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The Mystery of the Ruler of the South Coast of Indonesia

Nyi Roro Kidul

By Aldo Abdillah FathonyPublished about a year ago 2 min read
Nyi Roro Kidul

The legend of Nyi Roro Kidul is one of the folk tales that is closely related to the culture and beliefs of the Javanese people, especially in the southern coastal areas. Her figure is known as the Queen of the South Sea, the ruler of the vast ocean area that stretches along the southern coast of Java. This story is not just a story, but is also full of elements of spirituality, customs, and mystical relationships that are part of Javanese cultural identity.

According to the widely circulated version, Nyi Roro Kidul was originally a princess from a large kingdom in Java. Some say that she was the princess of the Pajajaran Kingdom, while other versions say that she came from the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. She was a beautiful woman who was known to be wise, but her life changed tragically due to political intrigue and slander in the palace environment. In several stories, it is said that she was cursed so that her body turned into a disgusting figure. Feeling abandoned and hurt, she left the palace and isolated herself.

Princess Kadita

During her wanderings, Nyi Roro Kidul finally arrived in the South Sea. There, Nyi Roro Kidul experienced an extraordinary spiritual transformation. She gained supernatural powers and became the ruler of the mystical world of the South Sea, known as a region full of mystery and supernatural powers. As the Queen of the South Sea, Nyi Roro Kidul is described as having extraordinary abilities to control the waves, wind, and life on the seabed. She became a feared protector and ruler.

The mystical relationship between Nyi Roro Kidul and the Mataram Kingdom is one of the important elements in her story. It is said that she had a spiritual bond with the kings of Mataram, especially the Keraton Yogyakarta and Surakarta. In this belief, the kings are considered spiritual partners of Nyi Roro Kidul, who receive protection and blessings from her as long as they maintain customs and respect her. This relationship is preserved in various traditional ceremonies, such as labuhan, where offerings are thrown into the sea to honor the queen.

Princess Kadita

In addition to these stories, Nyi Roro Kidul is also closely related to various local myths. One of the most famous myths is the prohibition of wearing green clothes on the south coast. Green is considered Nyi Roro Kidul's favorite color, and people who wear it are believed to be "taken" to her palace at the bottom of the sea. Many people believe that the disappearance of clothes on the south coast is related to the anger or supernatural calling of the queen.

The legend of Nyi Roro Kidul is not just a story, but has also influenced various aspects of people's lives. She is an inspiration in art, dance, music, and even puppetry. On the other hand, this legend is also a reminder for people to appreciate nature, especially the sea, which is considered sacred. The existence of Nyi Roro Kidul as part of Javanese mythology shows how rich and complex the culture and customs of Indonesian society are.

Even this story is not just a Javanese mythological mythology. It even inspired the world of horror films and there are still many YouTubers and other content creators who make videos about Nyi Roro Kidul.

The film was made in Pelabuhan Ratu District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java Province.

Fable

About the Creator

Aldo Abdillah Fathony

The stories I share are part of the cultural and mythological riches of Indonesia.and with this I am proud to be an Indonesian

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