Barong (Lion Protector)
Barong is the king of the spirits and the leader of the hosts of good in Balinese mythology. He is a lion-like mythological creature and the eternal opponent of Rangda, the demon queen. The Barong represents good, protective forces, while Rangda embodies evil and chaos. In the famous Barong dance performance, which reenacts the eternal battle between good and evil, Barong protects the village from Rangda's dark magic. The term 'barong' is derived from 'bahruang,' meaning 'bear,' and the Barong is considered a guardian spirit of the forest. The most common form is Barong Ket, depicted as a lion