Wagyl facts for kids
The Wagyl (also called Waugal or Waagal) is a very important spirit in the stories of the Noongar people. The Noongar are an Aboriginal group from the south-west of Western Australia. The Wagyl is like a giant snake and is part of the larger Rainbow Serpent stories found across Australia.
Noongar stories say the Wagyl created many important places. It is believed to have formed the Swan River and Canning River. It also shaped other waterways and landforms around what is now Perth and the south-west of Western Australia.
Contents
The Wagyl's Creation Journey
The Wagyl is said to have created many features of the landscape. These include places from the Porongarups all the way to the coast near Fremantle. The name Porongarup itself comes from Noongar words meaning 'spirit gathering place'.
Shaping the Land
The Darling Scarp is a long line of hills. Noongar people say it is the body of the Wagyl. As the Wagyl moved across the land, its body created the curves of the hills and valleys.
The Wagyl is strongly connected to rivers and lakes, like Lake Monger. People believe it still lives deep beneath some springs. As the Wagyl slithered, its path shaped the sand dunes. Its body carved out the paths of the rivers. Where it stopped to rest, it created bays and lakes.
Piles of rocks are sometimes said to be the Wagyl's droppings. These places are considered very sacred and special. As the Wagyl moved, its scales scraped off. These scales are believed to have become the forests and woodlands of the region.
Protector of Nature
The Wagyl was given the job of protecting the rivers, lakes, springs, and all the wildlife. Special places connected to the Wagyl are often natural sunny spots next to water.
The Noongar people were chosen by the Wagyl to be the guardians of the land. Some tribal elders were even said to have seen and spoken to this powerful spirit.
Wagyl and Ancient Animals
Some people think the stories of the Wagyl might be very old memories. These memories could have been passed down through oral history (stories told by mouth). They might be about huge, snake-like animals that lived long ago.
For example, there was a giant python-like snake called Wonambi naracoortensis. This ancient snake could grow to be about 5 or 6 metres (16 to 20 feet) long. The Wagyl stories might be a way of remembering these amazing creatures from the past.
See also
- Aboriginal mythology
- Burlong Pool
- Bibbulmun Track
- Wirnpa
