Bluetongue Lizard facts for kids
Bluetongue Lizard is an important figure in Australian Aboriginal stories. He is often seen as an old man with special powers. He is known as a trickster and a strong sorcerer. The stories about him are the beginning of the Warlpiri fire ceremonies. While some people think of him as a god, this isn't quite right.
The Story of Bluetongue Lizard
Bluetongue Lizard lived with his two sons. They camped in a place called Warlukurlangu, which means "Place of Fire." Bluetongue Lizard pretended to be blind. This way, his sons would go hunting for him.
But when his sons were gone, he would sneak off. He would hunt his own food and eat it right away. He often went to a place called Ngama. This was also known as the Cave of the Rainbow Snake. There, he learned his special sorcery skills.
One day, his two sons went hunting. They caught a kangaroo and brought it back for their father to eat. What they didn't know was that this kangaroo was special. It used to talk to Bluetongue Lizard and tell him secrets.
When Bluetongue Lizard found out his sacred kangaroo was killed, he became very angry. He used his magic to create a huge fire. He sent the fire after his sons. The fire chased them everywhere they went. It would calm down at night, but start up again each morning. It kept driving Bluetongue Lizard's sons across the land of the Tjukurrpa.
Finally, the sons reached a salt lake called Ngarra. They were too tired to keep going. Sadly, they drowned in the lake.
The Fire Ceremonies
The Warlpiri people remember Bluetongue Lizard through special fire ceremonies. These ceremonies help them connect with his spirit. During the ceremony, a young male dancer performs. He starts in complete darkness. Then, he steps into the bright glow of a ceremonial fire.
The dancer moves carefully and willingly. He then kneels by the fire. He shakes his shoulders as part of the dance. He takes burning embers from the fire. Then, he scatters them over his own back.
The Warlpiri elders are there to guide the young man. They help him perform the dance correctly. The Ngarra salt lake is a very sacred place for the Warlpiri people. It is so sacred that only men are allowed to go there.
See also
