Barong Dance

When you heard Bali, the first in your mind must be a series of temples, beautiful beaches and of course a very fascinating culture. Bali offers a variety of unique cultures. Of the many arts and cultures on offer, one that is becoming very popular to watch by tourists is Barong Dance.

Barong dance became an important part of the various cultural heritage of ancestors that until now still preserved by the local community. The show has a magical story about fighting between evil and Barong. Evil is played by Rangda and main character is played by Barong. 

Barong is a lion-like creature and character in the mythology of Bali. He is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good. He is the enemy of Rangda, the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders in the mythological traditions of Bali. The story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the tenth century, was condemned by Erlangga’s father because she practiced black magic. After became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle.  The leaks and the demons come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga. He had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga’s soldiers, and fight ensued. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves. Pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests.

Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away. The show is routinely performed every day.