heartbroken, also meets a tragic end.

#Ande-Ande Lumut In the kingdom of Kediri, a handsome young prince named Ande-Ande Lumut lived in disguise to find a worthy bride. He was known for his kindness and wisdom. Meanwhile, in a nearby village, there lived a beautiful and kind-hearted girl named Klenting Kuning. She lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters, Klenting Merah and Klenting Biru, who treated her poorly, making her do all the household chores. One day, news spread that Ande-Ande Lumut was searching for a wife. Many young women, including Klenting Merah and Klenting Biru, prepared to go to his village, hoping to win his favor. Despite her stepmother's objections, Klenting Kuning, in her ragged clothes, decided to try her luck as well. On their way to meet Ande-Ande Lumut, the stepsisters encountered an obstacle: a wide river with no bridge. They were met by Yuyu Kangkang, a crab-like creature who guarded the river and demanded a kiss in exchange for crossing. Desperate, Klenting Merah and Klenting Biru agreed and crossed the river. When Klenting Kuning arrived, Yuyu Kangkang made the same demand. She refused, saying she would find another way. Impressed by her virtue, Yuyu Kangkang allowed her to cross without a kiss. Upon arriving, Klenting Merah and Klenting Biru presented themselves to Ande-Ande Lumut. However, Ande-Ande Lumut, aware of their encounter with Yuyu Kangkang, rejected them. When Klenting Kuning arrived, still in her simple attire, Ande-Ande Lumut recognized her inner beauty and kindness. He revealed his true identity and declared that Klenting Kuning was the only one who had maintained her dignity and virtue, making her the true and worthy bride. They married, and Klenting Kuning became a princess, while her stepsisters were left to ponder the consequences of their choices. The legend of Ande-Ande Lumut teaches that true worth is found in one's character and actions, not just in outward appearances. It emphasizes the value of virtue, humility, and integrity.