 The are several versions of the Barong Dance, as Bali has an abundance
of myths and legends. There is Barong Ket, Barong Asu (Dog Barong),
Barong Macan (Tiger Barong), Barong Bangkal (Pig Barong), Barong Gajah
(Elephant Barong) and others.One of the well known stories on
which the Barong Dance is based, is the Kunti Seraya. The plot is very
intriguing, showing the effect of the Gods intervention upon the people
through supernatural powers.It is told that Dewi Kunti, from
the royal family of Hastinapura, was very ill. As a devotee of the
Goddess Durga, she seeks help, however, the Goddess tells her that the
price of health is her own son, Sahadewa. It seems that the Goddess
fancied Sahadewa’s young and luscious flesh for her dinner.
Dewi
Kunta recovers from her illness and it is time to pay the price. She
regrets her decision to pay the price but a promise is a promise. One
of the Goddess’s followers put her into a trance and enters her body.
She becomes a terrifying creature and unconsciously beats Sahadewa
mercilessly. She then takes him to an unpenetratable jungle and ties
him to a tree. Later Sahadewa is given immortality by God and she
overcomes the wrath of the Goddess and she is able to release her son.
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