Balinese mythology is often illustrated through dance and Barong and Keris dance is one of them. This is a classic mythical story about good against evil which provides a fascinating insight into the local culture. Good is personified by the Barong Keket, the holiest form of all Barong, representing good spirit which protects all villages and forests in Bali. The character appears to be a fusion between a shaggy dog and a lion which usually animated by two men. While evil is represented by Rangda, a witch who was condemned for practicing black magic.

Ultimately, the two characters engage in a battle, at which point the Barong’s Kris knife-bearing followers rush in to attack Rangda. The witch, however, uses her immense magical powers to turn the Keris knives in upon their owners, who then fall into the state of trance and start stabbing themselves. Barong then casts a spell to shield his followers from the blow. In the end, Barong triumphs and Rangda retreats to recuperate her strength for the next encounter in a never-ending battle between good and evil.