Folklore And Legends
FOLKLORE OF BUJANG FROG

Bujang Frog, so he is usually called, because he indeed resembles a frog. The skin is slippery and greenish in color, the neck is short like a frog. Bujang Frog is the only child of a poor old woman. In the past, the woman was diligent in praying that God would give her a child. Unintentionally, he said that even though the child he gave resembled a frog, he would still love him. Apparently the Lord granted his prayer, and the Frog Bujang was born.

Bujang Frog diligently helps his mother in the field. The villagers also like Bujang Katak because of its friendly and helpful attitude. Lately, Bujang Frogs look moody. He often sat down. His mother, who was surprised to see the change in attitude, asked, "What do you think, son? All day you just sit around daydreaming."

Bujang Frog sighed, "I'm now an adult Mom, it's time I get married."

His mother smiled, "Ah, apparently you're in love. Tell Mom who the woman is and I'll propose to her soon."

"Princess King, Ma'am. I heard the King has seven beautiful daughters. Will you propose to one of them for me?"

His mother was very surprised, "Where might a princess marry my son" he thought to himself. But because he loved his son so much, the mother also agreed.

The next day, the mother went to the palace. Not to forget he brought a little hand for the King. Arriving at the palace, the King immediately asked the intention of his arrival.

"For Your Majesty. Forgive me if I am sassy. The intention of the servant's arrival was to propose one of His Majesty's daughters to the servant's son," Mother said with some dismay.

King frowning. She looked at her mother from top to bottom.

"This poor woman seems to have misdirected. Where do my daughters want to feed the poor?" thought in the heart. Despite thinking so, because the King is a wise King, the King does not want to discourage Bujang Frog's mother. He then called his seven daughters to meet the mother.

"My daughters, are any of you willing to marry this old lady's son?" ask King. The daughters laughed mockingly. "O old lady, your son dreams in broad daylight, huh?"

They then re-entered the palace and ignored Bujang Frog's mother. Only the king's youngest daughter remained. He approached Bujang Frog's mother and said, "Go home. Tell your son to come by himself to propose to me."

"Bungsu, do you really want to marry Bujang Frog? He was just a poor young man and looked like a frog" the King said in a panic. More than that, the youngest daughter is the most beautiful princess and the most kind daughter among her seven daughters. The Rajapun is actually most dear to Princess Bungsu because in addition to being smart, the youngest daughter is also a wise child.

"If Ayahanda permits, I will marry Bujang Frog. I heard that Bujang Frog is a good man. Shouldn't I find a good husband?" replied Princess Bungsu. The king could not answer. Bujang Frog's mother immediately came home to tell this happy news to Bujang Frog.

The next day, Bujang Frog went to the palace. "Hai Bujang Frog, you may marry my youngest daughter, but there are conditions" said the King when Bujang Frog faced. The King will deliberately give a condition that is so difficult that it is impossible to be realized. It is actually to reject the proposal Bujang Frog subtly.

"Whatever the conditions, I will try to fulfill them" replied Bujang Frog steady.

"Ready Sire. Servant will soon build that bridge,” said Bujang Frog with a confident and steady tone.

"Remember Bujang Frog! That bridge should be ready within a week, otherwise don't expect you to marry my daughter!" the word King added the terms yand filed with Bujang Frog.

Bujang Frog returned to his house. He told the king's request to the king. "But my son, we are just poor people. Where can we buy gold to build that bridge?" Said Bujang Mother Frogs.

"Mom, with God's help, anything we can do. I will ask God to give me a way" said Bujang Frog steady. That night, Bujang Frog continued to pray and pray. He was sure God would help him.

Early in the morning, as usual Bujang Frog woke up and prepared to go to the fields. When he took a shower, a miracle happened. His thick, slippery skin was peeling off. Every time he poured water on his body, his skin fell out. Slowly, his entire body skin was peeled off. Bujang Frog wonder. He looked at his skin that was peeled off. He immediately entered the house to reflect. How shocked he was, in front of him looked the figure of a handsome young man with tanned skin! No longer a young man who resembled a frog. Unbelieving, Bujang Frog continued to touch his face. "Mothers... Come quickly..Look at me, Mom!" yell Bujang Frog. His mother was flustered. "O Lord, what a great love You have for my son" cried Mother, embracing Bujang Frog.

Bujang Frog returned to the well to continue his bath. Again, a miracle happened. The thick skin had turned into gold! Bujang Frog cried out in excitement, "Thank God, thank you... You've given me a way out."

Bujang Frog showed the gold to his mother. "Mom, now I can build a golden bridge. Pray for me so I can finish it on time. Bujang Frog started working, day and night non-stop.

The appointed day has arrived. Bujang Frog and his mother faced the King. At that moment, the King and his daughters were gathering. They were all astonished to see the figure of the young man who came to face the King.

"O old lady, where is your frog-like son? Who is this young man?" ask the King in confusion.

"For Your Majesty, this young man is Bujang Frog. God has changed his form into a handsome young man" replied Bujang Frog's mother. Mareka looked at each other. Princess Bungsu smiled happily.

"Hey young man, even though you are already a handsome young man, you still have to qualify me. Is the golden bridge already?" ask the King.

"Of course, Sire. Let me take you among His Majesty to see it" replied Bujang Frog.

In the morning, the golden bridge was beautiful. The golden color bounces off every part of the bridge. The king was happy to see the determination and effort of Bujang Frog to marry the bungsunga princess. "The choice of Putri Bungsu is right. This young man is willing to work hard to achieve his goals," thought the King. "Alright Bujang Frog. Let's go back to the palace and talk about your wedding party with Princess Bungsu," the King asked. Bujang Frog also nodded in agreement. He extended his hand to Princess Bungsu. Embarrassedly, Putri Bungsu welcomes the hand of her future husband.

...The moral message from the Bangka Belitung Folklore is Bujang Katak is Do not judge people by their physical appearance alone. Effort, hard work, and prayer will make a person successful....