Damarwulan Analysis

1. Ordinary World

Damarwulan, his Father, Hudara, and their two faithful servants, Sabdapalon and Nayagenggong, lived in the mountain in secluded life apart from other people after the death of his mother.

2. Call to Adventure

Damarwulan’s adventure began when his father asked him to go back to his birth land, majapahit, to serve and deliver the kingdom from the threats of Menakjingga.

3. Refusal of the Call

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4. The Mentor

Damarwulan’s mentor is his father himself, who has a divine power by living in meditation.

5. Crossing the Threshold

Damarwulan, accompanied by his two servants, went to his malicious uncle, Logundere, and serve as a stable-boy.

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies

- Tests: Since his uncle hates him, Damarwulan has to work a very hardwork and undergo difficult life under the uncle’s roof.

- Allies: Damarwulan met Andjasmara, who is Logundere’s daughter, and fell in love with her. Andjasmara became the support for him

Analysis and Discussion of The Story of Damarwulan

There are not enough evidences telling about the writer of The Story of Damarwulan. Scholars cannot prove who the writer is. However, even though we do not know who the writer is, we know the background of this epic. First, this epic was written because the people were longing for listening to an epic which comes from their own culture. People have had enough of listening to Indian and Hindu’s stories. They wanted a story that captures their life and their culture. In this case, people are longing for a story that depicts the life of Javanese people with Javanese culture.

Thus, this epic is depicted from the land of Java in the fourteenth century. It portrays the life of Majapahit Empire. Even though the epic is not a series of facts, some of the names are taken for real people at that time. The epic gives an idea of how the life during the Majapahit government looked like. And also it gives an idea of the roles of kings, heroes, servants, citizens, and etc, during that