The Legend of Prambanan Temple

In the old days of Java Island, in a region called Prambanan, lies two kingdom.
Kingdom of Pengging and Kraton Boko. Pengging kingdom is gifted with a
fertile and get prosperous. The kingdom is lead by a wise king named Prabu
Damar Moyo and has a male son named Raden Bandung Bondowoso while
Kraton Boko is a kingdom that obey under the rules of Pengging. The Boko king
is very cruel, he is strong and tall, like a giant. The people of Boko always
afraid of the kings anger. Although the king were not handsome, he has a very
beautiful daughter called Princess Roro Jongrang.

One day, the king of Boko wants to rebels against the Pengging. Lead by the
Boko prime minister, the giant race, Gopolo, the Boko army is prepared to
announce the war between Boko and Pengging. They even raid its own
peoples properties to support the campaign.

Fierce war happens in the borders of the Pengging teritorial mark. Many
victims were falling on both sides and people Pengging be suffering because of
war, many people hunger and poverty. Knowing his people suffer and have
many victims soldiers who died in the borders, then Prabu Damar Moyo sent
his son Raden Bondowoso go to war against King Boko. The young Bondowoso is
able to defeat king Boko. Seeing the king died, then Prime minister Gupolo
escape. Raden Bondowoso pursue Patih Gupolo to Kraton Boko.

After reaching Kraton Boko, Patih Gupolo reported on Princess Roro Jonggrang
that his father had been lost in the battlefield, by a knight named Raden
Bandung Pengging Bondowoso. Princess Loro Jonggrang wept, saddened his
heart because his father had been killed on the battlefield. Raden at Kraton
Boko Bondowoso arrived, soom he troubled to see Puteri Raden Bondowoso
Loro Jonggrang beautiful, so he wanted to marry Princess Loro Jonggrang as
his wife.

As the Boko kingdom is lost in the rebels, and o save her fathers kingdom, the
Loro Puteri Raden Jonggrang accept the princes, with some request. She did
not want to marry Bondowoso because he had killed his father. To reject the
proposal Raden Bondowoso, then Princess Loro Jonggrang have a strategy. The
first request, Princess Loro Jonggrang asked for Jalatunda wells (very deep
well) while the second request, asked for him to make 1000 temples in one
night.

Raden Bandung Bondowoso agreed. Raden Bondowoso Immediately make

Jalatunda wells and after so he called Princess Roro Jonggrang to see the
well. She trick the prince and send him down. She ask Bokos prime minister
to close the well with heavy rocks so that the prince could not reach the top
of the well. Raden Bondowoso is a tough man, he is also smart. Its not a
longtime before he was able to come out from the wells. He was very angry to
the princess, but soon after meet the princess, he falls again with the beauty
of the princess.

She ask Raden Bondowoso the second request, to make 1000 temples in 1
night. Bondowoso then command his workers from genie tribe to help him
build the 1000 temple. The 1000 temples are building up, one by one with the
help of the genie tribes. The princess wants to sabotage the building of the
temples. She asks her servants to pound the rice pounding tools and also burns
lots of paddys straw.

Because of it, the roosters crowed. The genie take a lookto the sky and its
brighter in the east. The leader of the genie reported to Bondowoso that they
have stopped to make the temple because the morning has arrived. Princess
Roro Jonggrang told to count the temples and its only 999 temples, not 1000.

So, Bondowoso wont be able to marry the princess because he failed to

complete the request. Being deceived and tricked, Raden Bondowoso angry
and curse Princess Roro Jonggrang. Its missing one, and you that should fit
the numbers. The princess is soon turned into a stone statue; it is exist in
the heart of the Prambanan temples until now.
 Lutung Kasarung

Cerita rakyat from West Java

Prabu Tapa Agung had led a kingdom in West Java for a long time. He was
getting old and therefore wanted to choose a successor. But unfortunately, he had
no son. He thought of choosing one of his daughters, Purbararang and Purbasari.
But it wasnt an easy choice. They were both very pretty and smart. The only
difference was their temperament. Purbararang was rude and dishonest, while
Purbasari was kind and caring. With those considerations, Prabu Tapa Agung
finally chose Purbasari to be his successor.

Purbararang didnt agree with her fathers decision. Its supposed to be me,
Father. Im the eldest daughter! Purbararang said. Prabu Tapa Agung smiled.
Purbararang, to be a queen takes more than age. There are many other qualities
that one must possess, explained Prabu Tapa Agung wisely. What does
Purbasari have that I dont? Purbararang pouted. Youll find out when
Purbasari has replaced me, Prabu Tapa Agung answered.

After the discussion, Purbararang went back to her room. Is there something
wrong? asked Indrajaya. Indrajaya is Purbararangs future husband. Im upset!
Father chose Purbasari as his successor and not me! I have to do something!
Purbararang said. Driven mad by her anger, she came to a witch and asked her to
send rash all over Purbasaris body. Before going to bed, Purbasari started to feel
itch all over her body. She tried applying powder to her body, but its no use.
Instead, the itching grew even worse. She didnt want to scratch it, but she just
couldnt help it. In the next morning, there were scratch mark all over Purbasaris
body. What happened to you? asked Purbararang, pretending to be concerned.
I dont know, sis. Last night, my body suddenly felt very itchy. I scratched and
scratched, and this is what happened, Purbasari answered. Purbararang shook
her head. You must have done something really awful. Youve been punished by
the gods!

That day, the whole kingdom was scandalized. What have you done, Purbasari?
demanded Prabu Tapa Agung. Purbasari shook her head. I didnt do anything
that would upset the gods, Father, she answered. Then how can you explain
what happened to your body? Prabu Tapa Agung asked again. If you dont
confess, Ill banish you to the woods. Purbasari took a deep breath. Like I said
before, I didnt do anything wrong. And Id rather be thrown into the woods than
to confess to a deed I didnt commit.

After a short discussion with his advisor, Prabu Tapa Agung ordered Purbasari to
be moved to the woods. Purbasari was very sad, but she couldnt do anything to
defy her fathers order. She was accompanied to the woods by a messenger. He
built a simple hut for Purbasari. After the messenger left, suddenly a black
monkey came to Purbasaris hut. He carried a bunch of bananas. From behind
him, some animals looked on. Are the bananas for me? Purbasari asked. The
black monkey nodded, as if he understood what Purbasari said. Purbasari took
the bananas with pleasure. She also said thanks. The other animals that were
looking on also seemed to smile. Are you willing to be my friend? Purbasari
asked them. All the animals nodded happily. Although she was living by herself in
the woods, Purbasari never lacked of supplies. Everyday, there were always
animals bringing her fruits and fish to eat.

A long time had passed since Purbasari was banished to the woods, but her body
still itched. At some places, her skin was even ulcerating. What am I supposed to
do? Purbasari sighed. The monkey who was sitting next to her stayed still, there
were tears in his eyes. He hoped Purbasari would remain patient and strong.

One night, on a full moon, the monkey took Purbasari to a valley. There is a pond
with hot spring water. The monkey suddenly spoke, The water of this pond will
heal your skin, he said. Purbasari was surprised, You can talk? Who are you?
she asked. Youll find out, in time, the monkey said. Purbasari didnt want to
force the monkey. She then walked to the pond. She bathed there. After a few
hours, Purbasari walked out of the pond. She was shocked to see her face
reflected on the clear pond water. Her face was beautiful again, with smooth and
clean skin. Purbasari observed her entire body. There were no traces of any skin
ailments. Im cured! Im cured! Purbasari shouted in joy. She quickly offered
thanks to the gods and also to the monkey.

The news of Purbasaris condition quickly spread to the kingdom, irritating

Purbararang. She then accompanied by Indrajaya go to the woods to see
Purbasari. Purbasari asked if she would be allowed to go home. Purbararang said
she would let Purbasari return to the palace if Purbasaris hair were longer than
hers. Purbararang then let her hair down. It was so long, it almost touched the
ground. But it turned out that Purbasaris hair was twice longer than
Purbararangs hair.

Fine, so your hair is longer than mine. Purbararang admitted. But there is one
more condition you must fulfill, do you have a future husband who is handsomer
than mine? said Purbararang as she walked toward Indrajaya. Purbasari felt
miserable. She didnt have a future husband yet. So, without much thought, she
pulled the black monkey beside her.
Purbararang and Indrajaya burst out, but their laughter didnt last long. The
monkey meditates and suddenly transformed into a very handsome young man, a
lot more handsome than Indrajaya. Im a prince from a kingdom far away. I was
cursed to be a monkey because of a mistake I committed. I could regain my true
form only if theres a girl who would be willing to be my wife, said the young
man.

Finally, Purbararang gave up. She accepted Purbasari as the queen, and also
confessed everything she had done. Please forgive me. Please dont punish me,
Purbararang said, asking for forgiveness. Instead of being angry, Purbasari
smiled. I forgive you, sis, she said. Soon after, Purbasari become queen. Beside
her was the handsome prince, the former monkey known as Lutung Kasarung.

Mouse Deer and Tiger

Cerita rakyat from Central Java

One upon a time, there was a mouse deer living in a forest. Although he was
small, he wasnt afraid of the other bigger animals who wanted to eat him. He was
so smart; he always managed to ditch them. One day, a tiger was wandering
around for food. He hadnt been eating for days. He was really hungry. While he
was walking in the forest, he saw Mouse Deer. The tiger wanted to eat him.

Tiger slowly ducked, crawled, approaching Mouse Deer, thenGotcha! said

Tiger. He caught Mouse Deer. Hello, Mouse Deer! Im really hungry right now.
Youll be my lunch! said Tiger. Mouse Deer didnt want to be his lunch. He tried
to be calm. He looked around and saw some buffalos dung. He had an idea. Im
sorry, Tiger. I cant be your lunch now. The King has ordered me to guard his
cake, said Mouse Deer calmly. His cake? said Tiger curiously. Yes, there it is.
Its very delicious. The King doesnt want anyone else to eat it, so he ordered me
to guard it, Mouse Deer pointed the buffalos dung. Can I taste it? Tiger asked.
Of course you cant. The King would be very angry, said Mouse Deer refused.
Just one little bite, Mouse Deer! The King will never know, said Tiger. Well,
okay, Tiger. But first let me run far away, so the King wont blame me, said
Mouse Deer. All right, Mouse deer. You can go now. Mouse Deer ran quickly
out of sight. Tiger then took a big mouthful of the cake. Phoooey! He spit it
out. Yuck, thats not cake. Thats buffalos dung.

Tiger ran through the forest. He caught up with Mouse Deer. Mouse Deer, you
tricked me. But now you will be my lunch. Mouse Deer looked around and saw a
wasp nest in a tree. Im sorry, Tiger. I cant be your lunch now. The King has
ordered me to guard his drum, said Mouse Deer calmly. His drum? said Tiger
curiously. Yes, there it is. It has the best sound in the world. The King doesnt
want anyone else to hit it, Mouse Deer pointed the wasp nest. Can I hit the
Kings drum? Tiger asked. Of course you cant. The King would be very angry,
said Mouse Deer refused. Just one little hit, Mouse Deer! The King will never
know, said Tiger. Well, all right, Tiger. But first let me run far away, so the King
wont blame me, said Mouse Deer. All right, Mouse Deer. You can go now.
Mouse Deer ran quickly out of sight. Tiger then reached up and hit the wasp nest.
Bzzzzzzz! Ouchouch! Thats not a drum. That a wasp nests!

Tiger ran away. But the wasps keep following him. He came to the river. He
jumped in and stayed underwater as long as he could. At last the wasps went
away. Then he jumped out. He ran through the forest till he found Mouse Deer.
Mouse Deer, you tricked me again. But now you will be my lunch. Mouse Deer
looked around and saw a cobra. The snake was coiled asleep on the ground. Im
sorry, Tiger. I cant be your lunch now. The King has ordered me to guard his
belt, said Mouse Deer calmly. His belt? said Tiger curiously. Yes. There it is.
Its the best belt in the world. The King doesnt want anyone else to wear it,
Mouse Deer pointed the cobra. Can I wear it? Tiger asked. Of course you cant.
The King would be very angry, said Mouse Deer refused. Just for one moment,
Mouse Deer! The King will never know, said Tiger. Well, all right, Tiger. But
first let me run far away, so the King wont blame me, said Mouse Deer. All
right, Mouse Deer. You can go now. Mouse Deer ran quickly out of sight. Tiger
then took the snake and started to warp it around himself. The cobra woke up. It
squeezed Tiger and bit him. SSssssstt! Oouch! Ow! Ooow! Thats not a belt!
Thats a cobra! Help! Mouse Deer! Help! But Mouse Deer was already far away.
He laughed aloud. Mouse Deer was safe from Tiger now.***

Malin Kundang

Cerita rakyat from West Sumatra

Once upon a time, on the north coast of Sumatra lived a poor woman and his son.
The boy was called Malin Kundang. They didnt earn much as fishing was their
only source of income. Malin Kundang grew up as a skillful young boy. He always
helps his mother to earn some money. However, as they were only fishermans
helper, they still lived in poverty. Mother, what if I sail overseas? asked Malin
Kundang one day to his mother. Her mother didnt agree but Malin Kundang had
made up his mind. Mother, if I stay here, Ill always be a poor man. I want to be
a successful person, urged Malin kundang. His mother wiped her tears, If you
really want to go, I cant stop you. I could only pray to God for you to gain success
in life, said his mother wisely. But, promise me, youll come home.

In the next morning, Malin Kundang was ready to go. Three days ago, he met one
of the successful ships crew. Malin was offered to join him. Take a good care of
yourself, son, said Malin Kundangs mother as she gave him some food supplies.
Yes, Mother, Malin Kundang said. You too have to take a good care of yourself.
Ill keep in touch with you, he continued before kissing his mothers hand.
Before Malin stepped onto the ship, Malins mother hugged him tight as if she
didnt want to let him go.

It had been three months since Malin Kundang left his mother. As his mother
had predicted before, he hadnt contacted her yet. Every morning, she stood on
the pier. She wished to see the ship that brought Malin kundang home. Every day
and night, she prayed to the God for her sons safety. There was so much prayer
that had been said due to her deep love for Malin Kundang. Even though its been
a year she had not heard any news from Malin Kundang, she kept waiting and
praying for him.
After several years waiting without any news, Malin Kundangs mother was
suddenly surprised by the arrival of a big ship in the pier where she usually stood
to wait for her son. When the ship finally pulled over, Malin Kundangs mother
saw a man who looked wealthy stepping down a ladder along with a beautiful
woman. She could not be wrong. Her blurry eyes still easily recognized him. The
man was Malin Kundang, her son.

Malin Kundangs mother quickly went to see her beloved son. Malin, youre
back, son! said Malin Kundangs mother and without hesitation, she came
running to hug Malin Kundang, I miss you so much. But, Malin Kundang didnt
show any respond. He was ashamed to admit his own mother in front of his
beautiful wife. Youre not my Mother. I dont know you. My mother would never
wear such ragged and ugly clothes, said Malin Kundang as he release his mother
embrace.

Malin Kundangs mother take a step back, MalinYou dont recognize me? Im
your mother! she said sadly. Malin Kundangs face was as cold as ice. Guard,
take this old women out of here, Malin Kundang ordered his bodyguard. Give
her some money so she wont disturb me again! Malin Kundangs mother cried
as she was dragged by the bodyguard, Malin my son. Why do you treat your
own mother like this?

Malin Kundang ignored his mother and ordered the ship crews to set sail. Malin
Kundangs mother sat alone in the pier. Her heart was so hurt, she cried and
cried. Dear God, if he isnt my son, please let him have a save journey. But if he
is, I cursed him to become a stone, she prayed to the God.

In the quiet sea, suddenly the wind blew so hard and a thunderstorm came. Malin
Kundangs huge ship was wrecked. He was thrown by the wave out of his ship,
and fell on a small island. Suddenly, his whole body turned into stone. He was
punished for not admitting his own mother.***

Sangkuriang

Long time ago in West Java, lived a beautiful girl named Dayang Sumbi. She was
also smart and clever. Her beauty and intelligence made a prince from the
heavenly kingdom of Kahyangan desire her as his wife. The prince asked
permission from his father to marry Dayang Sumbi. People from Kahyangan
could never live side by side with humans, but his father approved on one
condition, when they had a child, the prince would transform into a dog. The
prince accepted the condition.

They get married and lived happily in the woods until Dayang Sumbi gave birth
to a baby boy. The prince then changed into a dog named Tumang. Their son is
named Sangkuriang. He was very smart and handsome like his father. Everyday,
he hunted animals and looked for fruits to eat. One day, when he was hunting,
Sangkuriang accidentally killed Tumang. His arrow missed the deer he was
targeting and hit Tumang instead. He went home and tells her mother about the
dog. What? Dayang Sumbi was appalled. Driven by sadness and anger, she
grabbed a weaving tool and hit Sangkuriangs head with it. Dayang Sumbi was so
sad; she didnt pay any attention to Sangkuriang and started to cry.

Sangkuriang feel sad and also confused. How can his mother love a dog more
than him? Sangkuriang then decided to go away from their home and went on a
journey. In the morning, Dayang Sumbi finally stopped crying. She started to feel
better, so she went to find Sangkuriang. But her son was no where to be found.
She looked everywhere but still couldnt find him. Finally, she went home with
nothing. She was exhausted. She fell asleep, and in her dream, she meets her
husband. Dayang Sumbi, dont be sad. Go look for my body in the woods and get
the heart. Soak it with water, and use the water to bathe, and you will look young
forever, said the prince in her dream. After bathing with the water used to soak
the dogs heart, Dayang Sumbi looked more beautiful and even younger.

And time passed by. Sangkuriang on his journey stopped at a village and met and
fell in love with a beautiful girl.He didnt realize that the village was his homeland
and the beautiful girl was his own mother, Dayang Sumbi. Their love grew
naturally and he asked the girl to marry him. One day, Sangkuriang was going on
a hunt. He asked Dayang Sumbi to fix the turban on his head. Dayang Sumbi was
startled when she saw a scar on his head at the same place where she, years ago,
hit Sangkuriang on the head.

After the young man left, Dayang Sumbi prayed for guidance. After praying, she
became convinced that the young man was indeed her missing son. She realized
that she had to do something to prevent Sangkuriang from marrying her. But she
did not wish to disappoint him by cancelling the wedding. So, although she
agreed to marry Sangkuriang, she would do so only on the condition that he
provides her with a lake and built a beautiful boat, all in one night.

Sangkuriang accepted this condition without a doubt. He had spent his youth
studying magical arts. After the sun went down, Sangkuriang went to the hill.
Then he called a group of genie to build a dam around Citarum River. Then, he
commands the genies to cut down trees and build a boat. A few moments before
dawn, Sangkuriang and his genie servants almost finished the boat.

Dayang Sumbi, who had been spying on him, realised that Sangkuriang would
fulfill the condition she had set. Dayang Sumbi immediately woke all the women
in the village and asked them to wave a long red scarf. All the women in the
village were waving red scarf, making it look as if dawn was breaking. Deceived
by false dawn, the cock crowed and farmers rose for the new day.

Sangkuriangs genie servants immediately dropped their work and ran for cover
from the sun, which they feared. Sangkuriang grew furious. With all his anger, he
kicked the unfinished boat. The boat flew and landed on a valley. The boat then
became a mountain, called Mount Tangkuban Perahu (Tangkuban means
upturned or upside down, and Perahu means boat). With his power, he destroyed
the dam. The water drained from the lake becoming a wide plain and nowadays
became a city called Bandung (from the word Bendung, which means Dam).***

Cindelaras
 Cerita rakyat from East Java

Raden Putra was the king of Jenggala kingdom. He had a beautiful queen and
concubine. Unlike the queen, the concubine had bad personalities. She was
envious and jealous with the queen, so she planned to make the queen leave the
palace. The concubine then asked the royal healer to help her in her plan. One
day, the concubine pretended to be ill. Raden Putra called the royal healer to give
the concubine treatments. What is her disease? Raden Putra asked the royal
healer. Im very sorry, My Majesty. She is sick because the queen put poison in
her meal, the royal healer lied.

Raden Putra was shock and angry to hear the explanation. He called the queen
and asked her if the story was true. Of course the queen denied, but Raden Putra
wont listen. Please Your Majesty, have mercy. I really didnt do anything, cried
the queen in her tears. Raden Putras anger ended in a decision. The queen
should be banished to the woods and terminated. He did not know that the queen
was already pregnant. Raden Putra commanded one of his general to do the
punishment. The queen was banished to the woods, but the wise general didnt
have the heart to kill her. He built a simple house in the woods for her. On his
way back to the palace, he smeared his sword with rabbit blood, so Raden Putra
would believe that he had killed the queen.
After the general left, the queen lived by herself in the woods. Several months
later, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The baby was named Cindelaras. He
grew up as a nice, healthy, and handsome boy. One day, while Cindelaras helped
her mother to collect some fire woods, an eagle dropped an egg. Cindelaras
brought the egg to be brooded by a chicken behind their house. The egg hatched
into a chick and then it slowly became a strong rooster. The rooster is no ordinary
rooster. The rooster could sing. Every morning, the rooster woke Cindelaras up
with its beautiful song, My master is Cindelaras. His house is in the woods. Hes
the son of Raden Putra. The rooster often sang that song.

Cindelaras always woke up early in the morning and listen happily to his roosters
song. He didnt realize the meaning of the song until one day, he started to think.
Who is Raden Putra? he asked his mother. The queen then told him the whole
story. She also told him why they were banned from the kingdom and lived in the
woods. Cindelaras was very surprised. He decided to go to the palace to meet the
king, his father. Cindelaras asked her mothers permission to go to the kingdom
and to tell the king what really happened. He also brought his rooster that grew
bigger and stronger each day.

On his way, Cindelaras stopped at a village. There, he met some people who were
involved in cockfighting. They challenge him to see how strong his rooster was.
If your rooster wins, youll get a reward, said the man who challenged him.
Cindelaras accepted the challenge. In a few minutes, his rooster defeated the
opponents rooster. He was challenged again by other man, and one more time,
his rooster won. He won again and again.

The news about Cindelaras rooster quickly spread to the whole Jenggala
kingdom and made Raden Putra curious. So, he invited Cindelaras to the palace.
What is your name, boy? Raden Putra asked as Cindelaras arrived in the palace.
My name is Cindelaras, Your Majesty, Cindelaras answered. He felt both
thrilled and happy to see Raden Putra.

Raden Putra challenged Cindelaras with one condition. If Raden Putras rooster
won, Cindelaras head would be cut off. But if Cindelaras rooster won, Raden
Putra would share half of his wealth. Cindelaras accepted the condition. The
competition was held in the front yard of the palace. The two roosters fought
bravely. But in just a few minutes, Cindelaras rooster won the fight! Raden Putra
shook his head and stared at Cindelaras from his seat, That rooster is no
ordinary rooster, and the boy is not an ordinaty boy either. Who is he exactly? he
thought. Raden Putra was about to asked when suddenly Cindelaras rooster sang
the song, My master is Cindelaras. His house is in the woods. Hes the son of
Raden Putra.

Raden Putra was surprised. Is it true? he asked. Yes, My Majesty. My name is

Cindelaras and my mother was the queen, said Cindelaras. Raden putra called
the general who had banished the queen. The general then confessed that he
never killed the queen. Later, the royal healer also admitted his mistake. Raden
Putra was so shocked. He immediately went to the woods to pick up the queen.
Ever since, Cindelaras and his parents lived happily together. As for the
concubine, she was sent to the jail as punishment.***

Timun Mas
Long time ago in the island of Java, Indonesia, lived a couple of farmer. They had
married for some years but they had no children. So they prayed to a monster
called Buta Ijo to give them children. Buta Ijo was a ferocious and powerful
monster. He granted their wish on one condition. When their children had
grown up, they had to sacrifice them to Buta Ijo. He liked eating fresh meat of
human being. The farmers agreed to his condition. Several months later the wife
was pregnant.

She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. They named her Timun Emas. The
farmers were happy. Timun Emas was very healthy and a very smart girl. She
was also very diligent. When she was a teenager Buta Ijo came to their house.
Timun Emas was frightened so she ran away to hide. The farmers then told Buta
Ijo that Timun Emas was still a child. They asked him to postpone. Buta Ijo
agreed. He promised to come again. The following year Buta Ijo came again.
But again and again their parents said that Timun Emas was still a child.
When the third time Buta Ijo came their parents had prepared something for
him. They gave Timun Emas several bamboo needles, seeds of cucumber,
dressing and salt.

Timun, take these things

What are these things?

These are your weapons. Buta Ijo will chase you. He will eat you alive. So run as
fast as you can. And if he will catch you spread this to the ground. Now go!

Timun Emas was scared so she ran as quickly as she could. When Buta Ijo
arrived she was far from home. He was very angry when he realized that his prey
had left. So he ran to chase her. He had a sharp nose so he knew what direction
his prey ran.

Timun Emas was just a girl while Buta Ijo was a monster so he could easily catch
her up. When he was just several steps behind Timun Emas quickly spread the
seeds of cucumber. In seconds they turned into many vines of cucumber. The
exhausted Buta Ijo was very thirsty so he grabbed and ate them. When Buta Ijo
was busy eating cucumber Timun Emas could run away.

But soon Buta Ijo realized and started running again. When he was just several
steps behind Timun Emas threw her bamboo needles. Soon they turned into
dense bamboo trees. Buta Ijo found it hard to pass. It took him some time to
break the dense bamboo forest. Meanwhile Timun Emas could run farther.

Buta Ijo chased her again. When he almost catch her again and again Timun
Emas threw her dressing. This time it turned into a lake. Buta Ijo was busy to
save himself so Timun Emas ran way. But Buta Ijo could overcome it and
continued chasing her.

Finally when Timun Emas was almost caught she threw her salt. Soon the land
where Buta Ijo stood turned into ocean. Buta Ijo was drowned and died
instantly.

Timun Emas was thankful to god and came back to her home.

Roro Jonggrang

Long time ago, there was a kingdom named Prambanan. All the people of
Prambanan lived peacefully. But then, Prambanan kingdom was attacked and
occupied by the Pengging kingdom. Prambanan then was ruled by Bandung
Bondowoso of Pengging kingdom. He was a mean king. He also had great
supernatural power. His soldiers were not only humans, but also genies.

The king of Prambanan had a beautiful daughter named Loro Jonggrang.

Bandung Bondowoso fell in love with her and wanted to marry her. Youre very
beautiful. Would you be my queen? asked Bandung Bondowoso. Loro Jonggrang
was shocked. She didnt like Bandung Bondowoso because he was a mean person.
She wanted to refuse, but she afraid that Bandung Bondowoso would be angry
and endangered the people of Prambanan. Then, she came up with a plan. If you
want to marry me, you have to build a thousand temples for me in just one
night, said Loro Jonggrang. What? Thats impossible! said Bandung
Bondowoso. But he did not give up. He consulted with his advisor. Your Majesty
can asked the genies to help built the temples, said the advisor.

So, Bandung Bondowoso summoned his entire genies soldier and commanded
them to help him built a thousand temples. The genies worked in unbelievable
speed. Meanwhile, Loro Jonggrang heard from her servant that the building of a
thousand temples was almost finished. She was so worried. But again, she came
up with a great idea. She asked all of her servants to help her. Please prepare a
lot of straw and mortar. Please hurry up! said Loro Jonggrang. Burn the straw
and make some noise pounding the mortar, quickly. All those servants did what
Loro Jonggrang ordered them; burning straw and pounding the mortar, making
the genies think that the sun is going to rise.

Its already dawn. We have to go, said the leader of the genies to Bandung
Bondowoso. All the genies immediately stopped their work and ran for cover
from the sun, which they afraid of. They didnt know that the light was from the
fire that burning the straw, not from the sun.
Bandung Bondowoso cant stop the genies from leaving. He was angry. He knew
Loro Jonggrang had just tricked him. You cannot fool me, Loro Jonggrang. I
already have 999 temples. I just need one more temple. Now, I will make you the
one-thousandth temple. He pointed his finger to Loro Jonggrang and said some
mantras. Magically, Loro Jonggrangs body turned into stone. Until now, the
temple is still standing in Prambanan area, Central Java. And the temple is called
Loro Jonggrang temple.

Jaka Tarub And Nawang Wulan

Jaka Tarub was a handsome and diligent young man. He lived in a village near a
lake. One day, when Jaka Tarub passed the lake, he heard some giggles and
laughs of some girls who were bathing in the lake. He was curious, so he peeped
through the bushes. There were seven beautiful girls in the lake. Theyre fairies
from the heavenly kingdom of kahyangan. Jaka Tarub saw a scarf near the
bushes. It belonged to one of the fairies. Jaka Tarub then took it and hid it.
Crack!!! Accidentally, Jaka Tarub stepped on a twig. Theres someone! said one
of the fairies. Lets get back. Hurry! she said. They pulled over and wear their
scarf. Where is my scarf? one of the fairies couldnt find her scarf. She was the
youngest fairy called Nawang Wulan. They tried to search for it, but it was no
where to be found. Were sorry, Wulan. We have to go back to kahyangan, said
the eldest fairy. Youll have to find it by yourself. Well wait for you in
kahyangan, she said in empathy. The other fairies then flew to the sky leaving
Nawang Wulan behind. Nawang Wulan saw them leaving in tears. She was so
sad.

Excuse me , said Jaka Tarub, startling Nawang Wulan. Are you okay? he
asked. Nawang Wulan moved backward, Who are you? she asked. My name is
Jaka Tarub. I was passing by and I heard you crying, so I came to see what
happen, Jaka Tarub lied. Nawang Wulan then told him about her problem. I
cant fly without my scarf, she said. Jaka Tarub then asked Nawang Wulan to
come home with him. At first, Nawang Wulan refused the offer. But since she
didnt have anywhere else to go, Nawang Wulan then decided to follow Jaka
Tarub.

Nawang Wulan stayed with Jaka Tarub in the village. A month passed, and they
decided to get married. Nawang Wulan was willing to marry a human because
she fell in love with Jaka Tarub. After a year, they had a beautiful daughter. They
named her Kumalasari. They lived happily.

Jaka Tarub was also happy to live with Nawang Wulan and Kumalasari.
Especially because he always got a lot of harvest since he married Nawang Wulan.
He couldnt even keep all of his harvest in the barn because it was always full.
Its so weird. Nawang Wulan cooked everyday, but why is my barn always full,
Jaka Tarub mumbled to himself. He was so curious. One day, Jaka Tarub stayed
at home. I want to stay home today. Id like to play with Kumalasari, he said to
his wife. Well, Ill go to the river to wash the clothes. Please keep an eye on
Kumalasari, asked Nawang Wulan. Im cooking rice now. Please do not open
the pan cover before its done, she said just before she left. Could this be the
secret? Jaka Tarub thought. After Nawang Wulan left, he curiously opened the
pan cover. He found only one single paddy. How come? he wondered.

Before lunch, Nawang Wulan came home. She headed to the kitchen to see the
rice she had cooked. She found that the rice turned into only a few grains. Did
you open the pan cover? she asked her husband. I Im sorry. I was curious,
Jaka Tarub said as he realized his fault.

Ever since, Nawang Wulan had lost her power. She couldnt cook rice with only a
single paddy. Their paddy supply was slowly lessened. Their barn was almost
empty. One day, Nawang Wulan went to the barn to get some paddy. When she
took one of them, she found a scarf. Whats this? This is my scarf, said Nawang
Wulan startled.

That night, Nawang Wulan asked her husband about the scarf. Jaka Tarubs eyes
widened, You found it? he asked. Jaka Tarub looked down and asked for her
forgiveness. Because Ive found my scarf, its time for me to go back to where I
belong, Nawang Wulan said. Jaka Tarub tried to stop her, but Nawang Wulan
had made up her mind. Please take good care of Kumalasari, she said. If she
wanted to see me, take seven grains of candlenut and put it into a basket. Shake it
as you play the bamboo flute. Ill come to see her, she explained.

Jaka Tarub promised to take good care of their daughter. He once again asked for
forgiveness for all of his mistakes. Ive forgiven you, so you dont have to feel
guilty. I must go now. Take care, said Nawang Wulan as she flew to the bright
full moon.***

Damar Wulan

Damar Wulan was born in the village of Paluh Amba, not far from the capital city
of Majapahit. He was the son of Udara, the former prime minister of Majapahit.
Since his father had retired his family live in a quiet and prosperous village
outside the capital. Damar was a smart boy so he could easily learned the lessons
his father taught him. He learned martial art, religion, politics, and literature. He
was very good at all those subjects. When his father thought that he is mature
enough, he asked Damar to find job in Majapahit. He told Damar to apply for a
job at the Prime Ministers office. He hoped that his close relation with the new
prime minister would help him get the prime ministers attention. Furthermore
Damar was a smart boy so his father was sure Damar was capable to do any job.

Damar was very confident he would get a good position at the prime ministers
office. Early morning he left his village. At midday he got to Majapahit and he
directly went to the prime ministers house. Prime Minister Logender was his
name. The guards sarcastically questioned him when he told them he would see
the prime minister.

Who do you think you are?

I am Damar Wulan. I am the son of the former prime minister Udara. My father
told me to see the prime minister here
If you think you can impress us by telling us about your father, you are
completely wrong poor boy. The son of a prime minister would never go
anywhere on foot

But, thats true. My father told me to find job here

Listen poor boy, the prime minister is a very busy person. He does not have time
for job seeker like you. But if you need a job, there is a vacant position here. Let
me report my chief

Then the soldier reported to his superior. After that someone called Damar to get
into the commanders chamber. He told Damar that the prime ministers office
needed several boys to take care of the horses. Damar was surprised because he
expected clerical job but then he accepted the offer. Since that day he lived in a
simple hut behind the prime ministers house.

Damar did a good job so his superior was satisfied with him. He was also very
sociable. Soon he had a good relationship with the prime minister and his family.
The prime minister had two sons Layang Seto and Layang Kumitir and a
daughter Anjasmoro. His sons were very arrogant and lazy. They treated
Damar cruelly. They wanted Damar to do whatever they want. Every body hated
them but nobody dare to express their feeling. Anjasmoro, on the other hand,
liked Damar very much. Gradually she fell in love to Damar. So did Damar. They
had a secret love. When Layang Seto and Layang Kumitir knew what happened to
Damar and Anjasmoro, they were very angry. They treated Damar more and
more cruelly.
At the time the kingdom of Majapahit faced a very serious problem because of the
rebellion of Menak Jinggo. He was a half brother of the Queen Kecono Wungu.
He was a prince of Majapahit and a highly respected general of the Majapahit
army. For his great achievement for his country his father appointed him as the
ruler for the kingdom of Blambangan, a vassal state under Majapahit. When his
father passed away he was sure that he would become the successor. But he was
very disappointed when his father appointed his sister instead. He thought that
he was more capable than Kencono Wungu so he rebelled.

Menak Jinggo proved to be a good general. Under his leadership the Blambangan
army could win several battles with Majapahit army. The territory of Majapahit
one by one fell to Blambangan. At the time the morale of the Majapahit army was
already down. They were not sure that they could win the war. So the queen and
the prime minister met everyday to discuss the worsening situation. Some weeks
went by but still they did not have any ideas to solve the problem. Every report
they received about the war was only about the defeat of the Majapahit army.

Prime Minister Logender was shocked when his wife reported to him about the
affair of Anjasmoro and Damar Wulan. For a highly respected person like him, it
was a very serious blow to his ego. He was a very respectable person while his
daughter dated with a poor boy. It was a serious humiliation. He could not accept
it. This fact made him very angry. He thought very hard to find a solution.
Suddenly an idea struck his sharp mind when he was meditating at midnight.
Early in the morning he went to the palace and asked the queen for an audience.
Then he explained his plan.

Your Majesty, last night I had an idea

Tell me about it

Our army could not win because we apply a wrong strategy. The Blambangan
army is very good at a frontal open warfare like that. Furthermore our armys
morale is now down. So we have to avoid open warfare. Since now on we have to
launch a new tactics of secret operation. We must send a small army unit to kill
Menak Jinggo secretly
Who will do that?

I have a body guard. His skill in martial art is excellent. He is very capable at
individual fight. So he is ready for this duty. I am sure he is the right person

OK, I think you are right. Send him as soon as possible to Blambangan. If he can
do his job well I will give him great reward

When Logender got home he called Damar Wulan immediately. He asked him
about his martial art skill. Damar said he had mastered some fighting skill. His
father had trained him Pencak Silat, the Indonesian martial art. As a result, he
was very skillful at using sword, lance, as well as empty hand fighting technique.
Then Logender asked him to fight both Layang Seto and Layang Kumitir. Both of
them fought emotionally since they hated Damar very much. But Damar was
smart, skillful, strong and tough. In just several minutes he could beat both of
them without difficulty. Logender was angry but also satisfied since he found a
way to get rid of both problems his home and his country.
Damar, you are a great fighter. I am very proud of you. And thats why you will
receive a great honor to fight for your country. Now there is a rebellion in
Majapahit. The king of Blambangan has done a crime. His name is Menak Jinggo.
Find him in his palace and Blambangan and kill him. Are you ready?

I am ready any time Sir

Good. Today you have to prepare everything and tomorrow you must leave for
Blambangan secretly. Do not tell any one about this duty. Not even Anjasmoro.
Dont be afraid because the Majapahit army will fully support you. They will back
you and provide all your needs. When you can kill Menak Jinggo behead him and
bring his head here. If you can do this job well you will be promoted to a high
position as the commander of Majapahit army
Yes, Sir. I am very glad to receive this order. I will do my best

The next day, very early in the morning Damar Wulan left Majapahit alone.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Logender had implemented his own plan. He
prepared a small army unit under the leadership of his two sons. They went
behind Damar in a distant so that Damar did not notice them. They went secretly
so no one knew it. Their task was not to protect Damar but to kill him and seize
the head of Menak Jinggo if he could kill Menak Jinggo. But if Damar was killed
then they had nothing to do.

Several days later Damar Wulan arrived in Blambangan. The Majapahit army
kept on spying on him. They were surprised to see Damar did not directly attack
the palace. He applied for a job instead. Once again he was accepted to work in
the palace to take care of the horses. Everybody including the king Menak Jinggo
liked him because he was very polite and he did his job well. He was also very
handsome that two of the kings wife fell in love with him. Waito and Puyengan
were the wives of King Menak Jinggo.

As everybody trusted him, it was easy for Damar to search the palace. He knew
where Menak Jinggo lived. One night he secretly jumped the palace wall to kill
the king. Finally he was inside the kings bedroom. But unfortunately the king
was ready to welcome him. A small army unit was there to arrest him. He was no
match for Menak Jinggo. But Menak Jinggo was a smart person. He did not kill
Damar instantly. He wanted to gather information from him. So he ordered his
guards.

Dont kill him. Let him alive, treat him well. I will question him tomorrow.

Yes, Your Majesty

He ordered his men to treat him well. He even let Waito and Puyengan to see
Damar. By doing so he hoped that Damar would give him valuable information.
But Damar was also a smart person. He dated Waito and Puyengan and he asked
them the way to kill Menak Jinggo. Since the two women loved Damar they
revealed a secret.

Nobody can hurt him. He is a tough guy and he is protected by god. God gave
him a secret weapon called Wesi Kuning

What is that?

Thats a golden amulet. It is just a small amulet, as small as a thumb but it is very
powerful. Its shape is like a stick. It is stored in his bedroom
He is a dangerous man. We have to stop him. Could you help me find his amulet?

I will help you if you marry me

Sure I will marry both of you as soon as I can arrest him

When their turn to amuse the king arrived Waito and Puyengan could get into the
kings chamber. They used that opportunity to steal the amulet. Then they gave it
to Damar Wulan. Menak Jinggo did not realize their conspiracy. When the night
was very quiet they opened the door for Damar Wulan. There was a fight but it
was too late for Menak Jinggo. The sudden attack did not give him much chance
to survive. Consequently Damar could beat his enemy and Menak Jinggo was
beheaded.

Damar Wulan immediately left Blambangan palace that night while promising
Waito and Puyengan to be back after he received the rewa.

Danau Toba
Once upon a time there was a prosperous village in a far away island called
Sumatra. In northern part of the island, lived a farmer whose name was Toba. He
lived alone in a hut by a small forest. He worked on his farmland to grow rice and
vegetables that he sells to local market. Once day he wanted to catch some fish so
he went to a river and fished there. He was very surprised when he got a big fish.
The fish was as big as human being. Soon he went home and put the fish in his
kitchen. He planned to cook the fish for his dinner that night. When he got to his
house that afternoon he took a bath. Then as he walked into his bedroom after
taking a bath Toba was very shocked. Do you want to know what happened?
There stood in his living room a very beautiful girl. The girl greeted him nicely.
For a moment Toba was speechless. When he could control his emotion he asked
her.

Who are you? Whats your nae? Why suddenly you are here in my house?
Pardon me if I surprised you Mr. Toba, but you took me here. I was the fish that
you caught in the river. Now that I become a human being again, I would like to
thank you and I will be your servant to express my thankfulness

Were you the fish?

Yes, I was the fish. Look at your kitchen.

Toba immediately rushed to his kitchen and the fish was nowhere to be seen. He
saw some gold coins instead. Whose coins are these? Why there are some coins
here?
Those coins are mine. As I changed into human being my scales changed into
gold coins
Ok you can live here and work for me. Your room is over there
Thank you very much Mr. Toba
Since that day the beautiful girl lived in Tobas house. Since she was very
beautiful Toba fell in love with her and not long after that they got married. The
girl married to Toba on one condition that he would never tell anybody about her
past. Toba agreed to the condition. Several months later Tobas wife delivered to
a baby boy. Their son was healthy. Soon he grew up into a handsome boy. Toba
named him Samosir. Unfortunately Samosir was a lazy boy. He did not want to
work at all. When his father worked hard in his rice field and farm, Samosir just
slept. When he was awake he talked a lot and he ate a lot. Toba was very
disappointed with his sons nature. He hoped that one day Samosir would change
into a diligent boy. Day in and day out but Samosir never changed. Toba used to
go to his farm and rice field early in the morning. Then at midday his wife would
bring him food. They used to eat lunch at their farm. As he was a teenager Toba
and his wife tried to change his behavior. They ordered Samosir to bring food for
his father for lunch while her mother stayed at home to do household chores. But
Samosir never did his duty well. He always woke up very late. He woke up after
midday. Then one day his mother forced him to bring the food.

Sam, wake up. Go to the farm and bring the food for your father. He must be very
tired and hungry now.

But Mom, I am tired and hungry too

What makes you tired? You just wake up. Go now. You father needs the food

Toba reluctantly went to the farm. But he did not go to the farm immediately. He
stopped somewhere in the street and ate the food. It was already late afternoon
when he got to the farm. His father was disappointed. Then he was angry as he
realized that his son had eaten his food. He said sarcastically.
O, you are stupid lazy boy. You are son of a fish!

Samosir was hurt. He went home right away and as he got home he told his
mother about his fathers words. Samosirs mother was shocked. She was also
deeply hurt. O Toba. You break your promise so I cannot live with you here
anymore. Now you have to accept to consequence of what you did. Samosir, now
go to the hill, find the tallest tree and climb it

Why mom? What will happen?

Just do it, never ask any question. Good bye

As soon as she finished saying that suddenly the weather changed. Sunny day
suddenly turned into cloudy day. Not long after that the rain poured heavily. The
rain last for several days. Consequently the area was flooded. The whole area
became a big lake. Then it was called Lake Toba and in the middle of the lake
there is an island called Samosir Island. Meanwhile Tobas wife disappeared.
Lake Toba is located in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Today it
becomes a tourist destination.