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The most frequently performed narratives derives from the Hindu epics.
The Arjuna Sasra Bahu and Ramayana cycles concern the affairs of the noble Rama himself and his ancestors.

Favourite stories tell about Rama's marriage to Sinta; their banishment to the forest together with his brother Laksmana; Sinta abduction by the monster king Rahwana: and her rescue, with the help of the monkey king, Hanoman, after numerous battles, from the kingdom of Sri Lanka. The Ramayana contains many episodes from the lives of these characters.

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The Mahabharata tells of the conflict between the superior Pandewa brothers (Judistra, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sadewa) and their hundred jealous and mendacious cousins, the Kurewas. The heroic quests, battles with viles ogres and scenes of romantic love are made all the more poignant by the knowlwdge that the glory and beauty are fleeting.

Events are presented as taking place in Java rather than in India, and heroic Pandewas, descendants of Vishnu, are the ancestors of the Javanese Kings. Many episodes have simply been invented by puppeteers over generations.