Joko Kendil: The Potter's Heart

    By Ayu Titania

    Joko Kendil: The Potter's Heart cover image

    03 Sep, 2024

    a woman and a child are cooking in a kitchen together, with pots and pans on the floor, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Byeon Sang-byeok, official art

    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.

    a painting of a woman sitting on a bench next to a basket of fruit and a bucket of eggs, fantastic realism, a detailed painting, Byeon Sang-byeok, highly detailed digital painting

    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.

    a man and woman in ancient chinese costumes holding a bowl of food in front of a crowd of people, sots art, a storybook illustration, Emperor Huizong of Song, official art

    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.

    a painting of a man and a girl in ancient dress, with a gold pot in front of them, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Clint Cearley, magic the gathering artwork

    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.

    a painting of a man and woman in medieval dress talking to each other in a large room with other people, classical realism, a detailed painting, Edmund Leighton, highly detailed oil painting

    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.

    a painting of a mother and daughter in formal dress standing next to each other in a throne with a rose bouquet, fantasy art, a detailed painting, disney, rossdraws global illumination

    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.

    a man in a suit of armor standing in front of a crowd of people in a stadium with a sword, sots art, concept art, Clint Cearley, epic fantasy character art

    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.

    a man and a woman dressed in medieval clothing standing next to each other in front of a crowd of people, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Christophe Vacher, official art

    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.

    a woman in a medieval costume standing in a room with a man in armor in the background and a woman in a dress, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Cedric Peyravernay, epic fantasy character art

    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.

    a man and woman dressed in medieval costumes standing next to each other in a room with windows and a vase of flowers, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Clint Cearley, rossdraws global illumination

    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.

    a painting of a man and woman in medieval dress standing next to each other in front of a crowd, sots art, a detailed painting, Donato Giancola, detailed painting

    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.

    Joko Kendil: The Potter's Heart