THE scene is one of my childhood memories: the tale of the death of Aryo Penangsang, the ruler of Jipangpanolan, in single combat with Sutawijaya.

Actually, Sutawijaya does not kill him. At one moment during the combat, the young Sutawijaya manages to thrust his spear into Penangsang’s side. Penangsang is thrown from his horse, with his stomach ripped open and his intestines spilling out. But he has magical powers, and quickly gets up again. C