fufufafaIn the rich tapestry of Javanese folklore, where the whispers of ancient spirits mingle with the rustle of banyan leaves and the crash of ocean waves, lies a captivating narrative. This is the tale of Buto Ijo, the Green Ogre, a formidable guardian figure intrinsically linked to the sacred realm of Keraton Parangkusumo. It is a traditional story, born from the imaginations and deep spiritual insights of ancient people, offering a window into their worldview rather than a doctrine to be believed or practiced.
The origins of this particular myth are deeply rooted in the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Java, a land famed for its powerful kingdoms and profound spiritual traditions. During eras spanning from the Hindu-Buddhist empires to the rise of Islamic sultanates, Javanese society was characterized by a syncretic blend of beliefs. Animistic reverence for nature spirits, ancestral worship, and the philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism harmoniously coexisted, later integrating with Islamic mysticism. People of that time viewed the world as a complex interplay of visible and invisible realms, where every mountain, forest, river, and especially the vast, enigmatic sea, was imbued with spiritual energy and often presided over by unseen entities. The Southern Sea, or Segoro Kidul, in particular, held immense significance, believed to be the domain of the powerful Queen Nyai Roro Kidul and a place of immense spiritual power, both benevolent and perilous. It was within this environment, at the liminal space where land met the powerful, untamed ocean, that the tales of beings like Buto Ijo found fertile ground.
The figure of Buto Ijo itself is a striking and memorable presence in Javanese mythology. "Buto" translates to giant or ogre, while "Ijo" means green, thus giving us the "Green Ogre." Physically, Buto Ijo is typically described as a towering, immensely muscular being, with skin the colour of jade or deep forest moss. His features are often exaggerated: bulging, fiery eyes that pierce the gloom, a wide, gaping maw revealing sharp, prominent fangs, and a wild mane of hair that seems to writhe with primal energy. He is often depicted carrying a heavy club or wielding a fearsome weapon, embodying raw, untamed power. Symbolically, Buto Ijo represents the formidable, often unpredictable forces of nature. He is the embodiment of the alam gaib (unseen world) at its most visceral and powerful, often associated with dense forests, mountains, or, in the context of Parangkusumo, the profound and dangerous depths of the ocean and the wild shores. While his appearance might inspire fear, he is not solely malevolent; rather, he often functions as a guardian, a tester of resolve, or a representation of the challenging, untamed aspects of existence that must be confronted and respected.
The myth of Buto Ijo of Keraton Parangkusumo unfolds in the sacred vicinity of Parangkusumo, a place steeped in Javanese spiritual tradition, adjacent to the famous Parangtritis beach. Legend tells of a time when the early rulers of Mataram, in their quest to establish a stable and prosperous kingdom, sought to understand and harmonize with the spiritual forces of their land. It was believed that true power and legitimacy came not just from military might, but from a profound connection to the unseen realms.
One such tale speaks of a young, ambitious ruler, Prince Samudera, who, despite his bravery and wisdom, felt a subtle disquiet within his kingdom. Prophecies whispered of a necessary spiritual journey to the southern coast, to the hallowed grounds of Parangkusumo, a sacred threshold between the human world and the domain of the Southern Sea Queen. It was here, amidst the crashing waves and the ancient black stones worn smooth by time and tide, that the spiritual balance of the land was said to be maintained.
Prince Samudera embarked on his pilgrimage, accompanied only by his most trusted advisors. As they approached Parangkusumo, the air grew heavy, charged with an inexplicable energy. The ocean roared louder, and the very ground seemed to thrum. It was at the most sacred point, where a small, natural shrine stood, that a colossal figure materialized from the mists swirling off the sea.
It was Buto Ijo. His towering form, cloaked in verdant green, seemed to eclipse the horizon. His eyes glowed with an emerald fire, and his fangs glinted in the faint light. He clutched a gnarled club, its size daunting, and a primal roar echoed from his chest, shaking the very earth. Fear gripped the prince’s companions, but Samudera, though startled, stood his ground.
Buto Ijo did not immediately attack. Instead, his booming voice, like thunder, challenged the prince. "Who dares to tread upon this sacred ground with ambition in their heart? Do you seek to conquer the unseen, mortal? Or do you come with true humility?"
Prince Samudera, gathering his courage, replied, "I come not to conquer, but to understand. I seek wisdom to govern my people justly and to ensure harmony between our realm and the powerful forces that surround us, both seen and unseen."
The Green Ogre scrutinised him, his gaze piercing. He demanded a test of the prince’s sincerity and resolve. The details of the test vary in the telling – sometimes it involves retrieving a hidden object from the treacherous waves, other times a riddle concerning the balance of power and nature. In essence, it was a challenge not of physical combat, but of spiritual fortitude and a demonstration of respect for the primal forces Buto Ijo embodied.
Samudera, through perseverance, introspection, and an unwavering reverence for the spiritual sanctity of the place, passed the test. He did not defeat Buto Ijo in battle, but rather demonstrated an understanding of the delicate balance required to coexist with such powerful entities. Upon his success, Buto Ijo’s fierce countenance softened, and he revealed himself not as an adversary, but as a guardian of the threshold, a protector of the spiritual equilibrium of Parangkusumo. He imparted a profound lesson to the prince: true leadership lies in recognizing the limits of human power, respecting the formidable forces of nature, and understanding that the unseen world holds wisdom crucial for earthly governance. The encounter solidified the prince’s legitimacy, linking his rule to the ancient spiritual powers of Java, ensuring his kingdom would thrive in harmony with the natural and supernatural realms.
The myth of Buto Ijo of Keraton Parangkusumo is rich with symbolism and meaning for the ancient Javanese. Buto Ijo, with his fearsome appearance and connection to the wild coast, largely represented the untamed, powerful, and often unpredictable aspects of nature and the alam gaib. He was the personification of primal fear, the unknown, and the immense, overwhelming strength of the natural world, particularly the powerful Southern Sea. Yet, his role as a guardian and a tester also signified the necessary challenges one must face to gain wisdom and spiritual insight. The story served as a moral compass, teaching lessons about humility, respect for nature, the limitations of human ambition, and the importance of spiritual balance in leadership. The Keraton Parangkusumo itself, in this context, was not just a physical location but a sacred boundary, a portal where the mundane and the mystical converged, and where profound spiritual truths could be revealed.
In the modern era, the myth of Buto Ijo, like many other Javanese folktales, continues to resonate, albeit through a different lens. No longer a literal belief, it has transitioned into a cherished piece of cultural heritage. It is interpreted today through literature, inspiring fantasy novels, poetry, and even horror stories that draw on its eerie and powerful imagery. Buto Ijo often appears in Indonesian cinema, theatre, and even video games, serving as a compelling character that embodies raw power, a formidable antagonist, or a mysterious protector. Academics study these myths for their cultural, historical, and anthropological significance, using them to understand ancient Javanese cosmology, social structures, and moral values. Tourists visiting Parangtritis and Parangkusumo are often told these stories, enriching their experience of the landscape and connecting them to its deep spiritual past.
In conclusion, the myth of Buto Ijo of Keraton Parangkusumo stands as a powerful testament to the enduring human imagination and the profound spiritual understanding of ancient Javanese people. It is a cultural story, passed down through generations, offering insights into their worldview and their relationship with the powerful forces of nature and the unseen. As Muslims, we recognize that only Allah is the true Creator and Sustainer of all existence, visible and invisible. Yet, the richness of such folklore reminds us of the diverse ways humanity has sought to comprehend the mysteries of the world, to imbue landscapes with meaning, and to transmit moral lessons through the captivating art of storytelling. These narratives, while not to be taken as literal truths or objects of worship, remain invaluable as reflections of our shared human heritage, inviting us to appreciate the depth and beauty of cultural imagination.
