Story Summary
Discover the Dreamtime legend of How the Kangaroo Got Its Tail. Learn how a dispute between a kangaroo and a wombat during a storm changed them both forever.
In the ancient Dreamtime, Kangaroo and Wombat were the closest of friends. They traveled the bush together, but their personalities were very different. Wombat was industrious, always digging shelters, while Kangaroo was restless and preferred to sleep under the stars. One evening, a massive storm swept across the plains, bringing freezing rain and howling winds. Wombat retreated into his deep, dry burrow, but Kangaroo had nowhere to go. Shivering, Kangaroo begged Wombat to let him in. Wombat, knowing his burrow was too small for both and annoyed by Kangaroo's lack of foresight, refused. The two began to argue as the rain beat down. In a fit of rage, Kangaroo grabbed a large, flat rock and smashed it onto Wombat’s head, flattening his skull. Wombat, screaming in pain, grabbed a long, wooden spear and hurled it at Kangaroo as he turned to flee. The spear struck Kangaroo right in his backside and stuck fast. Kangaroo hopped away into the darkness, unable to remove the weapon. Over time, the spear became the powerful tail we see today, helping him balance as he leaps, while the Wombat’s head remained forever flat as a reminder of their broken friendship.
The Moral
Laziness and a lack of preparation can lead to conflict, and hot-headedness often leaves permanent scars.
“The spear that struck him became the tail that carried him.”
Fun Fact
Dreamtime stories like this are part of an oral tradition that spans over 65,000 years, making them some of the oldest continuous narratives in human history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of How the Kangaroo Got Its Tail?
The moral focuses on the consequences of selfishness and the importance of being prepared. It also warns that acting in anger can cause lasting damage to oneself and others.
Why did the Wombat and Kangaroo fight?
They fought because Kangaroo had not built a shelter for a storm and tried to force his way into Wombat's burrow, leading to a violent disagreement.
How did the Kangaroo actually get its tail in the story?
The Wombat threw a wooden spear at the Kangaroo during their fight, which lodged in the Kangaroo's back and eventually transformed into a tail.
Why does the Wombat have a flat head in this myth?
The Wombat has a flat head because the Kangaroo struck him with a large, flat stone during their argument over the storm shelter.
Is How the Kangaroo Got Its Tail a real Dreamtime story?
Yes, it is a traditional Aboriginal Australian teaching story used to explain the physical characteristics of animals and convey social lessons.
What does this story teach about Australian wildlife?
It serves as an etiological myth, explaining why kangaroos have tails for balance and why wombats have flat, sturdy heads for burrowing.