SEA Folklore

This enchanting folktale shared below is a story originating from the Central Java, one of the province in Indonesia, that is renowned as Timun Mas or the Golden Cucumber. The story revolves around a young and courageous girl named Timun Mas, and a formidable giant known as Buto Ijo, or the Green Giant.

Once upon a time, there was a kind old lady named Mbok Srini. She was lonely and wished for a child to keep her company in her old age. One day, while returning home from the rice field, she met a huge green giant named Buto Ijo.

Buto Ijo understood Mbok Srini’s longing for a child, so he gave her a huge golden cucumber. But, Buto Ijo wanted Mbok Srini to promise something in return, in which, she would give him her first-born child to eat.

Mbok Srini was very grateful and ate the golden cucumber without knowing its magical powers. She accidentally scattered the cucumber seeds in her yard. To her surprise, a giant golden berry grew from the seeds, and to her astonishment, she delightfully discovered a precious baby girl nestled within it.

Mbok Srini named the baby Timun Mas, honoring her origin from the Golden Cucumber. She loved Timun Mas dearly and dedicated herself to raising her, and yet oblivious to her solemn promise to Buto Ijo. As the years passed by, Timun Mas blossoms and grows up into a beautiful, intelligent, and fearless young lady.

On one fateful day, Buto Ijo came to Mbok Srini’s house, demanding Timun Mas as they had agreed in the past. But Mbok Srini couldn’t bear to part with her beloved daughter. She then told Buto Ijo that Timun Mas was sick and asked him to come back another day.

Unbeknownst to Buto Ijo, Mbok Srini told Timun Mas to run away and hide from Buto Ijo. She gave her magical cucumber seeds, needles, salt, and shrimp paste to protect her. Timun Mas followed her mother’s advice and started running away while Buto Ijo was chasing her.

As Timun Mas ran, she planted the magical cucumber seeds. While chasing Timun Mas, the cucumber grew quickly and put Buto Ijo into a trap, while giving Timun Mas some time to escape. Unfortunately, Buto Ijo managed to free himself from the cucumber trap.

Timun Mas then threw the enchanted needles on the ground, turning them into a thick bamboo forest. Again, Buto Ijo got his feet injured due to the magical needles, but he shown no give up.

To shake off her pursuer, Timun Mas scattered salt behind her steps. Miraculously, a vast sea appeared behind her, swallowing Buto Ijo in a second. Sadly, Buto Ijo proved his adeptness in swimming, so he continued chasing her.

In a final act of bravery, Timun Mas opened the last gift that her mother had given her, which is the shrimp paste. Instantly, the scalding volcanic mud erupted from the paste, submerging Buto Ijo and letting Timun Mas escape.

After all the journey, Timun Mas rushes back to her mother’s embrace overjoyed and filled with relief. Their bond grew even stronger, and they found peace in their newfound freedom. Mbok Srini and Timun Mas lived happily together for the rest of their days, cherishing each other’s company.