Timun Mas

History and Origin

Timun Mas (also called Timun Emas, meaning “Golden Cucumber”) is a traditional folktale from Central Java, Indonesia. It has been passed down orally for generations as part of Javanese folklore. Because it is a folk tale, there is no single original author. Like many traditional stories, it evolved over time as storytellers retold it in different villages and regions. 

The story is one of Indonesia's best-known folk tales and is often taught to children because it emphasizes courage, intelligence, and perseverance. 

Who Wrote It?

No one person wrote Timun Mas.

It is a traditional folk tale that originated in Central Java and was passed down orally before being adapted into books, plays, television programs, and children's story collections. 

Synopsis

Long ago, a lonely widow named Mbok Srini desperately wanted a child. One day, a giant named Buto Ijo (the Green Giant) gave her a magical cucumber seed. In return, she promised that when the child grew up, she would give the child to him.

A giant golden cucumber later grew in her garden. When Mbok Srini opened it, she found a beautiful baby girl inside. She named her Timun Mas (“Golden Cucumber”).

Years later, Buto Ijo returned to claim Timun Mas. Wanting to save her daughter, Mbok Srini sought help from a wise hermit, who gave Timun Mas four magical items: cucumber seeds, needles, salt, and shrimp paste.

As Buto Ijo chased her, Timun Mas threw the items behind her:

1. The cucumber seeds became thick vines. 
2. The needles became a bamboo forest. 
3. The salt became a sea. 
4. The shrimp paste became boiling mud. 

The final obstacle trapped and destroyed Buto Ijo. Timun Mas returned safely to her mother, and they lived happily ever after. 

Moral Lessons

The story teaches several important values:

• Courage — Timun Mas faces danger bravely. 
• Intelligence and resourcefulness — She defeats the giant through cleverness rather than strength. 
• A mother's love — Mbok Srini risks everything to protect her daughter. 
• Perseverance — Timun Mas never gives up, even when the giant catches up to her. 
• Keeping promises has consequences — The story warns people to think carefully before making promises. 

Variations of the Story

Because Timun Mas is a folk tale, several versions exist:

1. Different Origins of Timun Mas

• In some versions, Buto Ijo gives a cucumber seed. 
• In others, he gives a golden cucumber directly. 
• Some stories have Mbok Srini planting the seed, while others have her eating the cucumber and finding the baby later. 

2. Different Helpers

• Most versions feature a hermit or holy man who gives magical items. 
• Other versions use an old woman, sage, or village elder. 

3. Different Magical Objects

The four magical objects are usually:

• cucumber seeds 
• needles 
• salt 
• shrimp paste 

However, some retellings replace or modify these items while keeping the same idea of creating obstacles for the giant. 

Interesting Comparison

Many scholars and storytellers note similarities between Timun Mas and other world folktales in which a child escapes an ogre or giant by throwing magical objects behind them to create obstacles. The uniquely Javanese elements—such as Buto Ijo, the golden cucumber, and shrimp paste—make Timun Mas distinctly Indonesian.