A Test for the King

A Test for the King
A Folklore from Central Java, Indonesia

Once upon a time there was a small kingdom called Mergosono. Although Mergosono was small, it was famous because the king is a very good and wise man.

One day, the Gods heard about the king’s goodness and wisdom. So, they decided to test him. The king of the gods sent four of his gods to Mergosono to test the king. At that time, the king’s son, Pangeran Sembara was studying abroad. So one of the gods disguises as Pangeran Sembara. Two other as villagers while one disguised as a villager who was killed by Pangeran Sembara.

The two villagers then go to see the king to tell him about the death of their friend. They said that they saw the prince killed their friend.

"I accept your report. But my son hasn’t returned from his study. I will hold my judgement until his return. If my son indeed killed your friend then I will give him the punishment he deserve. But if you lie then I will punish you for ruining my family’s good name,” said the king.

When the two villagers left, the king called his trusted advisors. He asked for their opinion about this matter. They all agreed that if the report was true then the prince should be punished. The king was sad to hear that but he know he must uphold the law.

The next morning the false prince came to see his father. He admit killing the villager. So the king decided to execute the prince for his wrong doing. The next day the prince was going to be hung as his punishment. When the executioner hang the prince, suddenly his body disappear and a voice was heard across the field.

“King of Mergosono, you really are a wise and justfull king. You pass my test. So I will give you and your people prosperity as long as you and your descendant stay true and wise. Don’t be sad. Your son is well and on his way home to see you.”

When the sound was gone, the people of Mergosono yells with joy. Their prince was safe and they know that their king is a wise man. When the prince finally arrived home, they hold a party to celebrate the event.