Our Folktales: The All-time Favourite Folktales from Asia

Pabu, a Rajasthani chief, loves animals and his niece, Kelam. One day, Kelam tells Pabu that she wants a camel for her birthday, so Pabu sets off to Lanka in search of one. But, after braving a storm, he finds himself in Persia, and befriends the king there. He learns all about camels, and returns with a baby camel for Kelam, just in time for her birthday.

For many centuries, Indonesian folktales have taught the equality of women and men. The story of Princess Kemang from Bengkulu Province in Sumatra Island is about an independent princess who, fond of hunting, fishing and hiking in the woods, eventually becomes a soldier. Once, in a dense forest, she spoke to a tree which then changed slowly into a handsome prince. Later, the two married and Princess Kemang became the ruler of her kingdom.

Issun-boshi is a tiny boy, no taller than one sun (3 cm), but he is brave and spirited. With a needle as a sword, he rides down the river in a wooden bowl to find work in the capital. A lord hires him to guard his daughter, the princess. During an outing, the princess is attacked by ogres and Issun-boshi saves her. The ogres leave a mallet, or hammer, behind. The mallet is magical and it will change Issun-boshi's life forever.

After cutting down a magical kolesmeloko tree for profit, Teong the folk healer, accidentally sets a giant serpent free. As punishment for his greed he must give away his three daughters, Maria Upeng, Maria Loleng, and Maria Upeng, to three powerful kings. Many years pass and the youngest child, Pedro, journeys across different realms in an effort to find his sisters and reunite his family.

Badang, a poor labourer, uses his wits to gain super strength and freedom from his master. The Raja of Singapura hears reports about this strongman, and summons Badang to his kingdom. With his quick mind and strength, Badang becomes legendary as the undefeatable royal warrior, defending his King and country's honour. Among his many challenges, Badang lifts a gigantic boulder, and hurls it to the mouth of the Singapore River.