Barong and Keris Dance
The Barong and Keris Dance is a Balinese dance story about the fight between Barong as a good spirit with Rangda as a bad spirit.
The Barong and Keris Dance is a captivating traditional Balinese performance depicting the eternal struggle between good and evil, symbolized by the benevolent Barong and the malevolent Rangda. Barong, the king of spirits and leader of good, is often represented as a lion-like creature, animated by Banas Pati Rajah, and serves as a protector spirit. His opponent, Rangda, is a fearsome mythological witch, considered an embodiment of Goddess Durga, known for her terrifying appearance and association with dark magic.
The most common form seen in this dance is the Barong Keket, a majestic creature combining features of a lion, tiger, cow, and dragon. Its sacred mask, crafted from specific trees like the Pule tree from grave areas, is believed to imbue it with a mystical and spiritual aura. The dance is performed by two individuals, requiring harmonious movement to bring the Barong to life.
The narrative often draws from the ancient Calonarang story, detailing Rangda's vengeful destruction of a kingdom and her ultimate defeat by Barong with the help of Mpu Bharadah. A unique and dramatic element of the performance is the trance dance attraction, where dancers, embodying soldiers, appear to stab themselves with daggers without sustaining injury, a testament to Barong's protective power.
Beyond its thrilling spectacle, the Barong Dance serves as a profound reflection of human actions, representing the balance between Dharma (good) and Adharma (evil) in daily life. Originating from religious ceremonies, it has evolved into a popular cultural attraction, particularly staged in the mornings, offering audiences a deep insight into Balinese mythology and spiritual beliefs.