English Corner

BATARA KALA

Batara kala was an evil giant. He always killed people, especially children. His hair was made from fire. Everybody was frightened of him.
One day, Batara guru, the chief god invited all the gods and goddesses to drink sacred water in Paradise. The water was called Tirta Amertasari. It means “The Water of Immortality”. You know why? Because anyone who drinks this water, he or she will live forever. He or she will never die.
You know what? Batara Kala was not invited because he was evil. Then, secretly, he flew into Paradise and stole some of the water. Batara Surya, the god of Sun and Batari Chandra, the goddess of Moon knew what he did. Immediately both of them reported to Batara Vishnu, the keeper god of the universe.
Then, Batara Vishnu took his fatal weapon, Cakra and shot it at Batara Kala.
While Batara Kala was drinking the water, the Cakra hit him on the neck. Batara Kala’s body was separated from the head at once. But, since he had drunk the sacred water, his head was alive. He was very furious with Batara Surya and Batari Chandra and swore to take revenge on them.
He chased Batara Surya and Batari Chandra could escape from Batara Kala’s throat because he no longer had a body. So, Batari Chandra and Batara Surya were safe everytime Batara Kala swallowed them up.
That’s why when there is a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse, Javanese people believe that Batara Kala is swallowing Batara Surya and Batari Chandra.

Questions:
1. Where does this myth come from?
2. What kind of text is this?
3. What did Batara Kala do when he was not invited to drink Tirta Amertasari?
4. What did Batara Suraya and Batari Chandra do when they knew what Batara did?
5. Does the story have a happy or sad ending? Why?