Barong is king of the spirit and leader of the hosts of good in Bali mythology. His face appears in many different configurations which are often represented by a lion, a dog, a deer, a pig and a buffalo. Each region in Bali has its own form of Barong. When I saw his face for the first time, I could not recognize what his face represents. After I read the story, I was able to know his appearance looks like a lion. The interesting part of his picture was a crown on his head. I could not sure what I saw was right, but I felt that this mythical creature is not real, and it came from human’s imagination. However, Barong is valuable in Balinese society.
This mythical creature is presented by dance along the street. Even though I already knew Bali dance is very famous these days, it surprises me that there is a dance performance with Barong’s mask. People in Bali trust that performing Barong gives them fortune. There is a similar culture in China. The lion dance in China expresses to follow fortune, and drive out fear.
Within the story of Barong, he protects people from the fear of an evil, demon, Rangda who is the half-goddess and half-witch queen often battles against Barong. The dance drama where the Barong appears, the barong responds to Rangda's use of magic to control and kill her to protect the Balinese. When the Rangda creates chaos, the lion-like Barong comes to the rescue, fighting off the villains with a ferocious display that brings back a balance between good and evil. Barong could be only imagination and looks just fantasy, but people would cheer up by watching Barong’s performance. As I realize that most Asia cultures have a dance performance for their wish, Barong could give luck for people in rural area.
Within the story of Barong, he protects people from the fear of an evil, demon, Rangda who is the half-goddess and half-witch queen often battles against Barong. The dance drama where the Barong appears, the barong responds to Rangda's use of magic to control and kill her to protect the Balinese. When the Rangda creates chaos, the lion-like Barong comes to the rescue, fighting off the villains with a ferocious display that brings back a balance between good and evil. Barong could be only imagination and looks just fantasy, but people would cheer up by watching Barong’s performance. As I realize that most Asia cultures have a dance performance for their wish, Barong could give luck for people in rural area.
The earlier forms have been totemic figures of spirit or animal protectors. In appearances today the scary masks serve a function that used to frighten away evil spirits. People revere Barong as protective forces. This long term tradition shows how people trust Barong will drive out evil, and bring the fortune.
Both Chinese and Balinese mythology shows the tradition that people still believe in it. If people think that Barong is not valuable to Balinese, this tradition would be disappeared in present. From this fact, Barong draw the line between science and fantasy.
Both Chinese and Balinese mythology shows the tradition that people still believe in it. If people think that Barong is not valuable to Balinese, this tradition would be disappeared in present. From this fact, Barong draw the line between science and fantasy.
Work cited
Photograph: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Barong.jpg
"Barong(mythology)" Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 17 July 2011. Web. April. 2009.
Lions, Witches, and Happy Old Men: Some Parallels between Balinese and Japanese Ritual Masks. Margaret Coldiron. Asian Theatre Journal .Vol. 22, No. 2 (Autumn, 2005), pp. 227-248
