The Fascinating Legend of Keong Mas: A Love Story That Transcends Time
Hello, PikiranMedia’s Friends! Today we’re going to dive into one of the most captivating love stories in Indonesian mythology: the legend of Keong Mas.
The Story
The legend of Keong Mas originated from Central Java, where the city of Yogyakarta now stands. It tells the story of a beautiful princess named Dewi Galuh who was cursed with a skin disease that made her unsightly.
Despite her condition, Princess Dewi Galuh met a handsome young man named Raden Inu Kertapati, who was a prince from a neighboring kingdom. The two of them fell deeply in love, and Raden Inu Kertapati pledged to take care of the princess for the rest of his life.
But their happiness was short-lived. Dewi Galuh’s father, the king, did not approve of their relationship and forbid them from seeing each other. The king then arranged a marriage for his daughter with a rich and powerful nobleman.
Desperate to elope with her lover, Princess Dewi Galuh sought the help of a wise old man who lived in the forest. The old man gave her an enchanted golden snail shell (known as Keong Mas) that would help them escape.
The princess gave the golden shell to her lover, and as soon as he blew on it, they were transported to a faraway island. The couple lived there happily for many years, and the princess’s disease was miraculously cured. They had two children and were blessed with prosperity and happiness.
The Ending
However, tragedy struck when Raden Inu Kertapati realized that he had forgotten to blow on the snail shell before they left. This meant that they would have to return to their former lives after three years on the island.
Shortly before the three-year period was up, the couple sadly headed back home. They returned to Yogyakarta, where Princess Dewi Galuh’s father welcomed them with open arms, finally recognizing the depth of their love.
Raden Inu Kertapati, however, was faced with a decision. He could either live as a commoner and be with his true love, or he could return to his life as a prince and fulfill his duties.
Choosing the latter, Raden Inu Kertapati left the princess and their children behind, returning to his kingdom. Princess Dewi Galuh was heartbroken but proud of her lover’s choice, and it is said that she never married nor loved another man.
The Significance
The legend of Keong Mas has been passed down through generations in Indonesia and is often told as a tale of true love and sacrifice. The golden snail shell has become a symbol of the couple’s love and devotion to each other, and it is often used in traditional Javanese art and theatre.
The legend has even inspired modern works such as the popular Indonesian movie, “Keong Emas,” which tells a similar story of love and sacrifice.
Goodbye for Now!
So there you have it, PikiranMedia’s Friends, the captivating story of Keong Mas. We hope you enjoyed learning about this mythological tale of love that transcends time, as it truly is a fascinating legend.
Stay tuned for more interesting articles from us!