Damarwulan

Damarwulan is a Javanese legendary hero who appears in a cycle of stories used in the performance of wayang klitik, as well as Langendriyan (female dance-opera) and ketoprak (popular theater).

However, the names of the characters Damar Wulan ("radiance of the moon") and Menak Jingga ("red knight") suggest that they may incorporate elements of an older sun-moon myth.

It is thought to date to the late 18th century, and "begins with the accession of the daughter of Brawijaya (Kusuma Kancana Wungu) to the throne of Majapahit.

"[1] Damarwulan is a prince by birth, a nephew of the prime minister, Patih Lohgender, but was raised in the hermitage of his grandfather.

However, when they fall asleep the two princesses carry him away, nurture him, and explain the secret of Menak Jingga's magic invulnerability, a club of yellow iron kept behind his headrest.

Risking their lives for the sake of their lover, the princesses manage to steal the club while the Menak Jingga is asleep.

Successful, he returns to Majapahit, but the prime minister's twin sons ambush him outside the palace, killing him and presenting Menak Jingga's head to the queen.

Depiction of the hero Damarwulan in a wayang klitik puppet.
Depiction of the villain Menak Jingga in a wayang klitik puppet.
A Wadana or an elaborate carpet page in Serat Damar Wulan , 18th Century, British Library ; which tells the accession of Brawijaya's daughter (Kusuma Kancana Wungu) to the throne of Majapahit at the age of 14.
An illumination in Serat Damar Wulan , 18th Century, British Library ; depicting a man (Menak Jingga) sleeping with his arm across his eyes, a sandal just balanced on a foot.