Damarwulan
Damarwulan is a legendary Javanese hero whose tale is preserved in wayang klitik shadow plays, the Langendriyan dance-opera, and ketoprak popular theater, especially in East Java. The story is tied to the Majapahit kingdom during the reign of Queen Kencanawungu (Suhita), though its characters suggest roots in older sun-and-moon myths.
Born a prince and nephew of the Majapahit prime minister Patih Lohgender, Damarwulan was raised in his grandfather’s hermitage. Seeking worldly experience, he traveled to court, where Lohgender’s sons, Layang Seta and Layang Kumitir, treated him with cruelty. To prevent him from rising above them, Lohgender assigned him the lowly role of grass-cutter and stableboy. Even in servitude, Damarwulan’s striking appearance caught the attention of Anjasmara, Lohgender’s daughter. The two fell in love, secretly wed, and were soon discovered by her brothers. Though Damarwulan overpowered them, Lohgender ordered his imprisonment rather than execution at Anjasmara’s pleas.
Meanwhile, Menak Jingga, ruler of Blambangan, demanded Queen Kencanawungu’s hand. When she refused, he declared war and threatened Majapahit with destruction. Desperate, the queen proclaimed that whoever slew Menak Jingga would win her hand. A divine vision revealed that only Damarwulan could accomplish this, and he was released from prison for the task.
With loyal servants at his side, Damarwulan infiltrated Blambangan, where he encountered Dewi Wahita and Dewi Puyengan, princesses held captive as Menak Jingga’s concubines. Enchanted by his bravery and charm, they aided him. In battle, Damarwulan was struck down, but the princesses revived him and revealed Menak Jingga’s secret: his invulnerability depended on a yellow iron club hidden behind his headrest, and only a blow to his left temple could kill him. Stealing the weapon, they enabled Damarwulan to confront Menak Jingga again. This time he triumphed, beheading the king.
As he returned with the trophy, he was ambushed and slain by Layang Seta and Layang Kumitir, who delivered the head to the queen as if it were their own victory. Yet Damarwulan was restored to life by a hermit. He returned to Majapahit, exposed the treachery of his cousins, and defeated them in combat. Honored as savior of the realm, he was crowned King of Majapahit. He retained Anjasmara as his queen, while Dewi Wahita and Dewi Puyengan became his consorts, fulfilling both his destiny and the prophecy of his rise.
