Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih: A Classic Indonesian Folktale

Chapter 1: A Sweet Girl and a New Family

Once upon a time, in a peaceful little village nestled between rolling green hills, there lived a gentle and kind-hearted girl named Bawang Putih. She lived happily with her loving father. Sadly, Bawang Putih’s mother had passed away after suffering from a long illness, leaving the poor girl and her father with heavy hearts.

Not too far from their cozy home lived a widow who had a daughter named Bawang Merah. After the passing of Bawang Putih's mother, Bawang Merah and her mother would often visit their home to bring food and keep them company. Because they spent so much time together, Bawang Putih's father and Bawang Merah's mother slowly fell in love. Believing it would be wonderful for their daughters to grow up together, they decided to get married. For a little while, they all lived in one house and shared many happy moments as a brand-new family.

Chapter 2: The Sad Change and the Lost Shirt

Unfortunately for dear Bawang Putih, this warm happiness did not last very long. Her beloved father suddenly grew very ill and passed away. As soon as her father was gone, the true colors of Bawang Merah and her mother began to show. Their sweet smiles vanished, and their attitude toward Bawang Putih changed drastically.

They turned into a wicked stepmother and a cruel stepsister. Every single day, they forced Bawang Putih to do all the heavy housework. She had to sweep the floors, cook the meals, and draw the water, while Bawang Merah and her mother just sat around lazily, fanning themselves and eating sweets.

One sunny morning, Bawang Putih went to the rushing river near their house to wash a massive pile of dirty laundry. Because she was so tired from washing so many clothes, Bawang Putih did not realize that a beautiful red shirt belonging to her stepmother had slipped from her hands and was quickly washed away by the river's strong current.

When she finally returned home with the clean laundry, her stepmother noticed the missing shirt and flew into a terrible rage.

Stepmother: "You foolish, clumsy Bawang Putih! How could you lose my favorite red shirt? You march right back to that river and look for my clothes! Don't you dare come home if you can't find it!"

Bawang Putih: "I am so sorry, Mother. I truly did not know that the shirt was washed away. Please do not be angry, I will go look for it right this instant."

Chapter 3: The Old Grandmother in the Woods

Tears rolling down her cheeks, Bawang Putih immediately went back down to the river. She walked along the muddy banks for hours, following the winding stream. It was already late in the afternoon, and the sky was turning a sleepy shade of orange. She looked everywhere, under rocks and behind bushes, but she could not find her stepmother's red shirt.

Just as she was about to give up, Bawang Putih stumbled upon an old, mysterious wooden hut hidden deep in the forest. Living there was a wrinkled but kind-looking old grandmother, who was busy collecting fallen branches for firewood. Gathering her courage, Bawang Putih approached the old woman.

Bawang Putih: "Excuse me, kind Grandmother, I am sorry to interrupt your work. My name is Bawang Putih. I have been walking all day and I think I am lost. I am desperately looking for my mother's shirt, which was swept away by the river current."

Grandmother: "Oh, so you are the one looking for a lost shirt, my sweet child? Tell me, is the shirt a bright, vibrant red?"

Bawang Putih: "Yes! Yes, that is right, Grandmother! My mother's clothes are red. How did you know?"

Grandmother: "The river brought it to me. The shirt got stuck in the rocks right in front of my house. Come inside, little one, and warm up. Grandmother will go get the clothes for you."

After the grandmother handed over the dry red shirt, she smiled warmly at the young girl. She asked Bawang Putih if she would be willing to stay at the hut for just one week to keep her company, as the old grandmother had lived all alone for a very long time. Because she had a heart of gold, Bawang Putih happily agreed to the request.

Chapter 4: The Magical Pumpkin

For one whole week, Bawang Putih stayed at the grandmother's cozy hut. She did not just sit around; she joyfully helped with all the daily chores. She washed the old woman's clothes, scrubbed the wooden floors until they shone, cooked delicious soups, and chopped firewood. Bawang Putih did every single task sincerely and with a bright smile.

The old grandmother grew very fond of the sweet girl. When the week was finally over, it was time for Bawang Putih to say goodbye. The grandmother hugged her tightly and thanked her for her wonderful help.

Grandmother: "Wait, my child. Before you go, I have a gift for you."

The old grandmother brought out two mysterious pumpkins. One was incredibly large and heavy, while the other was small and cute.

Grandmother: "I want you to choose one of these pumpkins to take home with you. It is a reward for your hard work."

Bawang Putih: "Thank you so much, Grandmother. I will take the small one, so it is easier for me to carry on my long walk home."

After thanking the old woman once more, Bawang Putih skipped all the way home with the small pumpkin in her arms. When she arrived, she handed the red shirt to her grumpy stepmother and politely explained that she had stayed with an old grandmother for a week. Then, she walked into the kitchen to slice open the pumpkin to cook it for dinner.

As the knife split the pumpkin in half, a glowing light filled the kitchen. To Bawang Putih's absolute shock, the pumpkin was completely hollow and filled to the brim with sparkling gold, diamonds, and precious jewels!

Bawang Putih: "Oh my goodness! What is this? Why is this little pumpkin filled with such beautiful gold and gems?"

Hearing the loud gasp, Bawang Merah and her mother quickly rushed into the kitchen to see what all the fuss was about. Their eyes widened as large as saucers when they saw the treasure.

Stepmother: "Good heavens! Jewels! Real gold jewels! Is this what the old grandmother gave you inside that pumpkin, Bawang Putih?"

Bawang Putih: "Yes, Mother. This was a parting gift from the kind grandmother."

Chapter 5: The Greedy Stepsister's Lesson

Instantly, a greedy plan formed in the stepmother's mind. She decided that she and Bawang Merah would visit this old grandmother's house. They would also stay there for one week, but their only goal was to bring home an even bigger pumpkin and get far more gold than Bawang Putih.

The next morning, the wicked mother and lazy daughter marched down the river and easily found the old grandmother's hut. Just like before, the kind grandmother welcomed them in and asked them to stay for a week.

However, unlike Bawang Putih, who was diligent and cheerful, Bawang Merah was incredibly lazy. She complained about the dirt, she refused to sweep, and she whined all day long. Her mother did nothing but sleep in the corner.

Finally, a very long and exhausting week passed. Bawang Merah and her mother eagerly said goodbye, expecting their grand prize. Before they left, the grandmother offered them the same choice: a large pumpkin or a small pumpkin. Without even a second thought, Bawang Merah and her mother greedily pointed to the massive, giant pumpkin.

Overwhelmed by joy and terrible greed, the two of them rushed home as fast as their legs could carry them. They could barely wait to crack open the giant pumpkin, dreaming of all the endless gold they would have.

Once they were securely in their kitchen, Bawang Merah grabbed a large knife and sliced the giant pumpkin open.

Bawang Merah: "We are going to be richer than kings, Mother!"

But to their absolute horror, there was no glowing gold inside. Instead, a terrifying hiss echoed from the center of the giant vegetable. Dozens of venomous, slithering snakes poured out of the pumpkin! The dangerous creatures attacked Bawang Merah and her greedy mother, biting them as a punishment for their wicked hearts. Sadly, the venom was too strong, and that was the tragic end for the mother and daughter who let greed control their lives.

Meanwhile, kind and hardworking Bawang Putih used her golden jewels wisely. She lived a long, happy, and peaceful life, never forgetting the magical old grandmother who lived down the river.

Note: Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih is a famous traditional folklore originally from Riau, but it is known as a classic tale all across Indonesia. It serves as a timeless bedtime story teaching children that kindness is always rewarded, while greed and laziness will only lead to trouble.

Give it a try! Follow Bawang Putih's sincerity bringing blessings, and greed leading to tragedy.

 

More folklore on Riau:

• The Legend of Si Lancang: A Classic Indonesian Folktale About a Disobedient Son
• Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih: A Classic Indonesian Folktale