The Calon Arang: A Haunting Tale of Jealousy, Revenge, and Divine Intervention?

“Calon Arang” stands as a chilling folktale from 9th century Indonesia, reflecting the cultural anxieties and societal norms of the era. It’s a story steeped in Javanese mythology, weaving together themes of jealousy, revenge, betrayal, and ultimately, divine intervention. The tale has been passed down through generations, its oral tradition ensuring its survival and evolution over centuries.

The narrative centers on Calon Arang, a powerful female figure renowned for her beauty and mastery of black magic. She resides in a remote village nestled within the lush Javanese landscape. Her extraordinary powers command both respect and fear among the villagers, but she finds herself entangled in a web of jealousy woven by her rival, the jealous and ambitious Rangkesari.

Rangkesari, driven by envy and lust for power, schemes to undermine Calon Arang’s standing within the community. She manipulates events, spreading rumors and sowing discord amongst the villagers. The once-revered Calon Arang gradually faces suspicion and ostracization as Rangkesari’s venomous whispers poison the minds of the village folk.

Driven by despair and rage at her sudden downfall, Calon Arang unleashes her formidable black magic upon the unsuspecting village. She summons deadly storms, plagues the crops with blight, and inflicts a string of misfortunes upon those who wronged her. The once-peaceful village descends into chaos, its inhabitants living in fear of Calon Arang’s wrath.

As the situation escalates, the villagers turn to the wise and benevolent King Boko for help. Realizing the gravity of the situation, King Boko seeks guidance from the gods. He performs elaborate rituals and makes offerings to appease the divine forces, pleading for a solution to the village’s plight.

The gods, moved by the king’s devotion and the villagers’ suffering, offer a divinely-ordained solution. They instruct the king to build a grand temple dedicated to Durga, the goddess of justice and protection. This act of faith and devotion is intended to counter Calon Arang’s dark magic and restore balance to the village.

King Boko follows the gods’ guidance meticulously. He mobilizes his subjects, pooling their resources and labor to construct a magnificent temple honoring Durga. The temple becomes a symbol of hope and resilience for the villagers, a beacon of light against the encroaching darkness of Calon Arang’s vengeful magic.

The culmination of the tale sees a clash between divine power and human sorcery. As the temple nears completion, Calon Arang unleashes her most potent spell – a deadly storm intended to destroy the village and everyone within it.

However, Durga’s protective energy infused in the newly-built temple deflects Calon Arang’s attack, weakening her power significantly. Recognizing her defeat and overwhelmed by the divine intervention, Calon Arang relinquishes her vendetta against the villagers.

The story concludes with a sense of resolution and restoration. The village emerges from the crisis stronger and more united than before. The villagers learn the importance of community, forgiveness, and reliance on higher powers during times of adversity.

Calon Arang’s tale serves as a cautionary fable highlighting the dangers of unchecked jealousy and revenge. It underscores the belief in divine justice and the power of faith to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Deconstructing the Themes:

Theme	Explanation
Jealousy	Rangkesari’s envy drives her actions, leading to the village’s suffering.
Revenge	Calon Arang’s desire for vengeance unleashes chaos and destruction.
Divine Intervention	The gods guide King Boko, demonstrating their role in restoring balance.
Forgiveness	Ultimately, Calon Arang lets go of her anger, suggesting the possibility of redemption.

Through its intricate plot and evocative imagery, “Calon Arang” continues to captivate audiences with its timeless message. It serves as a reminder that human actions have consequences, both for oneself and the community, while emphasizing the power of faith, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice.