Umbarra facts for kids
Umbarra, often called King Merriman, was a respected elder of the Djirringanj/Yuin people. He lived in the Bermagui area on the South Coast of New South Wales and passed away in 1904.
Even though Aboriginal people traditionally had elders, not kings, the European settlers often gave special "king plates" to certain important elders. This is why Umbarra was known as "King Merriman."
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Who Was Umbarra?
Umbarra lived on Merriman Island, which is in the middle of Wallaga Lake. His people lived along the shores of the lake. People believed Umbarra had special abilities to see things before they happened.
He was said to communicate with a Pacific black duck. This duck was his moojingarl, which means it was a being he had a deep spiritual connection with. The duck would warn him when danger was coming.
Umbarra shared information about the Yuin people with Alfred William Howitt. This information was used in Howitt's book, The Native Tribes of South-East Australia, published in 1904.
Umbarra's Family
Umbarra's father was also connected to the black duck and was believed to be named Merriman too. He passed away around 1850. Umbarra's wife, Queen Narelle, died around 1900.
Interestingly, Umbarra's brother and Narelle's brother, even though they were not related to each other, started a single family known as the Nobles. A Yuin family historian and researcher named Dave Tout is a descendant of this Nobles family.
Stories About Umbarra
Many amazing stories and legends are told about Umbarra and his special moojingarl, the black duck.
One story tells how the duck warned him that a group of warriors from the far south were coming to fight. King Merriman stayed on the island. The other men took the women and children to a safe place and then hid in the reeds.
King Merriman was the first to see the approaching warriors. He warned his men, who fought a very tough battle but sadly lost. The opposing tribesmen then headed towards the island where King Merriman was.
Umbarra's Power in Battle
In the story, King Merriman threw powerful spears. He also used a special boomerang that could cut off the arms and heads of his enemies before returning to him. But even with his great power, it was not enough to win the battle.
Then, he changed himself into a whirlwind and flew away. He passed over the strong Kiola tribe. Their wise men understood that his presence meant the Wallaga people had been defeated and another tribe was moving forward.
King Merriman continued his journey to the Shoalhaven tribe to warn them. However, the Kiola tribe defeated the invaders. After this, the King's special power was finished. He stayed for a while at Shoalhaven and then traveled away.
Merriman Island Today
Today, most people are not allowed to visit Merriman Island. This is because it is a very important place for Indigenous people. It is officially protected as an Aboriginal site.
The area that used to be Wallaga Lake National Park is now part of Gulaga National Park.
