Bawang Putih & Bawang Merah Indonesian Folktales for ESL

Summary

This ancient Malay tale revolves around a young girl, Bonang Pitino, who faces adversity after her father's death and her mother's drowning. She finds solace in singing her mother's lullaby by a pond, where a mysterious fish joins her. Her cruel stepmother and stepsister, Bow Marah, discover her secret and plot against her. After a tragic incident, Bonang buries the fish's bones, which magically grow into a magnificent tree with a swing. The swing's song enchants a prince, who becomes determined to find the girl behind the voice. Through deception and truth, the prince ultimately discovers Bonang's true identity and is captivated by her beauty and voice.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The story is set in the Malay world, featuring a village with a rich tapestry of characters.
• 👵 An old man with two wives and their daughters is central to the narrative, highlighting family dynamics.
• 🌊 The first wife's tragic death by drowning sets the stage for conflict and mystery.
• 🎶 The daughter, Bonang Pitino, finds solace in singing her mother's lullaby by the pond where she drowned.
• 🐟 A supernatural element is introduced with the appearance of a fish that sings with Bonang, suggesting a connection to her mother.
• 🔍 Bonang's stepmother and half-sister, Bow Marah, are suspicious of her frequent visits to the forest.
• 🍽️ A plot twist occurs when Bow Marah and her mother attempt to poison Bonang, revealing their malicious intent.
• 🌳 A magical transformation happens as a magnificent tree grows from the fish bones, symbolizing rebirth and beauty from tragedy.
• 🎑 The tree and swing become a beacon for Bonang, providing comfort and a connection to her mother's spirit.
• 🤴 A prince is captivated by Bonang's voice and becomes entangled in the unfolding drama, leading to a resolution of the story's conflicts.

Q & A

What is the setting of the story?

The story is set in the Malay world, long ago when the land was made up of small villages.

Who are the main characters in the story?

The main characters are the old man with two wives, his daughters-in-law, and his granddaughters, including Bun Bun and Mara.

What happens to the old man and his first wife?

The old man eventually passes away, and shortly after, his first wife dies in a tragic accident.

How does Bun Bun's life change after her grandmother's death?

Bun Bun is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and half-sister after her grandmother's death.

What secret does Bun Bun's mother keep?

Bun Bun's mother keeps the secret of her own death, which is revealed to Bun Bun.

Why does Bun Bun often visit the forest?

Bun Bun visits the forest to sing her mother's favorite lullaby by the pond where her mother drowned.

What peculiar event occurs during Bun Bun's visit to the pond?

A strange-looking fish appears and starts singing with Bun Bun, which is very familiar to her.

Why does Bun Bun bury the fish bones in the pond?

Bun Bun buries the fish bones to give her mother a proper resting place.

What magical event happens after Bun Bun buries the fish bones?

A magnificent tree grows where the fish bones were buried, and a beautiful swing hangs from its branches.

How does the swing respond when Bun Bun sings her mother's song?

The swing swings back and forth, joining Bun Bun, as if her mother's comforting presence is around her.

What happens when the prince sees Bun Bun on the swing?

The prince is enchanted by Bun Bun's sweet voice and is determined to find out who she is.

How does the stepmother deceive the prince?

The stepmother deceives the prince by claiming that Bun Bun is her own daughter, Mara.

What happens when Mara tries to sing on the swing?

When Mara tries to sing on the swing, it stands still, indicating that she is not the girl the prince is looking for.

How does the prince discover the truth about Bun Bun?

The prince discovers the truth about Bun Bun when he returns to the house and calls for her, and she sings the song that enchanted him.