The Golden Cucumber: A Tale of Courage and Adventure

Once upon a time, in a village near a dense forest, there lived a farmer couple who longed for a child. Despite their prayers, they were yet to be blessed with a baby. One fateful day, a giant passed by their humble abode and overheard their desperate pleas. Filled with compassion, the giant bestowed upon them a magical cucumber seed, promising that it would grant them a daughter. However, there was a condition attached - on her 17th birthday, the giant would claim the girl as his own. Eager to have a child, the couple agreed without fully considering the consequences. They planted the seed and nurtured it with utmost care. To their astonishment, a golden cucumber grew from the plant, becoming heavier and bigger with each passing day. When the time was right, they carefully cut open the cucumber, only to discover a beautiful baby girl inside. Overjoyed, they named her Timun Mas, which means Golden Cucumber. As the years went by, Timun Mas blossomed into a remarkable young woman, bringing immense pride and happiness to her parents. However, their joy turned into fear as her 17th birthday approached. The giant returned, demanding that they fulfill their promise. Desperate to protect their beloved daughter, the farmer devised a plan. Buying some time, the farmer approached Timun Mas, handing her a small bag. "My child, take this," he whispered, "It will aid you in your escape from the giant. Run as fast as you can." With a heavy heart, Timun Mas bid farewell to her parents and fled into the unknown. Meanwhile, the giant grew impatient, sensing that he had been deceived. Enraged, he destroyed the couple's home and set off in pursuit of Timun Mas. The chase was relentless, with the giant closing in on her. In her moment of desperation, Timun Mas reached into the bag and grabbed a handful of salt. Sprinkling it behind her, a vast sea materialized, separating her from the giant. Undeterred, the giant swam across the sea, inching closer to Timun Mas. Thinking quickly, she took some chili peppers from the bag and hurled them at the giant. Miraculously, the chilies transformed into trees, ensnaring the giant with their sharp thorns. The giant howled in pain, giving Timun Mas the opportunity to escape once again. Yet, the giant's strength was formidable, and he continued his relentless pursuit. With no other options left, Timun Mas reached for the last magical item in her bag - cucumber seeds. Tossing them into the air, a vast field of cucumbers sprouted instantly. The giant, exhausted and famished, devoured the fresh cucumbers until he fell into a deep slumber. Timun Mas seized the opportunity and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. However, her fatigue caught up with her, and to her horror, the giant awoke. Trembling with fear, she threw her final weapon - terasi, a shrimp paste - which transformed into a massive swamp. The giant, unable to escape its clutches, sank to the bottom, gasping for air. Relieved and safe at last, Timun Mas made her way back to her parents' house. Overwhelmed with joy, her parents embraced her tightly, thanking the heavens for her safe return. From that day forward, Timun Mas lived a life free from fear, surrounded by the love and protection of her parents. (Note: Adapted from "The Golden Cucumber" by Mahayana, 2005)