Once upon a time in a small village, lived a widow with her two daughters, Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih. Their father had passed away long ago. These two sisters had extremely contrasting personalities. Bawang Putih was humble and hardworking, while Bawang Merah was extravagant and proud.

Bawang Merah's bad traits were amplified by her mother's indulgence. The widow fulfilled all her demands and desires, whilst all chores were left for Bawang Putih to complete.

Day by day, Bawang Putih, with her loving and caring nature, handled all the house chores alone. However, she never complained about it.

Bawang Merah and her mother, on the other hand, always lazed around the house, ordering Bawang Putih to do their work whenever they needed something.

Bawang Putih, despite being tired, always looked at things optimistically. She believed that good deeds would be rewarded, and so she continued her hard work.

To Bawang Merah and her mother, Bawang Putih's kindness was a sign of weakness. They ridiculed her and made her work even harder.

On a regular day, while Bawang Putih was working in the field, she found a golden fish trapped in the mud. Seeing it struggle for life, she decided to save it.

She carefully picked up the fish and put it back into the river. The fish, grateful for Bawang Putih's kindness, promised to help her when she needed it.

Despite her heavy workload, Bawang Putih felt happy that she was able to save a life. She continued working, unaware that her kindness would soon be rewarded.

Time passed, and one day, an event was to be held in the village. Everyone was invited, including Bawang Merah and the Widow. However, they made Bawang Putih stay at home to complete chores.

Bawang Putih felt sad but kept her feelings to herself. She focused on her chores, and while she was washing clothes near the river, she saw the golden fish again.

The golden fish, upon seeing her sad face, wanted to help. It magically turned itself into a beautiful dress and a pair of glass shoes.

Seeing the transformation, Bawang Putih was amazed. The fish explained that it was a reward for her kindness and encouraged her to attend the event.

Bawang Putih, in the sparkling dress and shoes, attended the event. Every villager, including Bawang Merah and the Widow, was stunned by her beauty and grace.

The villagers praised Bawang Putih for her humility and kindness, which made Bawang Merah and her mother burn with jealousy.

As Bawang Putih was returning home, the golden fish turned back into its original shape. She thanked the fish and returned to her chores.

Bawang Merah and her mother returned home, still seething with jealousy. They couldn't bear the thought that Bawang Putih was praised by the villagers.

They decided to make Bawang Putih's life more miserable. They increased her workload and treated her more harshly. Yet, Bawang Putih stayed positive and continued her work.

Bawang Putih's kindness didn't go unnoticed. The villagers praised her more and started helping her with the chores, making Bawang Merah and her mother even more resentful.

One day, a prince from a nearby kingdom visited their village. He was impressed by Bawang Putih's humility and praised her, which made Bawang Merah even more jealous.

The prince decided to marry Bawang Putih, which left Bawang Merah and her mother in shock. Bawang Putih accepted the prince's proposal and left her old life behind.

Bawang Merah and her mother were left alone. With no one to do their work, they finally realized the importance of Bawang Putih and regretted their doings.

Meanwhile, Bawang Putih lived a happy life with the prince. She continued to be kind and humble, and her story became a lesson for all, proving that goodness always prevails.

Back in the village, Bawang Merah and her mother had to do their chores themselves. They worked hard and gradually changed their attitude, realizing the error of their ways.

The golden fish kept visiting Bawang Putih, reminding her of her humble past and encouraging her to stay kind and humble, even as a princess.

This tale of Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih spread across the land, teaching generations the value of humility, hard work, and kindness.