JAWA BARAT (WEST JAVA) 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.*** 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 didn't 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).***

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.***

JAWA TENGAH (CENTRAL JAVA) 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.***

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.***

Mouse Deer and Tiger 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 hadn't 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, then..."Gotcha!" 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.***

Mouse Deer and Crocodile One day, Mouse Deer went down to the river to take a drink. But he knew that the crocodile might be waiting underwater to eat him, so he said out loud. I wonder if the waters warm. Ill put in my leg and find out. Of course Mouse Deer didnt put in his leg. He picked up a stick instead and put one end into the water. Chomp! Crocodile grabbed the stick and pulled it underwater. Mouse Deer laughed. Ha haha Stupid crocodile! Cant you tell the difference between a stick and a leg? Then Mouse Deer ran off to drink somewhere else. In the next day, Mouse Deer wanted to cross the river. He wanted to eat the fruits on the other side of the river. He saw a floating log in the river. He knew that Crocodile looked like a log when he floated. Mouse Deer didnt want to be eaten by Crocodile when he crosses the river. He had an idea. He called out loud, Crocodile! Crocodile rose from the water, Hello, Mouse Deer. Have you come to be my lunch? Mouse Deer smiled. Sorry, not today, Crocodile. I have orders from the King. He wants to invite all the crocodiles in this river to a party. He wants me to count all the crocodiles so he could prepare enough meal for you. Really? Tell us what to do, said Crocodile. You must line up from this side of the river to the other side, said Mouse Deer. Crocodile then got all his friends and family. They lined up across the river. Mouse Deer then jumped onto Crocodiles back. One, he counted. He jumped onto the next crocodile, Two. And the next crocodile, Three. Mouse Deer kept jumping until he arrived on the other side of the river. How many are there? asked Crocodile. Just enough, said Mouse Deer. He laughed as he ran to the forest.*** 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.***

JAWA TIMUR (EAST JAVA) 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.*** 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.***

KALIMANTAN BARAT (WEST KALIMANTAN) The Golden Watermelon Long time ago, at the north area of West Kalimantan, lived a wealthy merchant. He had two sons. The older one is named Muzakir and the younger one is named Dermawan. The two brothers were so different in their attitudes. Muzakir had a very mean and greedy character. On the contradictory, Dermawan was a caring and kind person. He was not greedy and always tried to help those in needs.

Before he passed away, the merchant divided all of his money equally to both of his sons. He did it so that both of his sons will not envious at each other. Muzakir then bought a big cash-box. He put his entire share inside the cash-box and locked it. When a poor came to Muzakirs house, he laughs at them instead of giving them something. If the poor dont want to leave, Muzakir would summon his servants to chase them away. Many of the poor in that area had heard about Muzakirs rude attitude, therefore they preferred to come to Dermawan. When Dermawan saw those peoples coming, he sincerely welcome them to his house and shared money with those who needed it. It was almost every day a poor came for his help that f inally he ran out of money. Dermawan then moved to a smaller house. He also worked as a foreman. His salary was not much, only enough to buy his own daily meals. But Dermawan was happy with his simple life. His elder brother laughed when he heard the news about Dermawan. He always thought that Dermawan was a fool to share his money with other people. He himself has just bought a large new house. There is no one who as stupid as my younger brother, he said. One day, when Dermawan was sitting and relaxing in his house yard, a sparrow suddenly fell off in front of him. The sparrow twittered in pain. Poor bird, did you broke your wing? He took the bird and examines its wings. Hes right. One of the sparrows wings is broken. Let me take care of you, he said. Dermawan bandaged the sparrows wing and then he took some rice to feed the poor bird. After some time, the bird gradually tamed and was no longer afraid to Dermawan. Few days later, its wings were completely healed. After a while, it flew to the sky. The following day, the sparrow came to visit Dermawan. It held a seed with its beak, and then it put the seed in front of Dermawan. It was an ordinary seed, but Dermawan accepted it with a big smile on his face. He then planted the seed in the back yard of his house. Three days later, the seed started to grow. It was a watermelon tree. Dermawan took good care of the tree. He thought the tree would bear many fruits since it was so blossomy. But, from all the flowers, only one turned to fruit. Day by day, the fruit grows bigger, bigger than any watermelon Dermawan ever see. Harvesting time finally came and he decided to take the watermelon. Oh my God, it is so heavy, he uttered while trying hardly to carry it into the house to put on the table. He took a knife and started to cut the watermelon. Dermawan was shocked. Inside the watermelon is some kind of yellow sand. What could this be? Dermawan wondered. Then he realized that the strange yellow sand was actually a

pile of pure golden sand. Holy God, its gold. Im rich, he danced happily. He heard bird twittered and he looked outside. He saw the sparrow on a tree. Thank you, he shouted. Thank you, he shouted again, and then the sparrow flew away. Dermawan then bought a big house with a very big garden the next day. All of the poor came to his house and were welcomed for meals. This time, Dermawan would not run out of money. He had so much money, and his fields produced plants with good fruits as well. The news about Dermawans fortune was heard by Muzakir and made him envy. He went to Dermawan house, and Dermawan honestly told his brother about the sparrow. Muzakir immediately commanded his servants to find a bird with broken wings as he heard the story from his brother. A week passed, but Muzakirs servants still couldnt find such bird. He was so angry and even couldnt sleep during the nights. The next day, he asked one of his servants to catch a bird using chopsticks. Of course, the chopsticks hurt the bird and broke its wings. Muzakir then pretended to pity the bird and took care of it. Days passed and the bird was completely healed and let to fly. The following day, the bird came back to Muzakir and brought a seed for him. He was very happy. I will be very rich soon, even richer than Dermawan, he said to himself. Muzakir planted the seed at the back yard of his house and it grew to a fine watermelon tree after several days. It also bore only one fruit, which was much bigger than that once owned by Dermawan. As the harvesting time approached, Muzakir asked his servants to take the fruit into his house. He couldnt wait to find a pile of golden sand inside. He cut the watermelon himself and was very shocked when black mud mixed with dirt flushed out to his face. It smelled very bad. Muzakirs clothes and also the room were terribly dirty because of it. He ran to the street because he couldnt stand the rotten smell from the watermelon. All the people on the street laughed at him for what they saw.***

The Origin of Landak River Long time ago, lived a farmer and his wife in a village by the side of a forest. They lived simply and they like to help other people, especially one who in afflictions. One night, the farmer and his wife were resting in their house. The farmer was sitting beside his sleeping wife. Suddenly, a white centipede came out from the wifes head. The farmer was amazed. He then followed the centipede until they reach a small pond not far from their house. Then

the centipede suddenly disappeared. The farmer went home and found his wife still soundly asleep. In the morning, the wife told his husband about the dream she had last night. I was walking through a vast field, and I came to a lake. I saw a giant hedgehog in the lake. It was glaring at me, so I ran away. After he heard his wifes dream, the farmer went back to the small pond. In the pond, he saw something very shiny. He came to the shiny object and took it. It was a golden hedgehog statue. It was very beautiful. Its eyes were made of diamond. The farmer then brought the statue home. At night, the farmer had a dream. A giant hedgehog came to him, Please let me stay in your home. As return, I will give you everything you want. Just caress the statues head and say the prayer. There are two kinds of prayers, one is to start your wish and the second is to stop your wish. Now memorize the prayers. In the next day, the farmer told his wife about his dream. They really wanted to prove it. The farmer slowly caressed the statue's head. He said the prayer and asked for rice. Suddenly, rice came out of the mouth of the statue. The rice kept on coming out from the statue's mouth. The farmer immediately said the prayer to stop it. The rice then stopped coming out from the statue. The farmer and his wife then asked for other things, jewelry and other stuff they needed. They became very rich. But they still like to help other people. A lot of poor came to them for help. Unfortunately, a thief found out about the secret of the golden hedgehog statue. Pretending to be a poor asking for help, he stole the statue from the farmers house. The thief blurred to the district area of Ngabang. There was a drought in the area. The thief wanted sympathy from the people, so he said to them that he would provide them with water. The thief then caressed the hedgehog statue and said the prayer. Water came out of the statues mouth. All the people were so happy. But the water kept on coming out. The thief didnt know the prayer to stop the wish. People who saw the incident were really scared. They ran away to avoid the water as it was started to flood the area. The thief also wanted to run away, but he cannot move his legs. In his vision, there was a giant hedgehog holding both his legs. Water kept coming from the statue and slowly it became a river. The thief was drowned in the river. People then named the river as Hedgehog River or Sungai Landak.***

The Crying Stone One upon a time, lived a poor old widow in a small village. She lived with her daughter. Her daughter was very beautiful but also very lazy and arrogant. She never helped her mother and didnt want to know what problem her mother had. Everyday, she put make up and wears her best clothes. She always wanted to look rich and beautiful. One day, the mother and her daughter went to the market to buy some food. At first, the daughter refused to accompany her mother, but finally she agreed. Ill go with you, but you must walk behind me, said the daughter. She didn't want to walk side by side with her mother. Although her mother was very sad, she agreed to walk behind her daughter. On the way to the market, everybody admired the girl's beauty. But they were also curious. Behind the beautiful girl, there was an old woman with a simple dress. The girl and her mother looked very different. Hello, beautiful girl. Who is the old woman behind you? Is she your mother?" they asked. No, she is not my mother. She is my servant, the girl answered. Her mother was very sad to hear that, but she didn't say anything. She could understand that her daughter was ashamed. The girl and the mother met other people. Again they asked who the woman behind the beautiful girl. And again the girl answered that her mother is her servant. She always said that her mother is her servant every time people asked. At last, the mother cannot hold the pain anymore. She prayed to God to punish her daughter. Suddenly, the girl's leg turns into stone. Slowly, the process continues to the upper part of the girl's body. The girl was in panic. "Mother, please forgive me! Mother!" she cried and asked her mother to forgive her. But it's already too late. Her whole body finally becomes a big stone. Until now, people can still see tears falling down from the stone. People then call it batu menangis (it mean the crying stone).*** The Wise King Long time ago, there was a kingdom named Sanggau in the Borneo Island. It was a peaceful and prosperous kingdom under the leadership of their wise king. There was a market in the kingdom of Sanggau. Pak Razak was a famous cook there. He owned his own restaurant in the market. One day, Pak Razak was cooking in his restaurant when a farmer passed by. But the farmer stopped in front of Pak Razaks restaurant. He smells the aroma of the delicious food Pak Razak was cooking. Hmmm delicious yummy, said the farmer. "Hey! What are you doing? Do you want to come to my restaurant or not? Pak Razak asked. "No, I don't.

Smelling the aroma of your delicious food makes me full," said the farmer. So youre full by smelling my food? asked Pak Razak again. Yes, I am, the farmer answered. If thats the case, you have to pay me for the smell of my delicious food, said Pak Razak. Ridiculous, I dont want to pay. I didnt eat anything, the farmer refused to pay. But Pak Razak kept persisting that the farmer must pay for the aroma of his food. Both of them started to quarrel. People came and asked them to calm down. They suggested that Pak Razak and the farmer go to the King to solve the problem. In the following day, Pak Razak and the farmer went to the palace. "Please tell me what happened, asked the King. Pak Razak and the farmer told the King about the problem. "Hmm...I have the solution, said the King after he heard the story from both Pak Razak and the farmer. The King then asked the farmer to bring out his money. The farmer took a gold coin from his pocket. Now put your coins into this bottle. The farmer then put his coin into a bottle prepared by the Kings servant. Do you hear the sound of the coins?" asked the King to Pak Razak. "Yes, I do," answered Pak Razak. "Then, the farmer has just paid you. He pays your delicious aroma with the sound of his money," explained the King. Pak Razak was silent. He knew the King was right. The King just gave him a lesson. He then apologize to the farmer.***

KALIMANTAN SELATAN (NORTH KALIMANTAN) Ning Rangda A long time ago in the southern area of Borneo Island, lived a beautiful girl named Rangda. She had excellent weaving and sewing skills. Her beauty was known in the whole area. Many young men fell in love with her. One day, the prince who had heard about Rangdas beauty, came to her house to order a dress from her. The prince was amazed by Rangdas beauty and her humbleness. He fell in love with her. After he got his dress, the prince immediately went back to the palace. He wanted to tell his father that he already found his future wife. However, right after the prince arrived at the palace, he suffered a terrible illness. He was unconscious and got high fever. Every night in his sleep, he always whispered a name, "Rangda... Rangda... Rangda." The king was really worried. He asked his advisors about the Rangda's name. One of the kings advisors, Wakil Mangkubumi was familiar with the name. Rangda is a beautiful

young girl who lives at the southern area. She had excellent weaving and sewing skill. All of the princes clothes were made by her, explained Wakil Mangkubumi. The king knew that his son had fallen in love with the girl. The next day, he ordered his soldiers to take him and the prince to Rangda's house. Wakil Mangkubumi went first to Rangdas house. The king had ordered him to tell Rangda and her parents about the wedding proposal. Rangda was very happy because she also fell in love with the prince. When the prince heard that he would meet with Rangda, he was very happy. His health improved significantly. Then the prince, the king, and the soldiers went to Rangda's house. But the trip was very tiring and made the prince suffered his illness again. The illness was worse than the previous one. It was so bad that finally the prince died on the journey. The king was so sad. He thought it was useless to continue the trip. Then he went back to the palace. Meanwhile, Rangda did not know that the prince had died. She was sewing a wedding dress for the wedding. She wanted to give the prince the best wedding dress. Everyday, she waited and waited for the prince, but he never came. She kept on sewing the wedding dress until she was old. People then called her Ning Rangda. She was called Ning because she was old and had a hunchbacked body.***

Legend of Gunung Batu Bangkai Many years ago, in Loksado, lived a young man with his mother. He was called Andung Kuswara. He was a smart young man. He had medical skill that he learned from his late father. Andung Kuswara worked hard everyday to fulfill their daily needs. One day, Andung Kuswara went to the forest alone, searching for fruits and vegetables. On his way home, he found an old man squeezed badly between two big trees. Andung Kuswara immediately helped him. He then healed his wound perfectly. Dear young man, I thank you for your help, the old man said and took something hanging on his neck. As my gratitude, I give you this necklace. Hopefully it would bring good fortune for you, said the old man. Andung Kuswara took the gift and went home. Both Andung Kuswara and his mother passed their times happily. But Andung Kuswara wanted a better life for him and his mother. Maybe it is better to leave my home to another country and practice my medical skill, he thought. However, he had not enough courage to tell his intention to his mother. He knew his mother would be alone if he left.

After a month passed, finally Andung Kuswara told his mother about his intention. Mother, I want to make our life better. I want to go to other country and find a better job, he said to his mother. Andung my son. If it is your final decision, I wont stop you. All I can do is pray for you to find what youre searching for, his mother said wisely. Thank you, Mother, Andung Kuswara smiled happily. The next morning, Andung Kuswara left his homeland to pursue his dream. He went overseas. He walked for weeks until he reached the kingdom of Basiang. On his way, he met a farmer whose body was full of ulcers and scabies. Andung Kuswara tried to help him. He cured the farmer with his medical skill. The farmer was so happy. He offered Andung Kuswara to stay at his home. He also told Andung Kuswara that almost all inhabitants of the country were suffering from the same diseases. The news about Andung Kuswaras medical skill quickly spread throughout the whole country. All sick people come to him to be cured from their sickness. The king of Basiang also heard the news about Andung Kuswaras excellent medical skill. The king then ordered his guard to brought Andung Kuswara to cure the princess who was also been sick. My daughter has been on her bed for two weeks. She can not do anything. Many healers had attempted to recover her, but they failed. Will you cure her? asked the king to Andung Kuswara. My Majesty, I am just a poor wanderer and I have minimal medical skill. So, please forgive me if I also fail in recovering the princess, Andung Kuswara replied. Andung Kuswara was then allowed to enter the princesss room. The princess was very pale and weak. However, her beauty clearly seemed through her wonderful face. Andung Kuswara was amazed looking at her, Ah, the princess is so beautiful, he said to himself. He then tried to cure the princess with all his skill, but the princess did not move at all. Andung Kuswara then thought of another way. He took the necklace hanging on his neck. The necklace was soaked in the cup of water for a moment. After reading some prayers upon the water, Andung Kuswara spattered it on the princesss face for several times. Suddenly, the princess could move her body. Her eyes and lips opened, and her face turned bright. The princess was eventually able to sit on her bed. The king was very grateful for Andung Kuswaras help to his only daughter. To express his gratefulness, he allowed Andung Kuswara to marry his daughter. The princess was happy to welcome Andung as her husband. The same was felt by Andung who fell in love with the princess.

A year passed, and the princess was pregnant. She told her husband that she desired to eat kasturi fruit that only grew in Kalimantan Island. Andung Kuswaras accompanied by several kingdom troops went to search the fruit. After arriving at the Kalimantan Island, Andung Kuswara headed to Loksado to find the kasturi tree which, according to local people, was bearing fruit. Andung Kuswara stood surprisingly after knowing that the tree grew exactly in front of his mothers small hut. Andung Kuswara immediately commanded the troops to return to the kingdom without taking the fruit to avoid meeting his own mother. But suddenly Andung Kuswaras mother went out from the hut. She saw her son among the troops in front of her home. AndungAndungmy son, she tried to call her son. Andung Kuswara and the troops continuously walked to keep away from the old woman. However, she ran after them and kept calling for his son. Feeling ashamed in front of the troops, Andung Kuswara said angrily to his own mother, Stop calling me as your son, old woman. I am a nobility of the Basiang Kingdom. I never know an old woman like you. After that, Andung kuswara continued walking. Andung Kuswaras mother was shocked to hear those words from her beloved son. She cried and prayed with trembling lips, Oh my God, show your power and justice. Her tears had not been drying when the sky suddenly turned dark and thunder stroke repeatedly. After that, a sudden storm smashed and heavy rain fell dementedly. Suddenly Andung Kuswaras body slowly turned into stone. Since the time, the locals called the mountain as Gunung Batu Bangkai (mountain of decease stone), because the stone that lays on it resembles human body. The mountain located in the sub district of Loksado, South Kalimantan .***

SUMATERA UTARA (NORTH SUMATERA) Lake Toba In the northern area of Sumatra Island, lived a young man. Everyday, he work hard as a farmer. One day in the morning, the young man went fishing in a river. Not so long after he threw the bait, it was bitten by a fish. He pulled the fishing rod and was amazed by the fish he caught. It was a golden fish. Wait, please dont eat me, the fish suddenly spoke to the young man. Startled, the young man dropped the golden fish and it suddenly turned into a beautiful girl.

I must have been dreaming, the young man said to himself. Dont afraid, Sir. I was a princess cursed by the gods because a mistake I did. Youve save me, said the girl. As my gratitude, Im willing to be your wife. The young man was so amazed to see the beauty of the girl, so he accepted her as his wife. They became man and wife but with one condition, the young man promised not to mention about the fish form of the girl. Terrible disaster will happen if the promise is broken. A year passed, the young man and his wife already had a son. They were so happy. Their son grew up as a healthy boy. But he was a little naughty. He also had a habit, he was always hungry. One day, the wife asked their son to deliver lunch to his father. But, the son ate the food on his way to the fields. The father had been working since morning. He was so hungry. Finding that theres no food left for him, he said angrily, Stupid boy! You little fish boy! He didnt realize that he broke the promise. After he said those words, his son and wife mysteriously disappeared. From their footstep on the ground, theres water bursting out. The water kept coming out and started to flood the area. The whole village and the surrounding area became a lake. Theres a small island in the middle of the lake, known as Samosir Island. And the lake is known as Lake Toba. *** Lau Kawar Once upon a time, there was a very fertile land at the Karo Regency. It was known as the Kawar Village. Its people were mostly farmers, and the land did produce wonderful harvest. It is said that one day the harvest was doubled compared to the previous year. The barns were extremely full with rice. For this reason, the people agreed to have a celebration party. On one beautiful day, all the villagers gathered in a field. They wore beautiful dresses and made delicious food. Everybody was having good times. They were singing, laughing, and of course, eating delicious food. All of the villagers attended the party except an old woman who was paralyzed. Her son, her daughter-in-law, and her grandson all went to the party. The old woman lay on her bed alone. I really want to be at the party but I cannot even stand on my feet, sobbed the old woman. She could only see the merry party from distance. The lunch time came and all of the people at the party gathered around the table for the foods that had been prepared. All of them enjoyed the foods happily. Contradictory to what was going on at the party, the old woman was starving in the house. She didn`t eat even a bite since morning. My goodness, I am so hungry. Why any of my family didn`t come to

bring me something to eat? sighed her with her body shivering for hunger. She forced herself up from the bed and searched for something to eat in the kitchen, but theres nothing. Her daughter in law did not to cook that day, realizing that foods would be prepared in the feast. The poor old woman came back to her bed. She was so disappointed and sad that her tears dropped. She cried for her poor life. At the party, the son asked her wife, "Why don't you take some food from the party and give it for my mom. Ask our son to deliver it. Alright, said the woman while hurriedly wrapping the foods for the mother. After that, she asked her son to take the foods home for her as her husband told her previously, My son, please take these foods for your grandmother. The old woman was very happy for the foods. Finally, she got something to eat. But her happiness turned into sadness when she saw find only leftovers. It just had little rice and there were only some bones of beef and lamb which were almost without any meat to eat. What is this!? Do they think Im an animal? Why did they give me leftovers and bones! moaned her furiously. The mother stored complete grilled meat into the package in fact. However, the grandson ate the foods on his way to his grandmother that only bones were left. The old woman didn`t know anything about this that she thought her son and daughter in law did it on purpose. She felt so disappointed and humiliated that she hardly held her tears to fall down. She then prayed to God to curse both her son and daughter in law. My God, they were sinful to me. I beg You to punish them! said the woman in her prayer. Suddenly, there was a very strong earthquake not even a minute when the woman completed her prayer. The sky was turned dark and cloudy, and there was a great thunder followed by heavy rain. All the villagers were so scared. They wanted to save themselves. They tried to find shelters. The village was drowned in a short time and there was not even a single person survived. The drowned village turned into a big crater and flooded by water. The people in the surroundings later on call it Lau Kawar.***

The Origin of Pond Sampuraga In the area Sumatra, lived a widow with her son named Sampuraga. They lived in a small hut in the forest. Everyday they worked hard as employees in a farm owned by a rich man. One day, Sampuraga and his boss took a rest, leaning on a tree after working all day. While

enjoying their lunch, the boss asked, Sampuraga, youre still young. Why dont you move to a prosperous land and find a better job? Sampuraga was an honest and diligent young man. That why his boss cared for him and wanted a better life for him. Actually I`ve been dreaming to move to search for a better life. I want to make my mother happier. But where to? asked Sampuraga. You should go to Mandailing. One of my friend live there. Most of the inhabitants have farms and fields. They also seek for living by panning for gold in the river since it has high level of gold content, explained the boss. The conversation made Sampuraga decided to follow the bosss advised. Back in his hut, Sampuraga told his mother about his decision. Mother, I want to move to look for a better life. In this place, Ill always be employee and work for other people. I want to go someplace else and try out my luck, Sampuraga said to his mother. Where will you go, son? his mother asked. I was thinking about Mandailing. The boss told me that the people in Mandailing live in prosperity because of its fertile soil, Sampuraga said. His mother knew that Sampuraga had made up his mind and nothing can change his decision. Though I`m afraid of being separated with you, as I get older, but I have no reason to forbid you. I`m sorry I never make you happy, his mother said. Thank you, Mother! I promise I`ll be back soon if I were success. Pray for me Mom, Sampuraga asking for his Mothers blessing. Sampuraga depart on his journey to Mandailing the following day. He left his mother alone. Days passed, he walked throughout a forest passing by villages. One day, he reached a city in Pidoli Kingdom, in Mandailing. In that place, he tried to apply for job. A rich merchant accepted his application. The merchant took a great trust in him as he was diligent and honest young man. After a year, the boss gave him some financial capitals so that he could run his own business. His business grew up rapidly in a short time. Some of his profits were kept to increase his capital in order to make his business bigger. Finally, he was known a rich young business man. The merchant was so proud with Sampuraga. One day, he asked Sampuraga if he is interested to marry his daughter. Sampuraga, you are honest and diligent man. Do you want to marry my daughter? asked the merchant. Of course, Sir, Sampuraga answered. The merchants daughter was known as the most beautiful girl in the Pidoli Kingdom. They got married in a luxurious wedding party. All preparations had been started months before the wedding day. Ten buffalos and goats were provided in the party. Everybody knew

about the big wedding including Sampuragas mother. She heard the news from a passing merchant from Mandailing. Is it true? Maybe its just the same name, she was at doubt. How could it possible for her son to marry a beautiful girl from a wealthy family, whereas hes just a son of poor widow. But, Sampuragas mother still wanted to make sure, so she went to Mandailing to watch the wedding. When she arrived in Pidoli Kingdom, the wedding party already started. It was so crowded and noisy. She tried to get closer in the crowd. She was shocked when she saw the man who was sitting next to a beautiful girl. It was her son, Sampuraga. Raga! Sampuraga, my son, she shouted, trying to get Sampuragas attention. Sampuraga was shocked to hear that familiar voice. OhIt`s not possible, he thought while looking for the source of the voice among the crowded. But then he saw an old woman ran to him. Sampuraga, my son! Im your mother! said the old woman while she tried to embrace Sampuraga. But Sampuraga was so embarrassed to see his own mother. His face turned red. Hey, old woman! Don`t pretend to be my mother! I have no mother like you! Go away from here now! Dont disturb my party! he shouted with angry tone. His mother was startled to see Sampuragas reaction. Raga Sampuraga. Im your mother. How could you forget your own mother? she started to cry. No!! You`re not my Mother! Shes already dead! Guard, take this old woman out of here! Sampuraga ordered his guard. His heart had totally hardened until he denied and chased away his own mother. All of the guests only kept on silence, no one dared to mediate them. The old woman then was dragged by two guards out of the party. While still crying, she prayed, Dear GodIf he were truly my son, Sampuraga, please give him a punishment for disavowing me. Suddenly, the sky turned dark, covered by thick cloud. The rain fell down followed by thunderstorm. All of the guests tried to ran away, but they couldnt escape the storm. Just in a short time, no one was safe, including Sampuraga and his wife. On the next days, that place turned into a hot pond surrounded by limestone whose shape were the same as buffalos. There were also two heaps of sand and colorful mud that looked like the food offered on Sampuraga`s wedding party. People later call it Kolam Sampuraga or Pond Sampuraga.***

Nai Manggale

Once upon a time in Tapanuli, lived a famous sculptor named Datu Panggana. When he got an order, he went to the forest to look for the most suitable wood and carved it according to the order. One day, he got an inspiration to carve a wood he found. He worked all day in his workshop to carve the wood into a statue of a beautiful woman. Then, he put the statue in front of his house. Later, a young merchant passed by and saw the statue. His name was Bao Partigatiga. He was very impressed by the beauty of the statue. He then put beautiful clothes and jewelries on the statue. Its so beautiful, he said to himself proudly. The statue looked like a real human. Then he left Datu Pangganas house. After that, a priest named Datu Partoar and his wife passed by. They were also impressed by the beauty of the statue. "I want to pray to God to make her live like a real human. I want to make her as our daughter," said Datu Partoar to his wife. The couple didnt have any children yet. The statue changed into a very beautiful girl. Datu Partoar and his wife then took the girl home. They named her Nai Manggale. The news about Nai Manggales beauty spread throughout the village. All the villagers came to Datu Partoars house to see Nai Manggale. Among them were Datu Panggana and Bao Partigatiga. Nai Manggale honestly told the villagers that she was actually a statue which became a living woman by the grace of God. Datu Panggana went after Datu Partoar to claim his own creation and Bao Partigatiga also claimed his right for the living statue. It was me who carved her from a wood. So, she is mine, said Datu Panggana. She is wearing my clothes and jewelries. So, she should go with me, said Bao Partigatiga. "Remember, I am the one who made her live like a human. So, she stays here," Datu Partoar also join in the argument. Those three men were arguing. They claimed to have the rights of Nai Manggale. To calm them, an elderly of the village gave a solution. His name was Aji Bahir. "You all can have her and have a relationship with her. Datu Panggana, youre her uncle. Bao Partigatiga, youre her brother. And Datu Partoar, youre her father." The three men accepted Aji Bahir's advice. And they were happy because now they were related.***

SUMATERA BARAT (WEST SUMATERA)

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.***

Pak Lebai Malang Pak Lebai was an old man living in a village by the river. Everyday, he used his sampan for travelling at the river. Pak Lebai had a bad habit. He always changed his mind before he did something. He was an inconsistent man. One day, Pak Lebai was invited to a party by his neighbor. Pak lebai was happy. He loved party because he could eat delicious food. He also could get a buffalo's head from the party. Still on the same day, he got another invitation. Those two party invitations made him confused. The two parties were held at the same time, but at different places. The two neighbors who invited him lived in different sides of the river. One neighbor lived on the east side and the other one lived in the west side. "If I go to the west side, I will only get one buffalos head. If I go to the east side, I can have two heads of buffalo. But the host at the west side is friendlier, he said to himself. He was confused. On the following day, Pak Lebai paddled his sampan to the party at the west side of the river. But then he changed his mind and went to the east side. On the way there, he met with some friends. "The party is awful. There are not many buffalo's heads," said one of them. So, Pak Lebai turned back his sampan again and went to the west side. Unfortunately,

the party was already over when he arrived there. Pak Lebai immediately paddled his sampan to the east side again. But he also missed the party. Pak Lebai was upset and blaming himself for being so inconsistent. He was so hungry and tired because he was padding back and forth in the river. He then fell asleep in his sampan. He did not realize that his sampan was drifting away at the river. When he woke up, he was already in the different village. Thats why all his neighbors started to call him Pak Lebai Malang (poor mister Lebai).***

SULAWESI TENGAH (CENTRAL SULAWESI) Legend of Batu Bagga Long time ago in Sulawesi Island, lived a man named Intobu. He lived alone with his only son, named Impalak. They were poor. Everyday they work as fishermen. They went to the sea every night to catch fish, even in bad weather. Intobu always advised his son, Being fishermen is our only income. Do not take the bad weather as our enemy. Impalak nodded. Yes, Father, he replied. Intobu and Impalak worked as fishermen for years. But, Impalak started to feel bored with the job. He wanted to try something new. He wanted to make a better living for his father and himself. One day, Impalak tried to talk to his father about his desire. Father, please forgives me, Impalak felt hesitated. What is it, my son? Intobu was curious seeing his sons strange attitude. Father, actually I want to quit working as fisherman. I want to go abroad and try working something else, explained Impalak. Intobu was sad hearing his sons decision, but he also wanted Impalak to be a successful person. If that is your decision, I couldnt do anything else but to allow you. I can only pray for your safety and success said Intobu. But I want you to always remember your homeland. Always remember your father, he continued. Yes, Father. I will remember. Thank you, said Impalak happily. In the next day, Impalak went to the harbor. He saw a bagga (sailboat) and went to see the owner. Excuse me, Sir. Im wondering if I can sail with you? asked Impalak. The baggas owner was silent for a moment. Its not a problem for me. But why do you want to sail with me, and have you asked permission from your parents? asked the baggas owner then. I worked here as fishermen with my father, but I want to try my luck abroad. My father already agreed with my plan, said Impalak. All right, I will set sail tomorrow. Come met me

here in the morning. And by the way, whats your name? asked the baggas owner. Thank you, Sir. My name is Impalak, Sir, Impalak answered happily. Back in his house, Impalak told his father about the bagga boat. When do you depart? asked Intobu. Tomorrow, Father, answered Impalak. The next morning, impalak went to the harbor together with his father. The bagga was ready to set sail. Hurry, Impalak! shout the baggas owner. Impalak kissed his fathers hand, Im going, Father. Take care, said Impalak. Go, Son. My blessing is with you, said Intobu. There were tears in his eyes as he saw the bagga leaving the harbor. A few years passed. Every time Intobu saw a bagga boat, he always hoped that his son is coming home. But theres no news at all from Impalak. One day, Intobu went fishing as usual. He used his small sampan and headed to the open water near the harbor. But then he saw a bagga heading to the harbor. When the bagga was getting close to Intobus sampan, he saw a handsome young man standing in front of the baggas deck. The young man was accompanied by his beautiful wife. Intobu recognized the young man. He was Impalak, his son. Impalak! Impalak, my son! Intobu shout happily. Impalak heard his fathers shouting, but he ignored him. Honey, theres someone down there calling your name. Is that your father? asked his wife. No, hes not my father. Just ignore him, honey Impalak was embarrassed to acknowledge his old father in front of his beautiful wife. Intobu tried to row his sampan closer to the bagga, but suddenly theres a big waves in the sea. Intobus sampan was hit by the waves and almost drowned. Help Help me Impalak, help! Intobu was shouting, asking help from his son. But Impalak ignored his father. He even turned his bagga into the opposite direction from Intobus sampan. Intobus heart was broken to see his sons ignorance. His felling is mixed with sadness and anger. He looked into the sky and prayed, Oh, God. Please hear my prayer. I curse that rebellious sons bagga into stone. Not long after Intobu said the prayer, a storm came and struck Impalaks bagga. The wind blew so hard, pushing the bagga to the shore. Suddenly, the bagga and Impalak turned into stone. The stone still exist until now. People called it Batu Bagga (Bagga Stone).***

ACEH

The Parakeet King Once upon a time, there was a group of parakeets in the forest. The parakeets group was led by a king. One day, their peaceful life was threatened by a hunter who planned to catch and sell them in the market. The hunter put some glues around the parakeets nests to trap them. Some parakeets and the parakeet king were trapped on the glues that the hunter set up before. They had tried to release themselves from the trap, but their efforts resulted nothing. All of them cried for help, except their king. Relax my friends! This glue is put by the hunter. He wants to catch us alive. If we die, he will not bring us with him. I suggest we all pretend to be dead when he comes to take us tomorrow. When the hunter releases us from this trap, he will checks whether we still alive or not. If he thinks we are dead, he will leave us here. Please wait for my counting to one hundred, and then we will fly together, the parakeet king said calmly. All parakeets agreed with the idea, Good idea. Tomorrow we will pretend to be dead to free ourselves from the hunter. The hunter came in the next morning, and released those parakeets one by one from the trap. Finding all of them had not breathed, the hunter was very upset. The parakeets were left unattended in the ground, and the hunter walked home. But suddenly, the hunter slipped and felt down. Surprised by the accident, the pretending parakeets flied and scattered to all directions without waiting for the kings counting. The hunter realized that the parakeets had deceived him. But then he saw one bird was still on the ground. It was the parakeet king who was still pretending to be dead. "Gotcha!" he seized the parakeet king. Ill kill you, said the hunter in his anger. Forgive me, sir! Please do not kill me! Please release me, the parakeet king asked for mercy. But the hunter replied angrily, I will not release you. Your friends and you have fooled me. But Ill not kill you if you promise to entertain me, the hunter said. Okay, sir. Ill chirp for you everyday, said the parakeet king agreed. The hunter then brought the parakeet king to his home. He put the parakeet in a cage. The parakeet king chirped melodiously everyday to please the hunter. Wonderful voice, luckily I didnt kill him, said the hunter. The news about the beautiful voice of the parakeet king was heard by the king of Aceh. The king decided to invite the hunter to come to his palace. The king intended to buy the parakeet. At first, the hunter refused to sell the parakeet. Oh my Majesty, I do not intend to go up against your wish to have this bird, but it is hard for me to hand over him to you, said the

hunter. I would like to buy him with high price, replied the king. After thought the price offered by the king for a while, the hunter finally said, Oh my Majesty, if you really intend to have the bird, I would gladly sell it to you. The king was delighted to hear the hunters answer, and quickly paid him the amount of the promised money. At the palace, the parakeet king was put in a golden cage. He was given so many delicious foods, but he still felt imprisoned. He wished that he could back home to the forest and could fly freely with his parakeet fellow. His sorrow made him sick. He stopped singing at all. Why does my beloved bird stop chirping? Is he sick? the king asked the guard. My Majesty, I do not know exactly the causes. I have provided him with many delicious foods and taken care of him carefully, but he still keeps silent, replied the guard. The king was so sad hearing the guards explanation. Meanwhile, in his golden cage, the parakeet king began to think a way to escape. He came up with an idea. I will pretend to be dead as I had ever done before, he said to himself. In the next morning he began to do his plan and imagined could fly freely. The palace guard who saw the condition of the parakeet king came to the king to tell the bad news. The king was very sad hearing the news, because the parakeets beautiful twitter was no longer be heard. To express his love for the parakeet king, the king had his guards dug a cemetery for the dead parakeet. The burial ceremony would be held with the kingdom tradition in the next morning. The parakeet was then taken out from the golden cage. Everybody thought that he had been dead. Suddenly, the parakeet king flied fast and high on the sky. All people were amazed seeing him, because they thought that he had died. The parakeet king got his freedom again, and flied directly to the forest.***

Mentiko Betuah A long time ago, there was a kingdom in Simeulue, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. The king and the queen had a son, Prince Rohib. They loved the prince very much and they always gave him anything he wanted. Thats why the prince grew as a spoiled young man. The prince was then sent to study in a school. The King told him to study seriously. But because the prince was used to be spoiled, he couldnt finish his study in time. The King was so angry. He realized his mistake. He wanted to give the prince a lesson. He then ordered the prince to

leave the palace and became a merchant. "I will give you some money. Use the money only for trading. Don't come back until you are rich!" said the king. Prince Rohib was sad. He knew his father was angry with him because he was a spoiled boy. He then promised himself that he could become a great merchant. After he left the palace, he went to a village. While he was walking, he saw some kids were trying to shoot a bird using their slingshots. Stop Don't hurt the bird! Rohib tried to stop the kids. Hey, its none of your business, replied one of the kids. I'll give you some money if you stop hurting the bird," said Rohib. After that, he gave some money to those kids. Later on his journey, Rohib saw some men were torturing a snake. Again, he asked them to stop hurting the snake. He also gave them some money. He kept on giving some money to people who tortured animals. Finally he ran out of money. He was so worried. He knew he could not become a merchant without any money in his pocket. He was also scared of going home. He knew that his father would be very angry at him. The prince then went to the forest because he didnt know anywhere to go. He was so tired, so he took some rest. While he was sitting under a big tree, a giant snake came to him. He was so scared. Don't worry, young man. I will not eat you, said the giant snake. Youyou can talk? Who are you? Rohib asked. I am the king of snakes in this jungle. I heard you helped many animals from being tortured. Now, I want to give you a gift. This is Mentiko Betuah. This magical stone can give you anything you want." Then the snake went deep into the forest. The prince was very happy. He asked the Mentiko Betuah to give him a lot of money. Then he went home and told his father that the money was from his business as a merchant. Rohib kept the Mentiko Betuah carefully. He then went to a goldsmith and asked him to make the magical stone as a ring. But the goldsmith stole the Mentiko Betuah. Luckily Rohib had made friends to the animals. He asked a cat, a dog, and a mouse to help him find Mentiko Betuah. The dog followed the smell of the goldsmith, and they found his hideaway. However they could not enter his house because it was locked. Only the mouse was small enough to enter through a small hole in the door. After waiting for a moment, the mouse came out of the house. He said he could not find the magical stone. After that they all went back to the palace. The cat and the dog did not know that the mouse actually had found the magical stone. He was hiding it in his mouth. The mouse then gave the Mentiko Betuah to the prince. Rohib was so happy and said that the

mouse was the hero. The cat and the dog were jealous and angry. They knew that the mouse had tricked them. According to the local people, thats why until now cats and dogs always tried to catch mice.***

BALI 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.***

Manik Angkeran A long time ago, lived a rich man named Begawan Sidi Mantra. He was very famous for his kindness and also for his supernatural power. He had a son named Manik Angkeran who liked to gamble. Because of Manik Angkerans bad habit, his father soon bankrupt. Begawan Sidi Mantra had spent all of his money to pay his sons debts. But, Manik Angkeran still liked to gamble and he still owed some people a lot of money. Begawan Sidi Mantra wanted to help his son to pay the remaining debts. He meditated for days, and finally he got a clue from the gods to go to Agung Mountain. He went to the mountain. There, he met with a dragon named Naga Besukih. It is said that Naga Besukih could provide gold and jewelries to those who could say a certain prayer and ring the sacred bell. Fortunately, Begawan Sidi Mantra had the bell, and he also knew the prayer from his meditation. My name is Sidi Mantra. I have a problem. My son likes to gamble. Ive spent all of my money to pay his debts, but its still not enough. I came here to ask for your help, explained Begawan Sidi Mantra after he met with Naga Besukih. Ill help you, but you have to advise your son so he would not gamble again, said Naga Besukih. The dragon then shakes his body and cause some of his scales fall of. Magically, the scales turn into gold and diamonds. Begawan Sidi Mantra took the gold and diamonds and return home. He paid all the remaining debt and advised his son about his gambling habit. Manik Angkeran promised to stop gambling, but soon he broke the promise. Bagawan Sidi Mantra had to go to the dragon for help once again. What brought you here again? asked Naga Besukih. Im very sorry, Naga Besukih. My son had disappointed me; he broke his promise to me. I beg for your help once again, said Begawan Sidi Mantra to the dragon. Ill help you, but this is the last time, said Naga Besukih. Begawan Sidi Mantra once again paid Manik Angkerans debts and advised him not to gamble again. Manik Angkeran promised and soon he broke his promise again. This time, Begawan Sidi Mantra didnt want to help him anymore. He was too ashamed to meet with the dragon. Manik Angkeran knew that his father got the jewelries from the dragon. So, he stole his fathers sacred bell and went to Agung Mountain. After he arrived, Manik Angkeran rang the bell. Naga Besukih heard the bell but theres no prayer. He decided to see who was calling

him. Hey, Manik Angkeran. What are you doing here with your fathers bell? Did you steal it? asked Naga Besukih angrily when he saw Manik Angkeran. Please help me, Naga Besukih. I really need the money to pay my debts. Those people would kill me if I dont pay them in time. Please, I beg for your mercy, said Manik Angkeran to the dragon. Okay, Ill help you. But this is the last time, and you have to promise to stop gambling, Naga Besukih then give him the jewelries. But suddenly, Manik Angkeran had a bad idea. He wanted to kill the dragon and take all the jewelries. So he drew his keris and attacked Naga Besukih. He managed to cut the dragons tail, but he was no match for Naga Besukih. With his great power, Naga Besukih burned Manik Angkeran and killed him instantly. In his home, Begawan Sidi Mantra couldnt find his sacred bell. He knew that his son had stolen it, so he went to Agung Mountain. He was so sad when he found out what happened in the mountain. Im very sorry, Naga Besukih. But he was my only son. I beg you, please bring him back to life, Begawan Sidi Mantra begged the dragon for mercy. Naga Besukih agreed with one condition, Manik Angkeran had to stay at Agung Mountain. Naga Besukih said some prayer and after few moments, Manik Angkeran lived again. Begawan Sidi Mantra then used a stick to make a big line between them on the ground. From the line, water flowed. Soon it became a river. Finally it became a strait. It separated Java and Bali. People then named the strait as Bali Strait.***

RIAU Dang Gedunai Long time ago in Riau, lived a kid named Dang Gedunai. He lived with his mother. Dang Gedunai was a stubborn kid. His mother was sad. Dang Gedunai was her only child but he never made her happy. One day, Dang Gedunai went to the river to catch some fish. Mother, I want to go to the river. I want to go fishing, said Dang Gedunai to his mother. Its cloudy outside. Rain will soon fall. Why dont you just stay at home? said his mother. As always Dang Gedunai ignored her. He then went to the river. It was very cloudy when he arrived at the river. Soon it was drizzling, but Dang Gedunai was still busy fishing. Later rain fell down heavily. Dang Gedunai finally gave up. However right before he left, he saw something shining in the river. It was a very big egg. Dang Gedunai then brought the egg home.

His mother was surprised to see him brought a big egg. What egg is that? Where did you find it? she asked. I found it in the river, Mother, replied Dang Gedunai. Be careful with the egg. Its not yours. You should return it, advised his mother. As always, Dang Gedunai ignored his mothers advice. He planned to eat the egg even though his mother said not to. In the morning, his mother was ready to go to the paddy field. Again, she advised Dang Gedunai to put the egg back to the river. Dang Gedunai did not say anything. When his mother left the house, he immediately boiled the egg. Then he ate it. It was so delicious. He was so full and suddenly he fell asleep. He had a dream. A giant dragon came to him in his dream. Human, you stole my egg! For the punishment, you will become a dragon. Dang Gedunai woke up with fear. He was sweating. He felt very thirsty. Later his mother went home. She saw her son panicking. What happened? she asked. I dont know, Mother. Suddenly I feel very thirsty. My throat is like burning, said Dang Gedunai. His mother then gave him a glass of water. Its not enough. He drank another glass, and then another glass until there was not any water left in the house. His mother told him to go the pond. Dang Gedunai drank all the water until the pond was dried. But it was not enough. Then they went to the river. Again it was not enough. Dang Gedunai knew his dream would come true. He would become a dragon. Mother, please forgive me. I ignored you. I ate the egg. It was a dragons egg. I will change to a dragon. I cannot live with you anymore. I will live in the sea. If you see big waves in the sea, that means Im eating. But if the waves are calmed, then it means Im sleeping, said Dang Gedunai. Then Dang Gedunai left his mother. He headed for the sea. His mother couldnt do anything to stop him. She just cried. Until now fishermen dont want to go fishing in the sea when the waves are big. They know that the dragon is eating. They just wait until the dragon is finished eating and the waves are calmed.*** The Greedy Man Once upon a time in Riau, lived a pair of husband and wife. They were very poor. The wife was very diligent, while the husband was very lazy. He just slept and slept everyday. He did not want to help his wife to earn a living. The wife was helpless, she often prayed to God to help her husband. One night the husband had a dream. In his dream, an old man came to him. He told the husband to take his sampan and went to river. "Go to the middle of the river and wait until

a rope appears from the river. Take the rope slowly, and then you will find a golden chain. You can cut and take it, but don't take the chain too long," said the old man. The husband then woke up from his dream. In the next day, the husband took his sampan and went to river. He wanted to do the old man's advice as said in his dream last night. "Where are you going?" asked the wife. She was so surprised to see her husband was busy preparing the sampan. "I want to go fishing, Honey. See you later!" the husband didnt want to tell his wife about his dream. He knew his wife would think he was crazy by following up a dream. After the husband arrived in the river, he rowed his sampan until he reached the middle of the river. He then looked around the water surface very carefully. Suddenly a rope appeared from the river. "The old man was right!" said the husband to himself. He then slowly pulled the rope and at the end of the rope he saw a golden chain! The chain was sparkling and glowing. It was made from pure gold. "Wow! Its really made of gold. Im rich. Im rich," the husband said happily. He kept pulling the chain. He forgot the old man's advice to take only short chain because it was enough for him. The poor man became greedy. He wanted to take the golden chain as long as possible. While he was busy pulling out the golden chain, a bird came to him. It talked, "Remember the old man's advice. Take only a short golden chain." But the poor man ignored the bird and kept on pulling out the chain. Slow but sure, his sampan was full of the golden chain. It was so full that finally the sampan could not hold the weight any more. The sampan started to drown. The golden chain was sinking and went to the bottom of the river creating a big wave in the river. The wave almost swallowed the poor man. He was so panicked. He swam as fast as possible to the river side. When he arrived on the river side, he felt sorry to himself. He blamed himself for being a greedy man. But it was already too late. But then he realized that it was a lesson for him to work hard if he wanted to earn money.***

BANGKA BELITUNG The Blowpiper Long time ago in a small village in Bangka Island, lived a young man who was an expert in using blowpipe, especially for hunting. That why people in the village called him the blowpiper. He also had excellent medical skill that was passed down from his late father.

One day, the village chief Pak Raje came to the blowpipers house, asking him to chase away the fold of wild boars that entered and ruined his paddies. Pak Raje told the blowpiper that his father once owed him some money. Thus, the blowpiper should work for him voluntarily. The blowpiper took the job, though he would not be paid. In the next day, the blowpiper went to Pak Rajes field. He watched the field and did some patrols to every side of the fields. He watched the field everyday, but he still not found any suspicious movements. Entering the seventh day of his work, the blowpiper noticed a suspicious movement from the far distance. He walked slowly to the source of voice where he saw a fold of boars trying to enter the field. The blowpiper then hid behind a big tree with a blowpipe in his hand. When the fold of boars ruined the paddies, the blowpiper pointed his blowpipe toward one of the boars that was closest to him. He blew his blowpipe. The dart hit the boar, but it didnt paralyze the boar as the blowpiper expected. The fold of boars then runs outside the field and disappeared from the blowpipers view. Hmm... My dart had hit one of them, it must hurt it, said the blowpiper curiously. In the morning, the blowpiper went to follow the blood trail of the boar he shot last night. The trail led him to the forest and finally it ended in front of a big cave. Cautiously, the blowpiper entered the cave. He was surprised to found a beautiful lady bleeding on a soft bed, surrounded by some other beautiful ladies. One of them was an old lady, the mother of the fainted lady. Who are you? What are you doing here? asked the old lady. Im sorry to interrupt. Im looking for my lost dart, it was stuck to a wild boar, the blowpiper explained to the old lady. The stuff you are looking for is on my daughter, said the old lady angrily. How come it is on your daughter? asked the blowpiper surprised. Thats because... the boar that you shot with your blowpipe last night is in fact my daughters manifestation, explained the old woman sadly. The old womans explanation surprised the blowpiper. So..., all of you were the boars that I saw last night? asked the young man. What you have said is right young man, answered the old woman softly. I did not mean to. I am so sorry to hear that. I would not do that if I knew that the boars were you, the blowpiper apologized. Never mind, said the old woman. Forget all about that. The most important thing right now is how to release the dart from my daughters body, added the old woman sadly. I can help you with that, said the blowiper. He came closer to the beautiful lady and uncovered the blanket. He then took out the dart from her body and with his medical skill he immediately stopped the bleeding.

In a short time, the wound recovered, leaving no traces. Now, she has recovered. Let me go home now. May be we can meet again someday, said the blowpiper politely. Yes young man... But before you leave, I have something to give to you as my gratitude, said the old lady while giving the blowpiper a wooden box. Do not open the box until youre in home, added the old lady. Thank you for your kindness, said the blowpiper. He then left the cave and returned home. At his home, the blowpiper opened the wooden box. Surprisingly, the young man found jewelry, gold and diamonds inside the box. Wow...! Im rich, murmured the young man happily. In the next morning, the blowpiper sold all the precious stuff and used the money he got to purchase a field, garden, house, and paid all debt his father had owed to Pak Raje. The news about the blowpiper fortune quickly spread throughout the village. Everyone knew including Pak Raje. He intended to be like the blowpiper, so he went to borrow the blowpipe from the blowpiper to hunt a boar in his own field. On the way, he met with a boar, and shot it with the blowpipe. Then he followed the blood trail left by the boar until he entered the cave. It was like what happened with the blowpiper. Pak Raje was asked to cure the bleeding woman, but he could do that as he had no such skill. Suddenly, tens of boars attacked him, making him bleeding and seriously wounded. With all his strength, he escaped from the cave. He fainted when he finally arrived in front of his own house. Pak Rajes daughter informed what happened to her father to the blowpiper. Hearing the bad news, the blowpiper rushed to Pak Rajes house to help him. With his medical skill, he tried to cure Pak Rajes injuries. Finally, Pak Raje could make it and recovered from his serious wounds. After thinking about what he had been through, Pak Raje realized his own bad intention. He felt sorry for being greedy. Thank you, young man. Youve help me once again. As my gratitude, I would like to appoint you as the next village chief. Would you accept? asked Pak Raje. Of course, Pak Raje. Thank you, answered the blowpiper happily. After a week, the blowpiper asked Pak Rajes daughter to be his wife. They live happily as a couple. The blowpiper was a polite and kind person, and Pak Rajes daughter was a beautiful woman. Under the leadership of the blowpiper, all the villagers lived in prosperous and harmony.*** NUSA TENGGARA BARAT Princess Mandalika

Once upon a time, there was a kingdom in Lombok Island that was ruled by a king named Raja Tonjang Beru. He was a wise king. He had a queen named Dewi Seranting. He also had a beautiful daughter named Princess Mandalika. It is said that princess Mandalika was the prettiest girl in the whole island. Everybody knew about Princess Mandalikas beauty and kindness, even the people from other kingdom around the island. Princes from all over the place wanted to marry her. One by one, they came to propose her. Princess Mandalika was a kind girl. She hated to make people sad. So, when those princes came to propose her, she was very confused. She could not decide, and she didnt want to make them sad. She also didnt want to cause a war to happen because of her. To solve the problem, Raja Tonjang Beru then held a competition in Seger Kuta beach. He asked all the princes to take part in archery competition. The rule was simple; whoever shot the target perfectly will be accepted as Princess Mandalikas future husband. One by one, all participants tried their best. After some time, there was no winner. All the participants were great in archery. Because there was no a winner, all the participants started to argue. They claimed to be the best. The argument was getting hotter. Finally, they all were fighting. Soon, the fighting got bigger. It was like a war, because all the princes brought their soldiers in the archery competition. Princess Mandalika was really worried. She did not want the war to get bigger and hurt many people. Finally, she had an idea. "Everybody, listen up! I know you all love me and want me to be your wife. But I don't want you to fight because of me. And I don't want you to be sad either. I want you all to have me, but not as your wife. I want to be someone that everybody can have," said Princess Mandalika. Raja Tonjang Beru and all other people in the beach did not understand what she meant. The king then came to her. But suddenly, Princess Mandalika jumped to the sea. She disappeared in the big waves. Everybody was surprised. It was chaos on the beach. All the princes tried to swim to find the princess, but they found nothing. After several hours trying to search the princess, suddenly they found a lot of colorful sea worms on the beach. Raja Tonjang Beru then realized that his daughter had returned as sea worms. The worms were then called nyale. Until now, people in Lombok always try to catch nyale. Nyale is very delicious and that is why a lot of people come to Lombok to catch it. However, they can only find it once a year, in February or March. The tradition to catch the sea worms is called Bau Nyale.***

PAPUA Biwar and the Dragon One day, the people from the village of Mimika were very busy. They prepared twelve boats and set off on a journey to find sago (traditional food of the people in the island of Papua). After three days, their boats were filled with sago. But on their way back to the village, they were attacked by a dragon. The dragons tail caused a big wave in the river. Most of the villagers were drown, but theres a woman who managed to save herself. She was hanging to a tree log and finally arrives in a land. The woman was the only survivor from the incident. She was pregnant. Her boat was broken so she couldnt go back to the village. The woman then lived in the forest near the river. Later she gave birth to a son. She named her son Biwar. He grew up as a skillful hunter. He can make various weapons, set traps to catch animals, and provided sufficient food for both of them. One day he brought some fish for their food. When his mother saw him bringing fish, she asked where Biwar got them. He said it was from the river. The mother was still afraid of the dragon, so she forbade Biwar to go near the river again. She also told him about his father and the villagers that were killed by the dragon, "Your father was killed by the dragon. I'm the only one survived from the incident. That's why we live alone here, Son." Biwar then decided to hunt the dragon so that he and his mother could go back to the village. He set traps near the river. Then he made some noise by playing the tifa (traditional drums). Attracted by the noise, the dragon came to Biwar. When the dragon started to attack, Biwar pulled the rope that linked to his traps, releasing spears that hit the dragons head directly. The dragon died instantly. Biwar then came to his mother and told her about the death of the dragon. The next day, he built a boat and set sail to return to the village. When they arrived in the village, all the people were so happy to hear the news about the dragons death. Thanks to Biwar, they are not afraid to sail in the river anymore.***