In Javanese cosmology, deities manifest themselves in physical forms often unattractive or imperfect. Panakawans personify this quality as servant-clowns to heroes.
Physical descriptions are limited, but Semar's appearance is explicitly mentioned: he is short and fat with a pug nose and a dangling hernia.
As clown servants, Panakawans provide comic relief and assistance to heroes. Their supernatural nature may grant them abilities beyond mere clowning.
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