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).

MALIN KUNDANG

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.

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.*

CINDELARAS 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.

LUTUNG KASARUNG 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.

TELAGA WARNA Long time ago there was a kingdom in West Java. The kingdom was ruled by a king called Prabu. He was a kind and wise king. Under Prabus leadership, the kingdom grew into a prosperous kingdom. Theres no hunger in the kingdom. Everybody in the kingdom loved their king. But, theres one problem. The king and his queen hadnt got any children. It made the couple very sad. That was why Prabu decided to go to the jungle. There, he meditated and prayed to God. Everyday he begged for a child. His dream finally came true. A few months later, the queen got pregnant. All people in the kingdom felt very happy. They sent many presents to the palace to express their happiness. Nine months later a baby girl was born. The baby grew as a beautiful teenager then. Prabu and his queen loved their daughter so much. They gave what ever she wanted. It made the princess grew into a spoiled girl. When her wish couldnt be fulfilled, she would be very angry. She even said bad things often. Even though the princess behaved badly, her parents still loved her, and so did the people in the kingdom. Time passed and the princess grew more beautiful. In a few days, the princess would be seventeen years old. Thats why people of that kingdom brought many presents for her. They bring gold and beautiful jewelries. Prabu collected the presents. Then Prabu stored them in a special room. Some times he would take them to give to his people who needed it. Prabu only took a few gold and jewels. Then he brought them to a goldsmith. Please make a necklace for my daughter, said Prabu. My pleasure, Your Majesty, the goldsmith replied. The goldsmith worked with all his heart and his ability. He wanted to create the most beautiful necklace for the princess. The birthday came. People gathered in the palace field. Then Prabu and the queen appeared. They waved to their beloved people. Cheers were loud and louder when the princess appeared. Everybody admired her beauty. Prabu got up from his chair and took a small pillow. A beautiful necklace was on the pillow. Prabu took that necklace. My beloved daughter, today I give this necklace to you. This necklace is a gift from people in this country. They love you so much. They presented it for you to express their happiness, because you have growing to a woman, said Prabu. The princess accepted the necklace. She looked at the necklace in a glance. I dont want this necklace! Its ugly! shouted the princess as she threw the necklace away. The necklace hit the floor and was broken. The gold and jewels were spread out on the floor. No body dared to speak. They never thought that their beloved princess would do such a cruel thing. In their silence, people heard the queen crying. Every woman felt sad and began crying too. Then everybody was crying. Suddenly, from the middle of the field, a spring emerged. It quickly became a pool. The palace was getting flooded. Soon the place became a big lake. Nowadays the water on that lake is not as full as before. There is only a small lake now. People called the lake Telaga Warna (it means lake of colour). On a bright day, the lake is full of colour. These colors come from the reflections of forest, plants, flowers, and sky around the lake. But some people said that the colours are from the princess necklace, which spreads at the bottom of the lake

TIMUN EMAS Long time ago, lived an old women named Mbok Sirni. She lived by herself because her husband had long passed away and she had no children. Every day, she prayed so God would give her a child. One night, when she was praying, a giant passed her house and heard her pray. I can give you a child on one condition, the giant said to Mbok Sirni, You must give the child back to me when it is six years old. Mbok Sirni was so happy; she did not think about the risk of losing the child later and agreed to take the giants offer. The giant then gave her a bunch of cucumber seeds. Plant it around your house. The giant then left without saying anything else. In the morning, Mbok Sirni planted the seeds. The seeds grew within mere days, and blossomed plentifully.Not longer after that, a big golden cucumber grew from plants. Carefully, Mbok Sirni plucked the golden cucumber and carried it home. With caution and care, she sliced the cucumber. She was very surprised to see a beautiful baby girl inside the cucumber. She then named the baby Timun Emas (it means Golden Cucumber). Years passed by and Timun Emas has grew to become a lovely and beautiful little girl. She was also smart and kind. Mbok Sirni loved her very much. But she kept thinking about the time the giant would take Timun Emas away from her. One night, Mbok Sirni had a dream. In order to save Timun Emas from the giant, she had to meet the holy man who lived in Mount Gundul. The next morning, Mbok Sirni took leave of Timun Emas to go to Mount Gundul. The holy man then gave her four little bags, each one containing cucumber seeds, needles, salt, and shrimp paste. Timun Emas can use these to protect herself, said the holy man to Mbok Sirni. A few days later, the giant came to see Mbok Sirni about her promise. Mbok Sirni! Where is Timun Emas? shouted the giant. "My daughter, take these bag with you. It can save you from the giant. Now, run through the back door," said Mbok Sirni. But the giant saw Timun Emas running to the woods. The giant was angry. Starved and enraged, he rushed toward Timun Emas. Mbok Sirni tried to stop him, but the giant was unstoppable. The giant was getting closer and closer, so Timun Emas opened the first bag she got from Mbok Sirni. Inside the bag were cucumber seeds. She threw the seeds, and instantly they grew into large cucumber field. But the giant ate them all, giving him more strength. As the giant was getting close, Timun Emas took the second bag with needles inside and spilled the content behind her. The needles turned into bamboo trees, sharp and thorny. The giants body was scratched and bled. Aaargh, Ill get you, Timun Emas! shouted the giant as he tried to get himself out from the bamboo field. He made it and still chasing Timun Emas. Timun Emas then reached the third bag and spilled the salt inside. The ground which the salt touched turned into a deep sea. The giant almost drown and had to swim to cross the sea. After some time, he managed to get out from the water. Timun Emas saw the giant coming, so she reached for the last bag. She took the shrimp paste and threw it. The shrimp paste became a big swamp of boiling mud. The giant was trapped in the middle of the swamp. The mud slowly but surely drowned him. Helpless, he roared out, Help! Heeeeelp! Then the giant drown and died. Timun Mas then immediately went home. Since then, Timun Emas and Mbok Sirni live happily ever after.

LORO 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.

AJI SAKA A long time ago there was a kingdom called Medang Kamulan. The kingdom of Medang Kamulan was ruled by Prabu Dewata Cengkar. The people in the kingdom were very scared by the king. It was because the king liked to eat human flesh. Once a week, he commanded his messenger, Patih Jugul Muda, to find him a human to eat. Far away from the kingdom of Medang Kamulan, there was a village called Medang Kawit. A young man named Aji Saka lived there. Aji Saka was a brave young man. He loved to help people who needed help. One day, Aji Saka saw an old man lying unconscious on the ground. The old man was wounded. Some thieves just hit him and stole his money. Aji Saka then carried the old man to his hut. Soon after, the old man started to regain consciousness. Wheream I? he asked. Youre in my house. Youre safe now, said Aji Saka. It turned out that the old man was from the kingdom of Medang Kamulan. Everybody was leaving Medang Kamulan, the old man told Aji Saka. He also told him about Prabu Dewata Cengkars bad habit. We were terrified, thats why we left, The old man said. After he heard the explanation from the old man, Aji Saka decided to go meet Prabu Dewata Cengkar and make him stop the menace. With his magical white turban on his head, Aji Saka went to the kingdom. The turban was a gift from his Guru that could be used to fight evil. On his journey to Medang Kamulan, Aji Saka passed through a very dark forest where he met an evil genie. The genie blocked his path. If you want to get through this forest, you must be my slave for ten years, the genie demanded. Aji Saka refused to be the genies slave. The two of them then fight for seven days and seven nights, until at last Aji Saka came out as winner. The genie finally allowed Aji Saka to pass through the forest. When Aji Saka arrived in the kingdom of Medang Kamulan, the king was angry to Patih Jugul Muda. He was not able to find the king some humans. If you cant find me any humans, Ill eat you instead, Prabu Dewata Cengkar said to Patih Jugul Muda. After Patih Jugul Muda left, Aji Saka revealed himself. Prabu Dewata Cengkars eyes suddenly widened upon seeing Aji Saka. He could already imagine how delicious his meat would taste. Who are you? asked Prabu Dewata Cengkar. I am Aji Saka from the village of Medang Kawit, Aji Saka answered. Ha...ha...ha.... Im glad you came here. You would be my meal. I'm starving, said the king. I would gladly let you eat me, but I want something in return. Aji Saka said. What is it that you want? asked Prabu Dewata Cengkar. I want a land as large as my turban, said Aji Saka. He then took off his turban and threw it on the ground. Prabu Dewata Cengkar agreed. He himself would measure the land with Aji Sakas turban. Suddenly the turban grew bigger and bigger. It just kept on stretching until it finally covered the whole kingdom. Prabu Dewata Cengkar was angry. He then attacked Aji Saka. But, then the turban wrapped itself around him and began to strangle him. The turban then threw the kings body to the South Sea. The waves carried Prabu dewata Cengkar away until he finally drowned and died. Aji Saka then asked the people of Medang Kamulan to come back to the kingdom. They all thanked the brave Aji Saka. They also agreed to make Aji Saka to be their king. Aji Saka then ruled the kingdom wisely. Under the leadership of Aji Saka, Medang Kamulan become a peaceful and prosperous kingdom.

KEBO IWA

Once upon a time in Bali, lived a wealthy man and his wife. They have been married for a long time but did not have any children. They prayed to God to give them a child. They prayed and prayed. God finally answered their pray. The wife got pregnant and they had a baby boy. They were very happy. The baby was extraordinary. He was very much different from other babies. He ate and drank a lot. Day after day he ate more and more. His body was getting bigger and bigger. And by the time he was a teenager, his body was as big as a buffalo. Thats why people called him Kebo Iwa, it means uncle buffalo. Because of his eating habit, Kebo Iwas parents spent a lot of money to buy his food. They finally went bankrupt. They had no other choice but to ask the villagers to help them provide the food. The villagers then worked together to cook and build a big house for Kebo Iwa. He was like a giant. He could not stay in his parents house anymore because of his big body. After a few months, the villagers also couldnt afford to cook him the food anymore. They then asked Kebo Iwa to cook his own food. The villagers just prepared the raw materials. Kebo Iwa agreed and as an expression of his gratitude to the villagers, he help built a dam, dug wells, and he also protected the villagers from animals and people who wanted to attack their village. It was easy task for him since he also had incredible strength. Meanwhile, the kingdom of Majapahit was planning to attack Bali. They knew about Kebo Iwa. And they also knew that they could not conquer Bali with Kebo Iwa there. Kebo Iwa was more powerful than they were. The Maha Patih of Majapahit then planned something. They were pretending to invite Kebo Iwa to Majapahit to help them dig some wells. They said that Majapahit was suffering from a long dry season and needed water. Kebo Iwa did not know the plan, so he went to Majapahit to help them. When Kebo Iwa was busy digging a well, the Majapahit troops covered the well. Kebo Iwa had difficulty in breathing and buried alive. He died inside the well. After the death of Kebo Iwa, Bali was conquered by Majapahit. Until now, people still remember Kebo Iwa because he had done a lot for Bali.