Asal-Usul Mitos Tokoh Semar; Eksistensi dan Esensinya Bagi Masyarakat Jawa

Abstract

This article attempts to answer three important issues, namely: (1) how is the origin of the character Semar in the wayang story? (2) how is the origin of the mythical figure of Semar in people’s lives? and (3) how is the development of the existence and essence of the character Semar in the life of the Javanese people? The research method used is descriptive analytic. The research data is sourced from library data, temple reliefs, and oral sources from the oral tradition that developed in the community. The mythological approach developed by Ahimsa-Putra is used to place Semar’s perspective as a myth. The results of the study explain that, first, the character of Semar is a myth that was born from the imagination of Indonesian ancestors as the owner of the tale. Second, in the wayang story, the character Semar is born from an egg born by Dewi Rekatawati, the wife of Sang Hyang Tunggal. The character Semar is then assigned to the world to care for the knights. The decline of the Semar figure in the world occurred during the time of Resi Kanumayasa in Saptaarga. Third, based on the literary, relief and oral data, it shows that the existence of the Semar myth has existed since the XI century and continues to exist today. Therefore, the periodization of the historical explanation of the Semar myth starts from the XI century to the present. Fourth, the essence of Semar’s character also shows changes. At first, Semar looked just like a servant or punakawan, but now Semar’s role is more than just a servant, in essence, he is a symbol of wisdom that leads to simplicity in life.