Upik Abu

Upik Abu: The Tale of the Girl from the Minang Land

Edisi Indonesia: Upik Abu

The story is a localized adaptation of the Cinderella fairy tale

In a picturesque village in West Sumatra, lived a beautiful girl named Puti Ayu. She resided with her cruel stepmother and two stepsisters who always took advantage of her kindness. Due to her daily chores that left her covered in dust and ash from the kitchen, she was nicknamed Upik Abu.

Her stepmother and stepsisters constantly forced Upik Abu to do all the household chores. Every day, Upik Abu had to clean the house, cook, and wash their clothes tirelessly. Despite this, Upik Abu remained patient and steadfast, believing that happiness would one day come her way.

One day, the king announced that he would hold a grand traditional feast at the palace to find a bride for the crown prince. All the girls in the kingdom were invited, including Upik Abu and her stepsisters. Upik Abu's stepsisters were very excited and immediately prepared themselves by wearing the most beautiful traditional Minangkabau attire.

Upik Abu also wanted to attend the feast, but her stepmother forbade her and left her with many household chores. Upik Abu was very sad, but soon, a kind fairy appeared. This fairy, who was a spirit of an ancestor, said to Upik Abu, "Don't be sad, Puti Ayu. I will help you go to the feast."

Using her magical powers, the fairy transformed Upik Abu's ragged clothes into a beautiful traditional Minangkabau dress, complete with a gleaming golden suntiang headdress. She also gave Upik Abu a pair of glass slippers. Additionally, the fairy turned a pumpkin into a golden carriage and six mice into gallant horses.

The fairy warned Upik Abu, "Remember, this magic will only last until midnight. After that, everything will return to its original state."

Upik Abu went to the feast with great excitement. There, everyone was captivated by her beauty, including the crown prince. The prince invited Upik Abu to dance with him all night. Upik Abu was so happy that she lost track of time.

When the clock struck twelve times, Upik Abu remembered the fairy's warning. She ran out of the palace as fast as she could, but her glass slipper was left behind on the palace stairs. The crown prince picked up the slipper and vowed to find its owner.

The next day, the prince went from house to house to find the girl who fit the glass slipper. Eventually, he arrived at Upik Abu's house. Her stepmother and stepsisters tried on the slipper, but their feet were too large.

The prince then asked Upik Abu to try the slipper. Reluctantly, her stepmother allowed Upik Abu to try it on. To everyone's surprise, the slipper fit Upik Abu perfectly. The prince knew that Upik Abu was the girl he was searching for. He immediately proposed to Upik Abu.

Upik Abu happily accepted the proposal. She was then taken to the palace and lived happily ever after as a beloved queen. She never forgot that it was her kindness and patience that had led her to true happiness.

Moral of Upik Abu's story: 

Patience and kindness are always rewarded. No matter how difficult life may be, hold on to goodness, and happiness will come in due time.