Barong Landung: The story of King Sri Jaya Pangus & Queen Kang Cing Wie

There are some versions of Barong Landung that are told from generation to generation. The widely-known version is Barong Landung represents the story of a Balinese King named Sri Jaya Pangus who fell head over heels for Kang Cing Wie, the daughter of a Chinese merchant. It is believed that this story happened during the 12th Century. During his reign, many Chinese merchants came to Bali. King Jaya Pangus was the King of Balingkang kingdom located in Kintamani. He was one of the greatest King in Balinese history. It is told that he asked his people to hold a ritual that people nowadays familiar with the name Galungan. Hinduism was popular during King Jayapangus’ era, and his people lived peacefully. He was also known for his 43 inscriptions written within 3 years.

After King Jaya Pangus and Cing Wie got married, Kang Cing Wie could not bear a child, so they didn’t have any heirs for a long time. Therefore, the King set out on a journey to Mount Batur. He was going to meditate and hoping to find guidance through meditation. When the King arrived at Mount Batur, he met a goddess called Dewi Danu, who was the guardian of the mount. He told her he was single, so she agreed to be his partner without knowing she was just a fling to him. They even had a son together named ‘Mayadenawa.’

Queen Kang Cing Wie later went to Mount Batur because her husband had been out for too long. Reality surprised her as she learned that his husband was having an affair with the goddess, Dewi Danu. Knowing the truth, Dewi Danu was furious with King Jaya Pangus and his wife. She cursed both of them and turned them into statues. Another version says that Dewi Danu’s Mother, Batari Batur, changed them because she felt that her daughter was tricked.

Nevertheless, the Balingkang people were devastated after knowing they had lost their King and Queen. To reminisce them, they created Barong Landung. The black Barong symbolizes King Sri Jaya Pangus, who was depicted as an unattractive King, while the white Barong embodies Queen Kang Cing Wie. This pair of Barong can be seen during Galungan, a local festival held every 6 months. Mayadenawa who is the son of King Jayapangus and Dewi Danu later becomes the antagonist in Balinese legend usually shown during Galungan. You can check the performance of this legend when you visit Bali, especially in theater or during specific celebrations.

Next we’ll be talking about Wayang Potehi, stay around!