Dirawong facts for kids
In Australian Aboriginal mythology, especially for the Bundjalung people, Dirawong is a very important spirit. Dirawong is a giant goanna who is believed to have taught people how to live on the land. This includes showing them important ceremonies and traditions. Dirawong is known as a kind protector of the Bundjalung people, especially from the Rainbow Serpent. Dirawong's gender is not clearly defined in the stories.
Dirawong and the Rainbow Serpent together helped create parts of the Richmond River, Goanna Headland, Snake Island, and Pelican Island. In Aboriginal stories, there is a special red ochre deposit on top of Goanna Headland. It is believed this red ochre came from a wound where the Rainbow Serpent bit Dirawong during a very important time called the Dreaming.
Many people also believe that Dirawong changed into Goanna Headland itself and still lives there. Dirawong is connected to rain, and there is a special rain cave on Goanna Headland. In the past, elders of the Bundjalung people would go there to hold ceremonies asking for rain. Dirawong is also linked to birds and snakes.
Dirawong and the Rainbow Serpent's Battle
Bundjalung stories tell about a big fight between Dirawong and the Rainbow Serpent. This battle helped create many places, including the Bungawalbin River, the Evans River, Pelican Island, Snake Island, and other islands in the Evans River.
According to the legend, the Rainbow Serpent had caused trouble. A wise man called a weeum (which means "cleverman" or "man with great powers") named Nyimbunji asked Dirawong for help. He wanted Dirawong to protect a yabbra (a bird) from the Rainbow Serpent.
Dirawong chased the Rainbow Serpent from inland areas towards the coast. As they moved, they helped form parts of the Richmond River. When they reached a place called Maniworkan (now the town of Woodburn, New South Wales), they left the Richmond River and continued heading east. About halfway down the Evans River, Dirawong caught up with the Rainbow Serpent. The Serpent turned and bit Dirawong on the head. Dirawong then had to leave the battle to eat some special herbs to heal from the bite.
Meanwhile, the Rainbow Serpent reached Evans Head. Since Dirawong was not around, the Rainbow Serpent decided to go back west. It went into the Evans River and coiled itself around, creating Snake Island. As it turned, its body made a larger island in the river, which is now known as Pelican Island.
When the Rainbow Serpent saw Dirawong coming towards it again, it quickly turned and kept going until it reached Burraga (the Tasman Sea). There, it changed itself into an island so Dirawong would not recognize it.
Dirawong finally reached the coast at Evans Head. Dirawong then lay down near the coast, facing the Burraga, waiting for the Rainbow Serpent to return. The deposit of red ochre at Goanna Headland is believed to come from the wound where the Rainbow Serpent bit Dirawong during this great battle.
More About Dirawong
- List of Australian Aboriginal mythological figures
- Dirawong Reserve
