
Joko Kendil: The Potter's Heart
By Ayu Titania

03 Sep, 2024

Once upon a time, in a humble village home, a woman lived with her son, Joko Kendil. Despite his unusual pot-like body, his mother showered him with love and always fulfilled his wishes.

Joko grew up as a happy, playful, and sometimes naughty child. He had a peculiar habit of sitting near the market vendors, who, thinking him to be a potter, would place food on him.

Joko would sneak into parties, where people mistook him for a pot and placed food on him. When he explained this to his mother, she laughed, despite initially being angry thinking he had stolen the food.

Growing up, Joko's body remained pot-like, but he desired a wife - not just any wife, but the king's daughter. His mother, shocked, nonetheless took his request to the king, who had three beautiful daughters.

The king, surprisingly unfazed, presented the proposal to his daughters. The eldest two scoffed at the idea, while the youngest accepted the proposal with pleasure, much to the king's astonishment.

The elder sisters constantly teased the youngest about her husband, Joko, often comparing him to a rolling ball or a water jar. Despite the mockery, the youngest daughter remained patient and steadfast.

One day, the king held a stunt competition, attracting many participants including princes and commanders. Joko could not attend due to illness. However, a gallant knight appeared, impressing everyone with his agility.

The elder sisters fell in love with the knight, once again mocking their youngest sister for marrying Joko. Distressed, the youngest daughter ran to her room and angrily smashed a pitcher.

The knight followed the youngest daughter and found her sobbing in her room. Surprised at seeing the knight, she was further shocked when he referred to her as his wife.

The knight then revealed that he was Joko Kendil, her husband. He had been disguising himself as a pot, but a princess's marriage had returned him to his true form.

Upon learning the truth, the elder sisters regretted their mockery. However, the youngest daughter was overjoyed, now having her husband, Joko Kendil, restored to a handsome knight.