The region of Yogyakarta is divided into five main areas: Yogyakarta Municipality, Sleman Regency, Gunung Kidul Regency, Kulon Progo Regency, and Bantul Regency. Speaking of Bantul Regency, it holds the tale of the villages Karang Lo and Karang Gayam, situated east of the Opak River.
Long ago, despite his supernatural abilities that were renowned across the island of Java, Senapati, the founder of the Mataram dynasty, often faced rebellions. Among the most challenging of these was an uprising led by Ki Ageng Mangir Wonoboyo. Reports described Mangir as a formidable leader with hundreds, if not thousands, of loyal followers. A direct assault on Mangir's territory would lead to a devastating war, resulting in many casualties among soldiers and suffering for the local people. To prevent unnecessary bloodshed, Senapati sought advice from his trusted counselor, Ki Juru Mertani.
When summoned, Ki Juru Mertani pondered Senapati's request deeply before suggesting a surprising solution. He proposed that Senapati's eldest daughter, Ratu Pembayun, renowned for her beauty, grace, and amiable demeanor, could be the key to subduing Mangir. Senapati was taken aback by the idea—how could a young woman with no military experience overcome such a powerful adversary? Ki Juru Mertani reassured him that this approach would avoid widespread conflict and, at most, might require personal sacrifices from Mangir and Pembayun.
After much deliberation and a detailed explanation from Ki Juru Mertani, Senapati reluctantly agreed. That evening, he summoned Pembayun to discuss the matter. Pembayun listened attentively as her father spoke of the duties of a princess and the threat looming over Mataram. Eventually, Senapati revealed the plan: Pembayun was to disguise herself as a Tayub dancer to captivate Mangir's attention. She would join a troupe led by Ki Sandiguna, the alias of Tumenggung Martalaya, a seasoned military commander.
Pembayun and three other palace maidens—Ni Ijah, Ni Witri, and Ni Sita—were to assume new identities: Rara Kasihan, Rara Kebes, Rara Luwes, and Rara Ayu, respectively. Though initially hesitant, Pembayun accepted the mission, intrigued by the challenge but wary of the potential emotional consequences. Under strict secrecy, the group trained diligently for their roles, preparing to leave for Mangiran.
Upon arriving in the villages they visited, the troupe's performances drew large crowds. Rara Kasihan's charm stood out, captivating audiences and eventually catching the eye of Ki Ageng Mangir himself. Curious about her natural allure, Mangir invited the troupe to perform at his residence. That evening, Mangiran was abuzz with excitement as Rara Kasihan danced gracefully, mesmerizing everyone, including Mangir.
Impressed by her beauty and talent, Mangir expressed his desire to marry Rara Kasihan. Initially reluctant, Ki Sandiguna eventually agreed after confirming Kasihan's willingness. The wedding was simple yet solemn, as per Ki Sandiguna's request. After the ceremony, the troupe discreetly returned to Mataram to report their success to Senapati.
Over the following months, Rara Kasihan struggled with her conflicting emotions—her growing affection for Mangir and her loyalty to her father's mission. Eventually, she revealed her true identity as Princess Pembayun. Shocked but also proud to have married the daughter of a powerful leader, Mangir decided to accompany Pembayun to Mataram to seek reconciliation with Senapati.
As they neared Mataram, Mangir grew increasingly anxious about Senapati's intentions. Despite Pembayun's reassurances, he hesitated, causing delays in their journey. Along the way, the villagers, enchanted by Pembayun's fame as a Tayub dancer, began referring to their settlement as Kasihan, a name that endures to this day in Bantul Regency.
Upon reaching Mataram, Mangir surrendered his weapons and approached Senapati, who awaited him on a throne made of black river stone. As Mangir bowed to show his respect, Senapati seized the moment, smashing Mangir's head against the stone with all his might, killing him instantly. Pembayun screamed in anguish, grieving the loss of her husband and the father of the child she was carrying. Mangir was buried in Kota Gede, with his grave symbolically split to reflect his dual status as both a son-in-law and an enemy of Senapati.
To help Pembayun move on, Senapati arranged her marriage to Prince Tepasana, who later became known as Ki Ageng Karang Lo of Karang Gayam, east of the Opak River.
