The Legend of Timun Mas (The Golden Cucumber)

 


The Legend of Timun Mas (The Golden Cucumber)

Long ago, in a small village surrounded by dense forests and rice fields, there lived an old widow named Mbok Sirni. She had no children and often felt lonely. Every day, she prayed to the gods to bless her with a child.

One day, while she was working in her garden, a mysterious giant appeared before her. The giant was enormous and intimidating, but he spoke in a deep, booming voice:
"Mbok Sirni, I can grant your wish for a child. But in return, you must give the child back to me when she turns 17."

Desperate for a child, Mbok Sirni agreed. The giant handed her a magical seed, instructing her to plant it. She buried the seed in her garden, and overnight, a large cucumber grew. Inside the cucumber, she found a beautiful baby girl. Overjoyed, she named her Timun Mas, meaning "Golden Cucumber."

Timun Mas grew up to be a kind and hardworking girl, loved by everyone in the village. But as her 17th birthday approached, Mbok Sirni became increasingly anxious, remembering her promise to the giant.

On Timun Mas's 17th birthday, the giant returned to claim her. Mbok Sirni, desperate to protect her daughter, begged for mercy. The giant refused, but before he could take Timun Mas, Mbok Sirni handed her a bundle of magical items she had received from a wise hermit: cucumber seeds, needles, salt, and shrimp paste.

"Run, my child!" Mbok Sirni cried. "And use these to protect yourself!"

Timun Mas fled, and the giant chased after her. As he closed in, she threw the cucumber seeds behind her. Instantly, they grew into a vast cucumber field, tangling the giant in their vines. But the giant broke free and continued the chase.

Next, Timun Mas scattered the needles, which transformed into a bamboo forest with sharp, thorny spikes. The giant struggled but managed to break through.

Then she threw the salt, which turned into a vast sea, slowing the giant down. But still, he persisted.

Finally, Timun Mas hurled the shrimp paste, and it created a boiling lake of mud. The giant fell into it and sank, never to rise again.

Exhausted but relieved, Timun Mas returned to her mother. The villagers celebrated her bravery and her cleverness. From that day forward, she and Mbok Sirni lived happily, their bond stronger than ever.

This story is a popular Indonesian folktale that teaches the values of courage, cleverness, and love between a mother and her child. 

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