Folklore from Central Java
He made his way to a mountain where shepherds often brought their cattle to graze. There, he lay in wait, his massive jaws open wide, hoping that his destined prey would unknowingly walk into his maw.
The Shepherds and the Outcast
In a nearby village, ten shepherds set out to graze their cattle on the lush grass of the mountain fields. Among them was a boy who was thin, frail, and always covered in dirt. His companions never treated him kindly. They mocked him relentlessly, calling him weak and worthless. But the boy never lashed out. Instead, he remained silent, walking away whenever they tormented him.
That day, the sun blazed fiercely overhead, and the shepherds grew weary from the heat. They searched for shade, longing for a cool place to rest. The outcast boy, wandering ahead of them, discovered a large tree with thick branches. Its shade was deep and refreshing, shielding him from the scorching sun. He lay down peacefully, enjoying the rare comfort.
When the other shepherds saw him, jealousy flared in their hearts.
"Why should that filthy boy get the best spot?" one of them sneered.
"Let’s take it from him!" another suggested.
They all agreed and, without hesitation, began scooping up handfuls of mud. Laughing cruelly, they hurled it at the boy, pelting him with dirt and insults.
The boy’s heart ached, but still, he did not fight back. With quiet dignity, he stood up, dusted himself off, and walked away, leaving them to their stolen shade.
"Ha! Go away, skinny fool!" they jeered as he disappeared into the distance.
The Dragon's Trap
Moments later, the sky darkened without warning. A powerful wind howled through the trees, and thunder rumbled across the heavens. Then, a torrential rain began to pour, drenching everything in sight.
The shepherds panicked. They needed to find shelter—fast.
Through the downpour, they spotted a cave in the side of the mountain. It was large, dark, and seemed like the perfect refuge. Desperate to escape the storm, they rushed inside, taking no notice of the sharp, jagged rocks lining the walls.
But this was no ordinary cave. It was the mouth of Baruklinting himself.
Just as they were settling inside, shivering from the cold rain, the outcast shepherd arrived. He, too, was seeking shelter. But before he could step inside, one of the larger boys shoved him away.
"Get lost! This is for the strong ones, not weaklings like you!"
"But it’s raining! Please—just let me stay for a while!" he pleaded.
"I don’t care! Get out!" another boy sneered as they pushed him back into the storm.
The Dragon Awakens
As soon as the skinny boy stumbled outside, the cave suddenly rumbled and snapped shut!
A deafening roar echoed through the mountain as Baruklinting's mouth sealed tight, trapping the nine shepherds within. Their screams were drowned out by the sound of thunder and rain. The dragon had completed his task—the gods' offering was fulfilled.
The outcast boy, terrified and soaked from the storm, turned and ran as fast as he could. He sprinted down the mountain, his heart pounding, until he reached the village. Breathless, he shouted to the villagers about what had happened.
Alarmed, the villagers grabbed their weapons and rushed toward the mountain, determined to hunt down the dragon and avenge the lost shepherds.
But when they arrived, Baruklinting was gone. No trace of him remained—only the empty land and the eerie silence of the mountain.
The Birth of Kesongo Village
From that day forward, the village was called Kesongo, a name derived from the word Songo, which means "nine"—a solemn reminder of the nine shepherds who had been swallowed by the great dragon.
And so, the legend of Baruklinting lived on, a tale whispered through generations—a warning about cruelty, fate, and the unseen forces that balance the world.
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