The Lake of Colors: The Tale of a Princess Consumed by Beauty and Pride
A Folktale from West Java
In a famed kingdom nestled in Cipanas, West Java, there was a wise king known for his fair rulings and deep compassion. The Queen, equally kind-hearted, shared a life of harmony and devotion with him. Together, they had a beautiful daughter, whom they cherished more than life itself. They adorned her with the kingdom's finest clothes, rare jewels, and every luxury they could offer. Yet, for all her parents' efforts and love, the princess found herself endlessly dissatisfied.
One late afternoon, the princess sat in her chamber, gazing at her reflection in an ornate mirror framed with gold and adorned with delicate carvings of flowers and mythical birds. She sighed as she admired herself, frowning at the thought that something was still missing.
“I must have more," she murmured, a glint of frustration in her eyes. "Perhaps… if I cover myself in every jewel I own, every single strand of my hair shimmering with diamonds and rubies, I would be the most beautiful in the world. Yes, that must be it!”
Determined, the princess rushed to the royal hall where the king and queen were engaged in conversation. Without hesitating, she voiced her grand plan, confident her parents would support her idea.
“Father, Mother, I have decided that I shall wear every jewel I own in my hair! Each strand will sparkle with gold, diamonds, and emeralds. Imagine it—the world will know me as the most beautiful princess that ever lived!” she declared, her eyes shining with excitement.
The king and queen exchanged worried glances. The king looked upon his daughter with a gentle but firm gaze.
“My daughter,” he said, choosing his words carefully, “true beauty does not lie in how many jewels adorn you, nor in the richness of your garments. Beauty lives in a pure heart, in kindness and grace.”
The princess crossed her arms defiantly, her expression darkening. “You just don’t want me to shine brighter than anyone else. You are both too modest to understand!”
The queen reached out a hand, her voice soft but pleading. “Child, you are already beautiful beyond measure. But filling your hair with jewels will only weigh down your spirit. Imagine how people will perceive this—not as beauty, but as vanity.”
But the princess stamped her foot, anger flashing in her eyes. “Enough! You’re just too miserly to give me what I want!” She turned on her heel and stormed back to her chamber, returning moments later with her jewelry box, brimming with sparkling treasures. With a huff, she threw the box at her father’s feet.
“There! Take it back if my happiness means nothing to you!” she shouted, her voice echoing in the hall.
The king’s face turned pale, a mix of hurt and anger flickering in his eyes. He took a deep breath, his voice trembling with sorrow as he spoke. “You are an ungrateful daughter,” he said, his tone laden with sadness.
At that very moment, the palace floor shuddered as if in anger. A loud rumble filled the hall, and suddenly, cracks splintered across the marble floor beneath the princess’s feet. She gasped, looking down as water burst forth, a powerful surge filling the hall.
“Father! Mother!” she cried, panic overtaking her defiance as the water rose swiftly, swirling around her legs and lifting her off the ground. Her parents could only watch, helpless, as the water engulfed her, carrying her cries away in its torrents.
In a matter of moments, the palace was no more, and in its place lay a vast, serene lake, its surface shimmering with colors that mirrored the princess's once-glittering jewels. Reds, greens, blues, and yellows danced upon the water as sunlight refracted through the lake’s depths, creating a spectacle that locals claimed was enchanted.
People came from afar to see this remarkable lake, naming it Telaga Warna, the "Colorful Lake." To this day, the legend of the ungrateful princess and her beautiful yet tragic fate lives on, reminding all who visit that true beauty cannot be bought or worn, but must come from within.
Moral Message
The moral lesson of the Telaga Warna story is that true beauty does not come from material possessions or outward appearances but from one’s attitude, kindness, and humility. Pride and dissatisfaction with what one already has can lead to sorrow or even disaster. This story teaches us that genuine happiness arises from gratitude and appreciating the blessings we already have, as well as from the kindness we show to others.
