DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/ca.v10i2.32209

Mythological Adaptation of Sun and Kadita through Narrative Appearance and Mechanics in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

*Dextra Brilliant Pratama  -  Fakultas Adab dan Bahasa, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta, Jl. Pandawa, Pucangan, Kartasura, Sukoharjo, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia., Indonesia
Meza Parama Nohan  -  Fakultas Adab dan Bahasa, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta, Jl. Pandawa, Pucangan, Kartasura, Sukoharjo, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia., Indonesia

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Abstract
This study examines the adaptation of Sun Wukong (Chinese mythology) and Nyi Roro Kidul (Javanese mythology) into Mobile Legends: Bang Bang heroes Sun and Kadita, analyzing narrative, visual appearance, and gameplay mechanics. Grounded in (Hutcheon, 2006) adaptation theory—particularly "repetition without replication"—this research employs a descriptive qualitative comparative method through textual analysis of mythological narratives, cultural references, and official in-game materials. While prior studies have explored mythological adaptation in Mobile Legends broadly (Hidayaturrohim, 2021), Kadita's visual symbolism (Muhdaliha et al., 2025), and gender representation (Rubinia, 2025), comparative scholarship examining both heroes across narrative, appearance, and mechanics within a unified framework remains limited. Findings reveal that Mobile Legends preserves recognizable symbolic identities from both mythologies while selectively transforming philosophical, ritual, and socio-cultural meanings to suit participatory gaming structures and global commercial logic. Sun demonstrates strong fidelity through cloning, transformation, and staff combat mechanics, yet simplifies Sun Wukong's spiritual journey. Kadita retains maritime sovereignty and royal symbolism while transforming Nyi Roro Kidul's communal and ritual identity into individualized heroism. This study concludes that mythological adaptation in digital games functions as strategic reinterpretation, balancing cultural recognizability, medium-specific interactivity, and market-driven design.
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Keywords: Mythological Adaptation; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang; Digital Game Culture; Sun; Kadita

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Section: Cultural Studies
Language : EN
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