The Story of Keong Mas

What You Need to Know About the Story of Keong Mas

Keong Mas, or the Golden Snail, is a beloved folktale from Java, Indonesia. The story revolves around a princess who is cursed and transformed into a snail by an evil witch. Her plight is discovered by a kind-hearted girl who rescues her, breaking the spell and allowing the princess to return to her human form. This tale highlights themes of kindness, compassion, and the triumph of good over evil.

The Sory

Once upon a time, in a prosperous kingdom in Java, there lived a beautiful princess named Dewi Limaran. She was known for her kindness, beauty, and grace. One day, while strolling in the palace gardens, she came across an old, disheveled woman who begged for help. Unbeknownst to Dewi Limaran, this woman was an evil witch in disguise.

Out of compassion, Dewi Limaran offered her food and shelter. However, the witch, envious of the princess’s beauty and goodness, decided to cast a wicked spell on her. The princess was transformed into a golden snail, or Keong Mas, and thrown into a river. The current carried her far away from the palace, and she was left helpless and alone.

Meanwhile, in a nearby village, there lived a kind-hearted girl named Dayang Sumbi. She was known for her gentle nature and willingness to help others. One day, as Dayang Sumbi was washing clothes by the river, she noticed a beautiful golden snail caught among the reeds. She gently picked up the snail and decided to take it home.

Dayang Sumbi placed the snail in a jar and took care of it, unaware of its true identity. Each day, she would find her house miraculously clean and food prepared, though she never saw anyone doing the chores. Puzzled by this, Dayang Sumbi decided to stay awake one night to uncover the mystery.

To her astonishment, she saw the golden snail transform into a beautiful princess who began to tidy up the house. Dayang Sumbi approached the princess, who then told her story of the evil witch’s curse. Moved by the princess’s plight, Dayang Sumbi vowed to help her.

Together, they sought the help of a wise hermit known for his powerful magic. The hermit provided them with a special potion that, when poured over the snail, would break the witch’s spell. Dayang Sumbi followed the hermit’s instructions, and Dewi Limaran was restored to her human form.

Grateful for Dayang Sumbi’s kindness and bravery, Dewi Limaran invited her to the palace. The king and queen, overjoyed to have their daughter back, rewarded Dayang Sumbi with riches and honored her as a member of the royal family.

The evil witch, upon learning that her spell had been broken, fled the kingdom and was never seen again. Dewi Limaran and Dayang Sumbi remained close friends, and their story became a symbol of the power of kindness and compassion.

The legend of Keong Mas is celebrated in Javanese culture as a reminder that true beauty lies in one’s heart, and that goodness and kindness will always triumph over evil.