The Golden Cucumber and Troll

Once upon a time, not far from a jungle, lived a husband and a wife. They were diligent farmers and always worked hard in the paddy fields. They had been married for many years and were childless. Every day they prayed for a child.

One night, while they were praying, a giant passed by their home. The giant heard them pray and said:

“Don’t worry. I can help you. But you must return the child to me on her 17th birthday.”

They were so happy that they did not think about the risk of losing their child later and agreed to every condition set by the giant. The giant gave them a few of cucumber seeds. The farmers took utmost care in planting and tenting the seeds.

Soon enough, the cucumber plants grew and a big golden cucumber grew in the plants. The farmers plucked the ripened cucumber and cut it open. They were astonished to see a beautiful child inside the cucumber. They adopted the child as their own daughter and named her Timun Mas (Golden Cucumber). Timun Mas grew into a beautiful g