The Tale of the Golden Cucumber
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst lush green fields, lived a kind old woman named Mbok Roro. She longed for a child, but her wish remained unfulfilled. One day, while tending her garden, she stumbled upon a magical golden cucumber. As she picked it up, a voice whispered, "Plant me in your garden, and your wish will be granted." Mbok Roro, overjoyed, planted the cucumber and watered it with love and care. Soon, a beautiful baby girl emerged from the cucumber, her skin as radiant as the sun. Mbok Roro named her Timun Mas, meaning "Golden Cucumber." Timun Mas grew up to be a kind and beautiful young woman. However, her happiness was short-lived. A wicked giant, with eyes like burning coals, heard of her beauty and decided to kidnap her. Mbok Roro, determined to protect her daughter, sought help from a wise old hermit. The hermit gave her magical items to help her escape the giant. He gave her a magical needle, a spool of thread, a gourd filled with seeds, and a piece of cloth. When the giant arrived, Mbok Roro threw the needle and thread, which transformed into a thorny bush, delaying the giant. She then threw the gourd, which burst open, scattering seeds that grew into a vast field of cucumbers, further hindering the giant. Finally, she threw the cloth, which transformed into a deep, wide river, stopping the giant in his tracks. Timun Mas, safe and sound, lived happily ever after with her mother, grateful for the magical gifts that saved her from the clutches of the wicked giant.