The Story of Ungrateful Son

The Story of Ungrateful Son
A Folktale from East Java, Indonesia

Long time ago, there were twins named Jantur and Menur. Jantur is a boy and Menur is a girl. Jantur and Menur were very different. Jantur was lazy and gets angry easily. When Jantur is angry, he always says bad things. On the other hand, Menur was kind, diligent, and patient girl.

When their parents were working in a paddy field, Jantur asked Menur to cook. He was hungry. Menur then cooked for her brother. After the food was served, Jantur ate. Suddenly he throw the food on the floor.

“What food is this? Yuck! It’s not delicious!”

Menur cried. She was very sad. But she was not angry to her brother. Slowly she collected the food on the floor and put it in the trash bin.

When their parents returned home, Menur told about the food. The father advises Jantur,

“Why did you do that to your sister? She already helped you.”

Jantur was angry,

“I don’t care! Her food is not delicious! I hate her.”

“Lease don’t say that. She is your sister, “ his father tried to calm him down.

“Why did you defend her? Why didn’t you support me? if you don’t love me anymore, go away! I hate you all!”

Jantur was very angry. He could not control himself. Menur and her parents then left the house. They now stayed in a mountain. Everyday they pray to God to make Jantur becomes a good person.

Not long after that, Jantur suffers a disease. His body was full of umors. It’s very bad. Nobody wanted to see him. He looks very ugly. Jantur realizes that God punishes him. He regrets. Then he left his house to look for his parents and his sister.

Finally he found them. He asked for their forgiveness.

“I’m sorry, Mom and Dad. I’m sorry Menur. I have done bad things to you all. Now please forgive me,” Jantur says.

“We all already forgave you, Son. Everyday we pray for you. Now God hears our pray. Come here…” Mom then hugs Jantur.

Suddenly all the tumors in Jantur’s body were gone! Jantur was very happy.

“Thank you, God! Thank you, Mom, Dad, and Menur. I promise I will be a good person.