Yhi facts for kids
In Gamilaraay mythology), Yhi is a powerful female spirit who represents the sun. She is believed to be a creator and brings light to the world. The Gamilaraay people say that Yhi chases Bahloo, the moon, across the sky. When she catches up to him, it causes an eclipse.
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Yhi's Awakening and Creation
According to an ancient story, Yhi was once asleep until a whistle woke her up. When she opened her eyes, light spread across the Earth. Everywhere Yhi walked, plants began to grow. She decided she wanted to create living things that could dance and move.
Bringing Life to Earth
As Yhi searched for creatures, she found dark spirits hiding under the earth. These spirits tried to harm her with their songs. But Yhi's warmth and light chased away the darkness. The darkness then changed into many different kinds of insects. Yhi brought these new creatures to the Earth.
Next, Yhi discovered some ice caves inside a mountain. She shone her bright light into the caves. From the ice, many creatures emerged, including fish and lizards. Soon, all sorts of birds, mammals, and amphibians also appeared.
The Return of the Sun
After creating so much life, Yhi went back to her own world in the sky. She blessed her new creations with the changing seasons. She also promised that when they died, they would join her in the sky. When Yhi disappeared, darkness returned and covered the Earth. The animals were sad, thinking she would not come back. But then, the first sunrise appeared, and Yhi returned, bringing light and warmth once more.
Animals Ask for Changes
Much later, the animals missed Yhi and she came back to Earth to see what was wrong. Each animal had a special wish. The Kangaroo wanted to jump high, and the Wombat wanted to wiggle on the ground. The Seal wished to swim in the water. The Lizard wanted legs, and the Bat wanted wings. The Platypus wanted a little bit of everything! Yhi listened to their wishes and granted them all.
The First Woman
After helping the animals, Yhi returned to the sky. From there, she saw a Man who was alone and unlike any other creature she had made. While the man slept, Yhi focused all her power on a beautiful flower. Soon, the man woke up, and all the animals gathered to watch. The flower then transformed into the first woman.
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