5 Javanese Folktales from Yogyakarta: Legends & Fairy Tales

Here is a collection of Indonesian folklore: folktales, fairy tales, and legends told among the people of Yogyakarta Province.

Yogyakarta lies in the southern part of the island of Java, right next to the province of Central Java.

These Javanese folktales from Yogyakarta were gathered from many different sources (see the references). When new stories are found, they will be added here very soon. We hope you enjoy them!

1. Roro Jonggrang Legend: Prambanan Temple Story from Java

Long, long ago, there were two kingdoms that lived side by side as neighbors: the kingdom of Prambanan and the kingdom of Pengging. The kingdom of Prambanan was ruled by King Boko, who had a very beautiful daughter named Roro Jonggrang. The kingdom of Pengging, meanwhile, was ruled by the King of Pengging. Everyone knew that this king was very greedy for power, and he always wanted more and more.

2. The Origin of Mount Merapi: A Javanese Folktale for Kids

This is a folktale from Yogyakarta. Once upon a time, the gods in heaven placed a mountain in the middle of the island of Java. The mountain was named Jamurdipa. The gods placed it there for one special reason: to balance the island. You see, the land of Java was uneven. It had high hills, low plains, deep valleys, and steep ravines. At first, Mount Jamurdipa stood on the southern coast. Later, the mountain was moved to the border where the regencies of Sleman, Boyolali, and Klaten meet.

3. Gubuk Rubuh Legend: Indonesian Folktale from Yogyakarta

When the great kingdom of Majapahit was ruled by King Brawijaya V, trouble began to stir inside the palace. Because of this conflict, the king made a hard decision: he sent his queen, Princess Campa, far away from the palace. Princess Campa had come from the Kingdom of China as a gift to King Brawijaya V. At that time, she was carrying the king's child in her belly.

4. The Journey of Prince Begawan Selapawening

The teachings of Islam had grown strong in the land of Majapahit, and their influence had spread all the way to the heart of the kingdom. Some people did not agree with the new teachings, and they did not want to give up the beliefs they had held for so long. They felt pressured and uneasy. So they stepped aside and set out to find a place that was safe and free. Begawan Selapawening and his followers were among them. They left the Majapahit Kingdom and traveled far, far away, until at last they reached the southern coast of Yogyakarta.

5. The Legend of Ki Ageng Mangir: A Javanese Folktale for Kids

Ki Ageng Mangir is a folktale from Yogyakarta, a province right next to Central Java. Ki Ageng Mangir was a man with a special magical power called mandraguna. He also owned a magical spear named Baru Klinthing. It is said that this spear was made from the tongue of a giant dragon snake, who was also named Baru Klinthing. Ki Ageng Mangir was very brave, but he had a proud and haughty heart, and that would matter a great deal in his story.