Joko Kendil

Beyond Appearances: The Power of Heart and True Kindness

Edisi Indonesia: Joko Kendil

Central Java Legend: Joko Kendil

Legend has it that in a village in Central Java, an old woman named Mbok Rondho resided. Living with her was a young, unattractive boy often referred to as Joko Kendil due to his face resembling a kendil, a pot used for cooking rice.

However, Joko Kendil wasn't Mbok Rondho's biological child; he was the son of King Asmawikana.

King Asmawikana had both an envious empress and concubine. The concubine didn't wish for the kingdom to be inherited by the empress's child. Resorting to poisoning the empress's food, she caused multiple miscarriages.

Growing suspicious, the king closely guarded the empress during her subsequent pregnancy. Enraged, the concubine sought a witch's curse upon the empress's unborn child.

When the baby was born, he had an unappealing face resembling a kendil pot. Nonetheless, the empress cared for him tenderly.

According to a seer, to break the curse, the baby needed to be cared for by a widow on the riverbank at the kingdom's border. Joko Kendil found care under Mbok Rondho.

As an adult, Joko Kendil fell in love with one of the daughters of a king from a distant land. Seeking permission, he proposed to her.

Mbok Rondho sought King Asmawikana's approval and accompanied Joko Kendil to the foreign land. A king in that land dreamt of receiving a jug that transformed into a handsome knight upon being gifted to his youngest daughter.

Their arrival in the foreign land was well-received. Joko Kendil proposed to the king's youngest daughter, and their union was celebrated. During the wedding festivities, Joko Kendil transformed into a handsome man, freed from the curse.

That concludes the tale of Joko Kendil, a story of love and the resilience to conquer magic, culminating in a happy ending.

Moral Message: Sincere Love, Kindness, and Resilience

Joko Kendil's tale imparts several valuable moral lessons:

1. Sincere Love and Resilience: The story underscores that genuine love isn't swayed by one's physical appearance or initial circumstances. Despite Joko Kendil's perceived unattractive appearance, his love for the king's daughter remained steadfast. Furthermore, it portrays the strength in battling obstacles and magic that hinder happiness, emphasizing that perseverance and belief can surmount hindrances.
2. Evaluation Based on Character and Heart: This moral lesson advises against judging individuals solely based on external appearances. Nonconforming physical appearances don't mirror ill intentions or behaviors. Similarly, flawless physical appearances don't guarantee kindness or virtuous behavior.
3. Unbiased Assessment Beyond Beauty Norms: Joko Kendil's story stresses the importance of refraining from belittling or evaluating individuals solely based on societal beauty norms. These norms don't reflect genuine goodness or worth. This message encourages deeper consideration, appreciating an individual's values, conduct, and heart without allowing physical appearances to cloud honest and impartial judgment.

These moral messages hold immense value, offering a more holistic viewpoint on how we ought to perceive others, valuing their character and heart above superficial judgments based on physical appearances.