MYTHS AND SCARED RITUAL OF THE MERAPI MOUNTAIN SLOPE SOCIETY: MYTHOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the myths and sacred rituals that developed in the Merapi Mountain Slope community in the Special Region of Yogjakarta. This myth is part of traditional literature,therefore it was examined from the theory of mythology ( Claude Levi-Strausand Roland Barthes). The method used is interpretive qualitative method. The interpretation is carried out on the mythical text that is associated with the context in the Merapi community. The results showed that, Mount Merapi is considered a palace of spirits, and as a heaven where the spirits of the ancestors who do goodness in the real world. When the eruption, Merapi is believed to be a sign of Ki Sapu Jagad's marriage with Nyai Roro Kidul. Merapi eruption released hot clouds, rain ash, and incandescent lava causing casualities. The victims are believed to be the army to guard Mount Merapi. The mythological belief is supported by the four attitudes of the local community, namely self-aware (eling), patience (sabar), willing to accept (nrimo) and sincerity (iklas). The community are self-aware theat the disaster is the destiny of God Almgthy and willingly accept it. The community is also aware of their origins,therefore their village must be maintained, even if it is erupted. They refused to be evacuated or transmitted.