Putri Kemuning

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A folktale from East Java

Putri Kemuning and her mother live in a jungle. They are poor. Putri Kemuning always helps her mother collect woods in the jungle and sell them in the market.

In the jungle, Putri Kemuning has animal friends. One day, Putri Kemuning's mother is ill. Putri Kemuning is very sad because she does not have enough money to buy medicine. She then collects many woods and plans to sell them. She wants to spend the money to buy medicine.

While She collects the woods, Putri Kemuning meets her animal friend, the rabbit. He is worried because Putri Kemuning looks very sad.

Putri Kemuning tells the problem to the rabbit.

"I can help you. Take this ring and then sell it," says the rabbit.

"Is this your ring?" asks Putri Kemuning.

"No. This is the King Ngarancang Kencono's ring. I fell when he washunting here."

Putri Kemuning hesitates. She really needs the money but it is not her ring.

Finally she says, "No, I have to return this ring to the king."

Putri Kemuning then goes to see the king at his palace.

"What is your name and what is your purpose here?" says the king.

"My name is Putri Kemuning. I want to return your ring," says Putri Kemuning.

"Thank you very much. Now, I want to give you something. What do you want?"

"I don't anything. I just want to go home. My mother is very ill," says Putri Kemuning.

"You are a very kind girl. Now, take this gift."

Putri Kemuning goes home. When she arrives, Putri Kemuning tells her mother about the king's ring. Her mother is very proud of her. When they open the gift, they see a bag full of gold coins. They are very happy because they can buy medicine. ***