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Timun Mas (Rhyming Story)

The Golden Heirloom: Timun Mas


Edisi Bahasa Indonesia: Timun Mas

Timun Mas

Folklore from central Java


In Central Java, there lived a pair,

Farmers in the fields, a life they'd share.

Longed for a child, their prayers they'd send,

Hoping for a daughter, a cherished friend.


A giant passed by as they prayed one night,

"Dear farmers, I'll grant your heartfelt plight.

A daughter I'll give, without a fuss,

But when she's 17, she'll belong to us."


The farmers agreed, elated and glad,

Not thinking of the fate that they had.

The giant gave seeds, a curious sight,

A bunch to plant, a wondrous flight.


From the seeds grew a golden surprise,

A cucumber gleamed with splendid ties.

Cut it open, what a sight to see,

A girl inside, fair as could be.


Timun Mas, her name would be,

Golden Cucumber, wild and free.

Years went by, she grew with grace,

A life of joy, in that same place.


Her 17th birthday, joy in the air,

But sadness lingered, a parental care.

"Take this bag," her father said true,

"It might save you from what's due."


"What's this for, Father?" she asked in fear,

Confusion and worry, the end drawing near.

The giant arrived, anger ablaze,

Ready to claim what was promised in days.


"Run, Timun Mas, flee with might!"

Her mother's plea, a desperate sight.

The giant chased with steps so vast,

Timun Mas fled, her future cast.


She threw salt, a sea it became,

The giant swam, chasing his aim.

Chili next, a thorny wood grew,

Hurt the giant, but still he drew.


Cucumber seeds, her magic last,

A field emerged, fading fast.

Terasi, the paste, a swamp so wide,

The giant struggled against the tide.


Exhausted and worn, his energy frail,

The giant succumbed, to his watery jail.

Timun Mas, her courage revealed,

Home to her family, safety unsealed.


Joy and relief, the family shared,

Reunited again, their love repaired.

Timun Mas, with her heart so kind,

A tale of bravery, in memories enshrined.


👉 Read the full story: Timun Mas (The Golden Cucumber)

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