Narrative text example

NARRATIVE

The Legend Of Karimunjava Island

Once upon a time in Muria Mountain, there lived the family of Sunan Muria. Amir Hasan or called as Sunan Nyamplungan is the son of Sunan Muria.

He was very spoiled by his mother. Because of that, he became a naughty boy.

Then his father, Sunan Muria asked him to study in kudus. He studied Islamic religion to his uncle, Sunan Kudus. After some time, he became an obedient young man. Sunan Muria was very proud of him.

One day, Sunan Muria asked Amir Hasan to go to somewhere to spread Islamic religion. His father asked him to go to an island that could be seen from Muria Mountain. It was on the west - north of Jepara. This island seemed to be fade (kremun-kremun in Javanese). And from that time, people called the island as Karimunjava Island.

Amir hasan followed by his mate went to Karimunjava Island. They sailed to the island day and night and finally they reached the island. Then they did what his father said. Amir Hasan and his people lived in the island ever after.

King Midas

Long ago there lived a king who was the richest man in the world. His name was Midas; however, he was nor happy.

Midas longed to be even richer. He wanted to be richer than all the kings in the world put together.

One day, as Midas said on his throne thinking of ways to become richer, his servants came to him with an old man.

‘Master,’ said the first servant. ‘We have found this servant wandering around in your orchard.’

‘It is Silenus, the friend of the god Bacchus,’ said the second servant.

Midas had an idea. He welcomed the old man and said, ‘you shall be my guest for ten days. Please, eat and drink as much as you like.’

At the end of the ten days Midas took Silenus back to Bacchus. The god was very happy to see his lost friend. Bacchus turned to Midas and said, ‘I will grant you any wish you make.’

Midas could hardly believe his ears. Here was his chance to become richer. He could become richer than all the kings in the world put together.

‘My wish is… that everything I touch will turn into gold’

‘Your wish granted,’ laughed Bacchus, but will that really make you happy, Midas?

In his return to his palace Midas tried out his new power. He picked up a stone and it turned to gold. He touched his clothes and they turned too gold. He changed a whole tree into gold by rubbing his hands over the trunk. Midas was so excited.

Back at the palace, Midas sat down and called for some food and drink. His chair changed to gold and, although it was uncomfortable, Midas still was happy that all he touched turned into gold.

A servant brought Midas a bowl of water so that he could wash his hand. As soon as Midas put his hands into the bowl, the water turned to gold. Ext, Midas took a piece of bread. Before he could get it to his mouth, it too had turned to gold. He could eat nothing without it turning to gold.

Miserable, Midas went for a walk in his garden. His children run up to him. Without thinking, Midas put his arms around them and instantly they turned into little gold statues. Midas now cried.

Midas hurried to Bacchus and pleated that he take away his golden touch.

‘Didn’t I tell you that the golden touch would not bring you happiness?’ asked Bacchus. ‘Keep your gift and don’t come winging to me.’

Then Midas went down on his knees and with golden tears running down his cheeks, begged for Bacchus to show mercy.

‘I was wrong to be greedy and to love gold so much,’ said Midas.

Bacchus felt sorry for Midas and told him how to cure the golden touch. He had to go to the river Pactolus and wash in its clear water. This would take away the golden touch. Midas did so.

Midas then returned to his place. On the way he touched a brand of a tree and it did not turn to gold. Midas was so relieved. But in his garden he saw his children, still as golden statues. He quickly grabbed a bucket, ran to the river Pactolus and scooped up some water. He took this back to the garden and poured it over his golden children. Immediately they came alive and were no longer gold.

Midas then called for a feast to celebrate. He told his servant to get rid of the gold platen as he was sick of the sight of gold. Midas enjoyed being able to eat and drink again. No longer did he want to be the richest of the rich.

Midas had found out that all the gold in the world does not bring happiness.