Thursday, October 4, 2007

Samiaji

He is also called RADEN YUDISTIRA or DARMAKUSUMAH. He is the king of Amartapura and the oldest of five brothers 'PANDAWA LIMA'. He was a very patient king and was never angry, he never told a lie. Having these characteristics, in the world of wayang he said to have 'white blood'. His famous charm is the 'layang kalimusada' which has power to keep enemies away and to save himself. SAMIAJI is a symbol of honesty and patience.

Rama / Sri Rama

In the RAMAYANA classical story which is known through out the world, he was Shinta's Husband. His wife was kidnapped by RAHWANA a gigantic king. With the help of HANOMAN, the white monkey, he released her however he was doubtful whether his beloved was still a virgin. To prove her innocence RAMA granted her request to burn herself, but the fire didn't burn his wife, proving that she is still a virgin. A symbol of a loving husband who takes care of his wife.

Rahwana

RAHWANA was a cruel, immoral giant, his appearance was terrifying. He crushed everybody who was against him. He was very strong, had tremendous magical power, he could not die even his body has been torn apart to pieces, as long as part of his flesh touch the earth. This magical power was called AJI PANCASONA. Even Gods were afraid of him, that's why he was given to marry a Goddess, TARI, but it could not stop his lust for other women. He wanted also SHINTA, the wife of RAMA WIJAYA, a powerful warrior. He kidnapped her and held her until she was saved by Hunaman and Rama.

Mahesa Sura

The buffalo soldeir. Also a symbol used to represent the higher officials or Mayor of a town.

Kijang Kencana

Kijang Kencana : Golden Deer In order to realize his idea, Rahwana commutes one of his followers named Marica to a deer called Kijang Kencana so as to attract Shinta. Being interested in the beauty of the deer, Shinta asks Rama to capture the deer for her. Rama leaves Shinta accompanied by Leksmana and start hunting the deer. After waiting for a long time, Shinta becomes nervous as Rama has not arrived yet. She asks Leksmana to look for Rama. Before leaving Shinta alone, Leksmana draws a magic circle on the ground so as to protect her from any possible danger. As soon as Rahwana notices that Shinta has been left alone, Rahwana tries to kidnap Shinta but he fails because of the magic circle which protects her life. Then he changes to be an old Brahmana. As soon as Shinta gets out from the magic circle to give alms to Brahmana, Brahmana (Rahwana) takes her and fly her to Alengka Kingdom.

Rama shoots at the deer with bow and arrow, but the deer commutes to a giant. A war out breaks between Rama and Marica. The giant is shot dead with Rama's arrow. Later on Leksmana arrives and requests Rama to return to Shinta's place.

Jendral

One of the famous Dutch generals in the stories. His face is red due to the belief it was easy for the Dutch to become sun burnt.

Jakatawang (Antasena)

Jakatawang (Antasena) Bima's third wife was Dewi Urang Ayu, the daughter of Sang Hyang Baruna, a powerful god living under the ocean. Baruna was a very good god, he had helped several kings such as Arjuna Sasrabahu, Rama etc. Urang Ayu gave birth to Antasena, another warrior with strong magical ability. He could kill his enemies by spitting over his poison. In battle or war, he was very dangerous.

He was good and honest, but like Bima he spoke to everyone in Ngoko language, (the lowest level of language, spoke between friends, the refined one is Kromo language, used to respected or elder people). He was very much concern for the victory of Pendawa in Baratayuda. He was advised by his grand-father to ask to Sang Hyang Wenang, the greatest decision-maker of life, the grand-father of Batara Guru. Antasena made an audience to Sang Hyang Wenang and ask him what he supposed to do, to secure Pandawa’s victory. Sang Hayang Wenang told him, that he had to be a Tumbal (spiritual tool to gain something) for Pendawa. In other word, he had to sacrifice his life. Antasena loving his parents very much, had no objection. Sang Hyang Wenang stared sharply, using his extraordinary powerful eyes at Antasena’s face, focused on a spot between his eyes. Astonishingly, Antasena’s body became smaller and smaller, at last he vanished. His soul returned to heaven. Thus, he did not take part in Baratayuda. This puppet is featured in 'Voices of the Puppet Masters".