The story of Calon Arang

The story of Calon Arang is a traditional Balinese legend that has been passed down through generations in Bali. It's a tale of power, revenge, and ultimately, redemption.

Here's the story:

Calon Arang was a powerful and feared witch who lived in a village in Bali. She was known for her dark magic and her ability to communicate with spirits. Despite her abilities, she was shunned and feared by the villagers due to her malevolent actions and sinister reputation.

Calon Arang had a beautiful daughter named Ratna Manggali. Ratna was kind-hearted and innocent, unlike her mother. She was loved by the villagers, who saw her as a victim of her mother's evil ways. Calon Arang's greed and cruelty knew no bounds. She practiced black magic and often used it to harm the villagers, causing sickness and death among them.

As Calon Arang's actions became increasingly wicked, the villagers grew desperate to stop her. They sought the help of a powerful and wise priest named Mpu Bharadah. Mpu Bharadah was known for his knowledge of white magic and his ability to counteract dark spells.

Mpu Bharadah agreed to help the villagers and devised a plan to defeat Calon Arang. He asked Ratna to infiltrate her mother's lair and steal the magical book that contained her dark spells. Ratna, motivated by her desire to save her village, agreed to the risky task.

Ratna managed to steal the book from her mother's possession. When Calon Arang discovered the theft, she flew into a rage and unleashed her most destructive spells upon the village. But Mpu Bharadah was prepared. He used his own magic to counteract Calon Arang's spells, protecting the villagers.

A fierce battle ensued between Calon Arang and Mpu Bharadah. In the end, Mpu Bharadah's white magic proved to be stronger, and he managed to defeat Calon Arang. However, in her last moments, Calon Arang cursed the village, causing a deadly epidemic to spread among the villagers.

Realizing the seriousness of the curse, Mpu Bharadah devised another plan. He instructed the villagers to make a large offering of food and flowers, which they placed on a platform in the middle of the village. He then performed a powerful ritual, using his magic to transform the offerings into a monstrous feast for Calon Arang.

As Calon Arang's spirit approached the feast, she was consumed by her own greed and consumed the food. This caused her spirit to swell and eventually explode, breaking the curse she had placed on the village. With Calon Arang's curse lifted, the epidemic ended, and the village was finally free from her malevolent influence.

The story of Calon Arang serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed, power, and dark magic. It also emphasizes the importance of courage, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. The legend continues to be an integral part of Balinese culture and is often performed through traditional dance and theater.