Ancient Javanese kingmaker, Spirit queen of the sea, and wife to generations of kings; the stories of Nyai Roro Kidul are full of spirituality, romance, political drama, and secret missions, set in the backdrop of the Indonesian sea.

‘The Queen of the Southern Sea’ is the only mythical figure in all Java popular across the country, if not Indonesia. For centuries she has ruled from what is called a thin line between myth and reality, inspired bedtime storytellers and academic researchers.

Despite rigorous studies, eye-witness has narrated numerous tales on Nyai Roro Kidul, a large portion of her existence remains enticingly mysterious. There’s something scary, seductive, and venerating about this queen-goddess – many Indonesians praise her not only for her supernatural powers but also for her contribution to the rise of empires. Nyai Roro Kidul may be or may not be mythical, but the questions of her existence inspire Indonesians in more ways than anticipated.

Queen of the Southern Sea

‘Nyai’ represents a Javanese honorific elderly woman. But don’t imagine her as a crippled old lady with wrinkles – Nyai Roro Kidul is not a typical granny. She is visualized as a beautiful young princess, someone with a fish-like lower body just like a mermaid, with dark long hair and gorgeous green attire embracing her beautiful figure.

Many folks believe that Nyai Roro Kidul runs an underwater empire located off the southern coast of Java, a small portion of the Indian Ocean, hence she is referred to as the ‘Queen of the Southern Sea’. Legend believed that she likes the company of handsome young fishermen, whom she grabbed into the sea with her supernatural powers and physical beauty. To know more about Indonesian Occult & Magic, click on the link.

People know Nyai Roro Kidul by different names. Another mythical figure, Nyi Blorong, is called the goddess in her mermaid form. She is known to act as the commander of the Southern Sea. Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Kanjeng Ratu Ayu Kencono Sari, all decorated with names, referred to the same figure.

The Kings’ spiritual wife

There are so many tales of Nyai Roro Kidul but the earliest story claiming the existence of the deity came in the 16th-century Javanese chronicle Babad Tanah Jawi. The story tells about her encounter with a young man named Panembahan Senopati, who later ruled the great Mataram Kingdom as a result of the blessings of the goddess.

In return for this favor, Nyai Roro Kidul asked to be held in marriage – not only by the prince but by all of his successors. Later, The Mataram Kingdom was divided into two, the Surakarta and Yogyakarta Sultanate, but Nyai Roro Kidul’s place, a spiritual consort for the kings of both sultanates remained the same for centuries later.

As the mythical and spiritual first lady, Nyai is still expected to make her presence felt on special occasions, facilitated by real artifacts and rituals of worship. The Sultanate has a royal chariot for Nyai Roro Kidul, an elegant carriage that is usually kept in museums when not in use.

It is believed that the rulers of Java, still look for counsel from Nyai Roro Kidul through asceticism and pilgrimage. However, her role as a spouse decreased in recent years. One of the representatives of the Surakarta Sultanate stated that starting from 1866-1939, Sultan Pakubuwono, the Sultans were no longer considered as husbands by the Queen, but rather beloved sons. But in important court ceremonies, a special seat is left vacant right next to the Sultan for Queen of the Southern Sea.