Balayang facts for kids

Balayang, also known as Pallian, is an important figure in the stories of the Aboriginal people from south-eastern Australia. Specifically, he is part of the Kulin nation's mythology. Balayang is a powerful bat spirit. He is known as the brother of Bunjil, who is often seen as a eaglehawk.

Who is Balayang?

Balayang is a significant spirit in the traditional stories of the Kulin people. He is often shown as a bat, and his stories teach important lessons about the land, its features, and how people came to be. These myths are a way for the Kulin nation to understand their world and their place in it.

The Bat Brother and the Fire

One well-known story tells about Balayang and his brother Bunjil. Bunjil, the eaglehawk, once asked Balayang to come and live with him. But Balayang thought Bunjil's land was too dry. He suggested that Bunjil should come and live in his country instead. This made Bunjil upset.

To teach Balayang a lesson, Bunjil sent his two helpers, Djurt-djurt the nankeen kestrel and Thara the quail hawk. They set fire to Balayang's country. The fire scorched Balayang and his family, turning them permanently black. This story explains why bats are often dark-colored.

Shaping the Land

Another important story about Balayang shows his power over the land. It is said that Balayang was responsible for forming many of the natural features we see today. He is credited with creating the vast oceans, the winding rivers, and the smaller creeks. This myth highlights Balayang's role as a creator spirit who helped shape the Australian landscape.

Balayang and the Crow People

Because of his black color from the fire, Balayang became connected with Crow. In Aboriginal society, groups are often divided into two main parts, called "moieties." Balayang, linked to Crow, belonged to the moiety that was opposite to Eaglehawk's group. This system helped decide who could marry whom.

Finding the First Women

One day, Balayang was playing by thumping the surface of the water. As he did this, the water began to thicken into mud. He noticed something moving underneath the mud. Using a branch, he poked around and discovered two women! He named one Kunnawarra, which means "black swan," and the other Kururuk, meaning "brolga."

Balayang then took these two women to Bunjil. Bunjil gave them as wives to the men he had created. This story is important because it explains how marriage partners were found for the Eaglehawk moiety, linking Balayang to the creation of families and communities.

Balayang in the Stars

Balayang's importance extends beyond the land and its stories. He is also represented in the night sky. The bright star Antares is seen as Balayang. This shows how the Aboriginal people connected their spiritual beliefs and stories to the natural world around them, including the stars.