POWER AND STRENGTH IN THE MYTH OF RARA KIDHUL

Abstract

Regardless public opinion stating that the text of Babad Tanah Jawi is the most complete text that tells the change of power in Java, nobody can ensure the truth. The Text of Babad Tanah Jawi contains a long journey of power change in the land of Java. The author of the story could freely talk about various matters relating to the change of power in Java. The myth of power is strongly attached to the Javanese society. During the time of Hindu influence in Java, the myth of power was firmly attached to the Javanese way. It is easy to see that the influence of the Maha Bharata and Ramayana stories is adapted in the culture by placing the pagakawan character as a characteristic of local wisdom in his time. As Arabic and European influences entered, the myth of power in Java remained strong. Cerita people whose nuances are always interpreted with power. For example, the story of Queen of South which is always associated with the succession of power in Java. Strong Arabic and European influences began to enter in Java in the early XV century. The traditional story begins to change, originally oriented to the gods now oriented to the mention of God and the creatures mentioned in the cultural influences that come. On the other hand, the myth of power in Javanese culture continues to be attached in various ways. Some are manifested in the form of real activities, but some are manifested in the belief through writing, as well as the Queen Ratu Kidul.