Long ago in East Java, there was a prosperous kingdom called Bintolo. The kingdom was renowned not only for its wealth but also for the unparalleled beauty of its princess, Princess Ratna. Her charm and grace were legendary, spreading far and wide, capturing the hearts of countless young men who dreamed of winning her hand. Suitors from all walks of life flocked to the palace with high hopes—nobles bearing extravagant gifts and wealthy merchants promising endless riches for the kingdom. However, Princess Ratna politely declined them all. With a gentle yet firm tone, she would always say, “I am not ready to marry.”
Her decision became the talk of the kingdom, sparking curiosity among the people and the royal advisors. What was the princess waiting for? Was she holding out for someone truly special, or was there a deeper reason behind her refusals? Yet, Princess Ratna carried on with her life undisturbed. She spent her days strolling through the royal gardens, tending to her beloved flowers, or gazing into the horizon as if pondering a secret known only to her. Her beauty and kind heart only added to her admirers’ infatuation, even though they knew her heart would not be easily won.
Princess Ratna’s demeanor revealed that she was no ordinary princess. She was not only beautiful but also intelligent and wise. Deep within her heart, she believed that marriage was not just about wealth or status; it was about true love and mutual understanding. This belief, deeply rooted within her, remained steadfast despite increasing pressure from those around her. The people of the kingdom began to wonder—would Princess Ratna one day find her true love, or would she choose a path unlike any other royal princess?
In a small village near the kingdom, there lived a young man named Arga. He was a skilled mask maker who lived with his widowed mother. Arga’s masks were famous for their lifelike artistry, but despite his talent, he struggled with self-esteem because of his appearance. His features were far from the societal standards of beauty, and he often avoided public events.
Arga's Hidden Love
One day, while delivering masks to the palace for an upcoming festival, Arga saw Princess Ratna. Her grace and kindness captivated him instantly. But Arga knew he had no chance with her. "How can someone like me propose to her? She even refuses the handsome and rich men," he thought.
Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he could not stop thinking about her. His longing for the princess grew so intense that he lost his appetite and could not sleep. His mother, noticing his worsening condition, became deeply concerned.
“What’s wrong, my son? Please tell me,” she pleaded.
Arga hesitated but finally confessed, “Mother, I... I love the princess. But look at me. I’m sure she would never accept someone as ugly as me.”
His mother pondered for a moment and then said, “My dear, you are a gifted mask maker. Why don’t you use your talent to craft a handsome mask? Wear it, and go propose to the princess. Let your work speak for your worth.”
The Handsome Mask
Inspired by his mother's heartfelt advice, Arga, a humble young man with extraordinary artistic talent, began creating the finest work of his life. He spent his days in his small workshop, surrounded by wood, chisels, and paint, sculpting a mask that would change his destiny. This mask was not just a piece of art, but a manifestation of his dreams— a handsome face that exuded strength, courage, and an irresistible charm.
Arga poured his heart and soul into every detail of the mask. Each groove and curve was a reflection of his own journey, the struggles he had endured, and the desires he had kept hidden for so long. When the mask was finally complete, he stood before a mirror, hesitating for a moment before donning it. The transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. As the mask settled into place, Arga felt like a completely new person. His sharp gaze, chiseled jawline, and smile radiated newfound confidence— a sight that even his mother, who had known him his whole life, couldn’t help but admire.
"Arga, you look like a true prince," his mother said, tears welling up in her eyes. "Now go, and chase the dreams you’ve always kept inside."
With this renewed sense of self-assurance, Arga donned his finest clothes, though they were modest compared to the attire of the noblemen. But with the mask on, he felt like royalty. He walked with determination as he made his way to the palace, ready to present his proposal to Princess Ratna, the woman he had admired from afar for so long.
Upon arriving at the palace, the guards, usually stern and unyielding, stepped aside, charmed by the presence of the man who seemed to possess an aura of nobility. Arga entered the grand hall, where Princess Ratna often received suitors. The courtiers, noblemen, and merchants whispered among themselves, captivated by the mysterious figure before them.
A Royal Proposal
“Your Majesty,” Arga said, bowing deeply to the king, his voice steady but filled with anticipation. “I have come to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.” His words, though simple, carried the weight of sincerity and admiration that had been building in his heart for so long.
King Rajendra, a wise and just ruler, studied Arga intently. He was impressed not only by the young man’s striking appearance but also by the respectful way he presented himself. He could see that Arga was no ordinary suitor. The king turned to his daughter, Princess Ratna, who stood beside him, her grace unmatched in the entire kingdom. “Princess, a fine young man has come to propose to you,” he said, his voice filled with both curiosity and pride. “He seems worthy of your consideration. But ultimately, the choice is yours.”
Princess Ratna looked at Arga, her eyes widening as she took in his handsome features, the strong lines of his face, and the confident yet humble way he stood before her. His charm was undeniable, but it wasn’t just his appearance that caught her attention—it was the calm yet passionate energy that radiated from him. She had heard many proposals, from noblemen and princes, but something about Arga stirred her heart. His presence was like a breath of fresh air.
As she gazed at him, she couldn’t help but think, “He is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, and yet, there is something deeper—something more genuine about him. I can feel it in my heart.”
Without hesitation, Princess Ratna stepped forward, her eyes locking with Arga’s. Her voice was soft but firm as she spoke, “I accept your proposal, Arga. I believe that you are the one I’ve been waiting for.”
A wave of relief and joy washed over Arga, but his heart swelled with pride and gratitude. This was the moment he had longed for, but he knew that this was not just a victory of appearances—it was the triumph of his true self, the person he had always hoped to become.
King Rajendra nodded approvingly, seeing the genuine love that had already begun to blossom between the two. “Then it is settled,” the king said. “You have my blessing, Arga. May your union bring happiness and prosperity to our kingdom.”
And so, with the king’s approval and the princess’s acceptance, Arga and Princess Ratna embarked on a journey that would forever change their lives, bound by love and the promise of a future built on trust, respect, and shared dreams.
Truth Unveiled
At first, Arga was overjoyed. His dream had come true—he was going to marry Princess Ratna. But as the days passed, guilt weighed heavily on him. He realized the princess had fallen in love not with him, but with the mask.
On the eve of their wedding, Arga summoned his courage and confessed everything to the princess and the king. He removed the mask and said, “This is the real me. I cannot marry you under false pretenses. I leave the decision to you.”
To his surprise, Princess Ratna smiled gently. “It is true that I admired your appearance when we first met. But now, I love you for your kindness, honesty, and talent. I want you just as you are. In fact, I want you to make another mask like yours for me to wear during our wedding. Let our union celebrate your artistry and our love.”
The Twin Masks Dance
During the wedding, Princess Ratna and Arga both wore identical masks. The guests were astonished and moved by the story behind the masks. Inspired by their tale, the villagers created a dance called Joged Topeng Kembar, or the Twin Masks Dance, to honor the couple’s unique love story and the importance of inner beauty over outer appearances.
Anoher dance from Lumajang: Tari Topeng Kaliwungu
True Love and the Power of Honesty
This story reminds us that true love is not based on physical appearance but grows from sincerity and genuine connection. While external beauty may capture attention, it is truth and honesty that deepen and sustain love. The tale also highlights the importance of self-acceptance and embracing others for who they truly are, fostering authentic and meaningful relationships.
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