indonesian folklore

Adorned with gold, shaking an ornate head with snapping jaws, Barong is Bali's protector—king of spirits, champion of order, eternal opponent of the witch queen Rangda. He dances in temples, shields his followers, and maintains cosmic balance not through victory, but through endless, beautiful conflict.

With wild hair, pendulous breasts, a lolling tongue, and fangs dripping poison, Rangda is Bali's Queen of Black Magic—mother of demons, eater of children, commander of leyaks. She battles Barong in eternal cosmic struggle between chaos and order, neither ever winning, maintaining balance through conflict.

The scent of frangipani, the rustling of unseen footsteps, and distant laughter—these are the telltale signs of a Pontianak’s presence. Beware, for once she notices you, escape is uncertain.