Chapter 1: The Sweet Scent from the East
Once upon a time, in the grand Surakarta Palace, there lived a wise king who had four beloved children. Three of them were brave young princes, and the youngest was a beautiful, gentle princess. They spent their days playing happily in the magnificent royal gardens.
One sunny afternoon, a sudden, magical breeze blew through the courtyard, bringing with it a wonderfully sweet and floral perfume. It was a scent unlike anything they had ever smelled before.
Eldest Prince: "I smell something wonderfully fragrant! Do you feel the sweet breeze too, my dear siblings?"The Three Younger Siblings: "We smell it too, our eldest brother! It is magnificent!"Eldest Prince: "Do you have any idea where this magical perfume is coming from?"Youngest Princess: "I do not know for sure, brother, but my heart tells me that the sweet scent is blowing in from the east."Eldest Prince: "Then we must find the source of this beautiful smell! I am incredibly curious. We shall ask our royal father for his blessing to go on a grand quest."The Three Younger Siblings: "We are just as curious! Let us prepare for the journey!"
Chapter 2: Across Mountains and Seas
With the King's warm blessing and bags packed full of food and supplies, the four royal siblings began their great adventure. They traveled toward the rising sun, and with every step they took to the east, the magical fragrance grew stronger and sweeter.
For many long months, they marched through thick jungles, crossed roaring rivers, and bravely faced wild animals. They climbed steep hills and misty mountains until they finally reached the deep blue waters of the Bali Strait. Building a sturdy boat, they crossed over to the magical island of Bali and journeyed onward to the lush green foothills of Mount Batur.
Chapter 3: The Peaceful Foothills
When they arrived at the border of a village called Ciluk, the youngest princess stopped in her tracks. She looked around at the towering trees and the serene, quiet valleys. Her heart felt entirely at peace.
Youngest Princess: "Why must we keep going? This quiet place is so lovely and peaceful. I wish to live here forever."Eldest Prince: "Are you certain you do not want to see where the wonderful smell comes from?"Youngest Princess: "May I please just stay here, brother?"Eldest Prince: "If your heart has found its home, then I cannot stop you. You may stay here and be happy."
Chapter 4: The Songbird of Kedisan
The three princes waved goodbye to their sister and marched further southwest toward the sparkling waters of Lake Batur. Suddenly, as they walked through the woods of Kedisan, a colorful bird began to sing a melody so cheerful and sweet that the youngest brother could not contain himself.
Third Prince: "Hooray! What a magnificent song! Oh, how joyous and wonderful this place is!"Eldest Prince: "Be quiet! Your loud shouting is foolish and improper for a royal prince! If you are going to act this way, you should just stay behind!"Third Prince: "No! I want to keep going with you!"
A terrible argument broke out. The eldest prince, blinded by anger, kicked his youngest brother so hard that he fell to the ground. In a flash of ancient magic, the third prince was transformed into a stone statue, sitting perfectly cross-legged in the forest. Today, that statue is known as the incarnation of Ratu Sakti Sang Hyang Jero, resting peacefully in the sacred temple of Meru Tumpang Pitu.
Chapter 5: The Village of Abang Dukuh
Now there were only two brothers left. As they walked along the eastern shore of Lake Batur, they crossed paths with two incredibly beautiful local village girls. The second prince smiled widely and rushed over to them.
Second Prince: "Greetings, fair maidens! What a beautiful day to meet such lovely girls!"Eldest Prince: "Stop wasting our time! If you are going to be so easily distracted, you must stay here and forget our quest!"Second Prince: "I will not! I am continuing the journey whether you like it or not!"
Once again, a fierce quarrel erupted. The furious eldest prince struck his brother, sending him tumbling face-down into the dirt. The second prince decided right then and there to stay, eventually becoming the kind leader of that very land. The village was named Abang Dukuh, with "Dukuh" meaning to fall face down.
Chapter 6: The Goddess of the Fragrant Tree
The eldest prince was finally alone. He hiked up the steep, winding banks of Lake Batur until he stumbled upon a breathtaking sight. Standing tall and proud was a massive Taru Menyan tree—the true source of the magical fragrance! Sitting gracefully beneath its glowing branches was a stunning goddess.
Eldest Prince: "Your beauty outshines even this magical fragrance. Will you accept my proposal and become my beloved wife?"
Goddess of the Fragrant Tree: "I will happily accept your proposal, brave prince. But only on one condition: you must promise to become the grand protector and leader of this land."
Chapter 7: The Legend of Trunyan
The prince happily agreed, and their royal wedding was the most joyful celebration the forest had ever seen. The eldest prince was crowned the village leader, earning the mighty title Ratu Sakti Pancering Jagat, while his beautiful wife became the Goddess of Lake Batur. They named their new home Trunyan, a special word made from "Taru" (tree) and "Menyan" (fragrant).
Under the prince's wise rule, the tiny village grew into a prosperous little kingdom. However, the king worried that the overpowering, sweet perfume of the Taru Menyan tree might attract greedy enemies from faraway lands.
To keep his people safe, the wise king made a special rule: whenever someone in the village passed away, their body would not be buried in the earth. Instead, they would be laid gently on the ground right beneath the fragrant tree. The magical scent of the Taru Menyan tree completely absorbed any bad smells, keeping the village hidden and safe from jealous outsiders.
And so, the royal siblings from Surakarta each found their true destiny on the magical island of Bali, leaving behind a fragrant legend that is still told to this very day.
Try this interactive game following the royal children of Surakarta Palace! Help them chase a mysterious fragrance eastward, cross the Bali Strait, and uncover how Trunyan, Kedisan, and Abang Dukuh villages got their names.
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