RANGDA

Rangda is the queen of the leak in Balinese mythology. This fearsome creature is told frequently kidnap and eat little children and led an army against the evil witch Barong, a symbol of good strength.

Etymology

Etymologically, the word is known in Balinese Rangda derived from the Old Javanese language of word meaning Randa Widow. Further development for the widow Rangda term we hear less and less, because they feared bad impression being given that Rangda 'Aeng' (spooky) and frightening as well as identical with the people who have left science (pengiwa). This is mainly we get in folklore performances. In other words, there is the impression of fear, hurt and embarrassed when it says could neluh nerangjana (ngeleak). Truly understanding over more inspired folktales in which there are elements of Rangda. The story that most impact is Calonarang.

Myth Rangda

Told that most likely came from the queen Rangda Mahendradatta who lived on the island of Java in the 11th century. He was exiled by the king Dharmodayana for alleged acts of magic against the king's second empress. According to legend he took revenge by killing half the kingdom, and who later became his son's Dharmodayana, grants. Then he was replaced by someone who is wise. The name also means widow Rangda.

Extremely important for Rangda Balinese mythology. Barong battle with or against grants are often displayed in a ballet. Ballet is very popular and an important legacy in the tradition of Bali. Rangda is described as a woman with long hair disheveled and had long fingernails, long protruding tongue, and breast length. His face is scary and has long fangs and sharp.

The types of Rangda

Identify the types of Rangda which flourished in Bali is very difficult. This is because the form of Rangda in general are the same. Indeed, in the story there is a form of Rangda Calonarang others like Rarung, but it is Celuluk minions of Si Calonarang and position more in the stories is not sacred. To distinguish the form of Rangda is to see the shape of his face (prerai), namely:

1. If the form is Nyinga Rangda's face resembled a lion and a slightly protruding forward (munju). The nature of Rangda is fierce and ferocious.

2. If the form is Nyeleme Rangda's face resembles a human face and a little wider (lumbeng). Rangda form like this, showing the nature of an authoritative and haunted.

3. If that is the giant form of Rangda face resembles a giant as a general form we see Rangda in general