EKSPRESI MITOLOGIS AGAMA HINDU PADA CERPEN ARJUNA TAPA KARYA I MADÉ SUGIANTO

Abstract

This study aims to examine mythological expressions in the creation of literary works, to compare the character of Arjuna as a mythological figure with the character in the short story Arjuna Tapa, and to analyze mythological expressions in the short story as a stimulus for improving religious life. The short story Arjuna Tapa was written based on the mythological narrative of Arjuna in the Hindu tradition. The author perceives that the temptations experienced by Arjuna as a mythological character are also encountered by human beings across different periods of time. Therefore, the short story can be understood as a creative interpretation of myth within a literary context. This research employs a qualitative approach using text analysis through content analysis. The data consist of textual excerpts from the short story that contain mythological expressions, with consideration of their implications for religious life. Data were collected through library research, documentation techniques, and note-taking techniques. The data were analyzed using a descriptive-interpretative method through the processes of identification, classification, and interpretation of mythological elements in the short story Arjuna Tapa.

The findings reveal that mythological expressions in the creation of literary works are rooted in the author’s religious contemplation, which is directed toward both individual and communal improvement. The connection between the short story Arjuna Tapa and earlier religious mythological narratives is primarily reflected in the characterization of the protagonist representing the figure of Arjuna. Furthermore, the short story highlights several aspects of religious life that require improvement, such as the decline of Bali’s religious image as an island deeply inspired by Hinduism, the weakening of holistic adherence to Hindu teachings, and the lack of awareness of both tangible and intangible dangers.