Timun Mas dan Buto Ijo | Cerita Rakyat Jawa Tengah | Kisah Nusantara

Summary

On the island of Java, an old widow named Mbok Srini longs for a child and turns to the giant Buto Ijo for help. In exchange for granting her wish, she must return the child when she turns six. The child, Timun Mas, is born from a glowing cucumber. As the time comes, Mbok Srini seeks help from a hermit who gives Timun Mas magical bags to fend off Buto Ijo. Using the contents of the bags—cucumbers, needles, salt, and shrimp paste—Timun Mas outsmarts Buto Ijo, finally defeating him in a sea of lava and returning safely to her mother.

Takeaways

• 🏝️ The story is set on the island of Java, featuring an old widow named Mbok Srini.
• 🌾 Mbok Srini works in the fields daily and longs for a child to alleviate her loneliness.
• 🌿 She seeks help from Buto Ijo, a giant known for granting wishes at a high cost.
• 💔 Mbok Srini agrees to return her child to Buto Ijo when they turn six, in exchange for a wish.
• 🥒 Buto Ijo gives her a special cucumber seed, from which a golden cucumber grows, containing a baby girl, Timun Mas.
• 👧 Timun Mas grows into a cheerful child, but Mbok Srini fears for her safety as the agreement's deadline approaches.
• 🏞️ Mbok Srini seeks help from a hermit in Gunung Kidul, who provides Timun Mas with four magical bags.
• 🏃‍♀️ Timun Mas uses the contents of the bags to outsmart Buto Ijo during a chase through various terrains.
• 🌊 The bags contain items that create obstacles for Buto Ijo, such as rapidly growing cucumber plants and a wave of saltwater.
• 🔥 The final bag turns into hot lava, which Buto Ijo falls into, ending the threat to Timun Mas and her mother.
• 🏡 Timun Mas returns home victorious, having defeated Buto Ijo and ensuring her family's safety.

Q & A

Who is the main character in the story?

The main character in the story is Mbok Srini, an old widow on the island of Java.

What does Mbok Srini desire most in her old age?

Mbok Srini desires to have a child to accompany her in her old age to combat her loneliness.

Who is Buto Ijo and what is his role in the story?

Buto Ijo is a giant known for granting wishes to those who come to him, but at a high price. He plays the antagonist in the story, as he demands a child in return for his help.

What does Mbok Srini have to do in return for Buto Ijo's help?

Mbok Srini has to return her child to Buto Ijo when the child is six years old for him to make a meal out of.

How does Mbok Srini receive her child?

Mbok Srini receives her child when she plants a cucumber seed given by Buto Ijo and finds a baby girl inside a particularly large and golden cucumber.

What is the name given to the baby girl by Mbok Srini?

The baby girl is named Timun Mas by Mbok Srini.

Why does Mbok Srini seek help from a powerful hermit in Gunung Kidul?

Mbok Srini seeks help from the hermit because the time is approaching when Buto Ijo will come to claim Timun Mas, and she is desperate to protect her child.

What does the hermit give to Mbok Srini to help Timun Mas fight Buto Ijo?

The hermit gives Mbok Srini four small bags, which she passes on to Timun Mas, to help him in the fight against Buto Ijo.

What happens when Timun Mas throws the first bag at Buto Ijo?

When Timun Mas throws the first bag, it contains cucumber seeds that grow quickly and entangle Buto Ijo, slowing him down.

How does Timun Mas finally defeat Buto Ijo?

Timun Mas defeats Buto Ijo by throwing the last bag containing shrimp paste, which turns into a sea of hot lava. Buto Ijo falls into the lava and is unable to escape.

What is the outcome of Timun Mas's confrontation with Buto Ijo?

The outcome is that Timun Mas successfully stops Buto Ijo and returns home safely to reunite with her mother, Mbok Srini.