Sang Kuriang as “Sundanese Oedipus” reviewed: the origin of the myth beside the psycho-analysis (original) (raw)

The Ancient Greek myth as displayed in the tragedy by Sophocles “Oedipus Rex” tells about the dramatic figure of Oedipus, who unwittingly became the king of Thebes by killing his own father Laius, and married his mother, queen Jocasta. The similar plot can be seen in “Sang Kuriang”, though there are some differences to be noticed. The well-known Sundanese folk-tale about the strange “love triangle” between Sang Kuriang, Si Tumang and Dayang Sumbi is often explained with the “Oedipus complex” concept from the Sigmund Freud’s theories. Because of psycho-analysis, Oedipus is known as the synonym of perverse sexual behavior. Is it really so? The paper deals with the cultural anthropology and folklore studies, which deny the sinful “complex” and recall the sacred transfer of power due to the sacrifice of the old ruler by his successor, and marriage to the queen, the power holder. ___ Presented at ICOLLITE 2017_Bandung, Indonesia