Jaka Tarub and seven angels

The Beginning of the Jaka's life

Once upon a time there lived a young man named Jaka Tarub in a village in Central Java. He lives with his mother who is usually called Mbok Milah. His father died long ago. Every day Jaka Tarub and Mbok Milah farm rice in the fields.

One night, in the midst of a deep sleep, Jaka Tarub dreamed of getting the wife of a beautiful angel from heaven. As soon as he woke up and realized that it was all just a dream, Jaka Tarub smiled to himself.

Even so, the beautiful dream just now still lingered in his mind. Jaka Tarub couldn't sleep anymore. He came out and sat on the porch in front of his house, gazing at the stars in the sky. I didn't feel the rooster crowing as a sign that it was morning.

Mbok Milah, who had just woken up, realized that Jaka Tarub was not at home. As soon as he looked out the window, he saw that his only child was daydreaming. "What is my son dreaming about," thought Mbok Milah.

He guessed that maybe Jaka Tarub was thinking about getting married soon. He's more than old enough. Most of their peers are already married. His thoughts made Mbok Milah intend to help Jaka Tarub find a wife.

During the day when Mbok Milah was in the rice fields, suddenly Mr. Ranu, the owner of the rice field next door, approached him. "Mbok Milah, why hasn't your son married yet?" asked Mr. Ranu to open a conversation. "I don't know," said Mbok Milah, remembering what happened this morning. "What are you asking about, Mr. Ranu?" asked Mbok Milah. He was a little surprised why Pak Ranu was interested in his son's personal life. "It's okay Mbok Milah. I intend to match your child with my daughter Laraswati", replied Mr. Ranu.

Mbok Milah was surprised to hear Pak Ranu's intentions that had just been stated. He was very happy. Laraswati is a beautiful girl whose speech is gentle. He was sure that Jaka Tarub wanted to make Laraswati his wife.

However, Mbok Milah did not want to precede her son in making decisions. However, he realized that Jaka Tarub was an adult and had his own desires. "I agree Mr. Ranu. But we should ask our children first," said Mbok Milah wisely. Mr. Ranu nodded. He thought what Mbok Milah said was true.

Day after day. Mbok Milah has not yet found the right time to discuss Jaka Tarub and Laraswati's matchmaking plan. He was afraid that Jaka Tarub would be offended.

It is also possible that Jaka Tarub already has a future wife who has not been introduced to him. Over time, Mbok Milah forgot her original intention.

Jaka Tarub is a young man who loves to hunt. He is also a reliable hunter. He got his expertise from his late father.

Jaka Tarub is often invited to hunt by his father since childhood. That morning Jaka Tarub was ready to hunt in the forest. Bows, arrows, knives and swords he had prepared. He also said goodbye to his mother.

Mbok Milah looks normal to let Jaka Tarub go. He hoped the cub would bring home a large deer that they could eat in the next few days.

Not long after, Mbok Milah entered her room. He intended to rest for a while before leaving for the fields. You know, Mbok Milah is old.

It didn't take long in the middle of the forest, Jaka Tarub managed to shoot a deer. His heart is happy. Immediately he carried the deer and intended to go home. Bad luck seems to be coming. While busy walking, suddenly a leopard appeared in front of Jaka Tarub.

The tiger took a stance to attack. Jake Tarub panicked. He immediately let go of the deer he was carrying and pulled the sword from his waist. The tiger moves very fast. He immediately bit the deer and took him away.

Jaka Tarub sat limply. Not only was he surprised by what had just happened, he was surprised. Only this time his luck was this unlucky.

The game is already in hand, even if it is eaten by wild animals. "What is this sign?", he thought. Jaka Tarub immediately dismissed the bad thoughts that crossed his mind. After resting for a while, he immediately started walking again.

Bad luck doesn't want to leave Jaka Tarub yet. After walking and waiting several times, not a single game passed. The sun is rising. Jaka Tarub is feeling hungry.

He didn't bring any supplies because he was sure he wouldn't be in the forest all this time. Finally Jaka Tarub decided to go home even though empty handed.

When Jaka Tarub began to enter his village, he was surprised to see many people walking hastily towards the same direction. There were even some people who passed him looking surprised.

Although he was surprised, Jaka Tarub was reluctant to ask. The hunger that plagued him made Jaka Tarub want to get home quickly.

Jaka Tarub was stunned to see his house that was visible from a distance. Many people gathered in front of his house. Even the people he had seen walking in a hurry turned out to be heading for his house too. "What is it?", he thought. Jaka Tarub started to feel bad. He immediately ran to his house.

"What is this?", asked Jaka Tarub half shouting. People were surprised and turned to look at him. Mr. Ranu, who had been waiting for Jaka Tarub's arrival, immediately approached and patted Jaka Tarub's shoulder. "Patience son..", he said while guiding Jaka Tarub into the house.

Jaka Tarub's eyes immediately fell on a figure lying stiffly on the couch in the living room. A few seconds later Jaka Tarub realized that his mother had died. Jaka Tarub could not hold back his tears. This is proof of the bad feeling I've had since this morning, he thought.

Jaka Tarub could not do anything. He just pensively looked at Mbok Milah's face. Mr. Ranu's story that his wife found Mbok Milah had died in her sleep this morning ignored him.

He contemplates his fate which is now alone. Jaka Tarub also regrets that he has not fulfilled his mother's wish to see him married and holding grandchildren. But all are memories. Now her mother is resting in peace.

After his mother died, Jaka Tarub filled his days with hunting. Almost every day he hunts in the forest. He always distributes the results he hunts to neighbors. Only by hunting, Jaka Tarub can forget his sadness.

Like that morning, Jaka Tarub was getting ready to go hunting. He casually walked towards Wanawasa Forest because it was still early.

When he arrived at the forest, Jaka Tarub just waited for the game to pass in front of him. It doesn't feel like it's noon. Jaka Tarub got none of the game animals. He's actually daydreaming more.