Story Summary
Discover How the Sun Was Made in this classic Dreamtime story where a dispute between an emu and a brolga brings light to the world through a golden egg.
Long ago in the Dreamtime, the earth was bathed in a soft, dim light because there was no sun, only the moon and the stars. Animals lived in a world of grey shadows. One day, a brolga and an emu were arguing near the edge of a great plain. The brolga, in a fit of jealousy over the emu's large nest, reached down and snatched one of the emu's eggs. With a mighty heave, she flung the egg high into the dark sky. It soared higher and higher until it struck a pile of firewood gathered by the Sky People. The egg shattered, and its golden yolk spilled over the wood, causing it to burst into a brilliant flame. The Great Spirit saw the beauty of this light and realized how much better the world looked when illuminated. He decided that the fire should be lit every day to help the people see. However, he needed a way to warn the creatures of the earth that the sun was coming so they could prepare. He asked the Kookaburra to let out his loud, ringing laugh every morning before the fire was lit. To this day, the Kookaburra’s laugh signals the dawn, reminding everyone of the golden egg that brought light to the world.
The Moral
Even from conflict and mistakes, something beautiful and life-sustaining can be born to benefit everyone.
“The egg shattered, and its golden yolk spilled over the wood, causing it to burst into a brilliant flame.”
Fun Fact
This story is one of many variations of sun-creation myths found throughout different Australian Aboriginal nations, often featuring the kookaburra as a herald of the dawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of How the Sun Was Made?
The moral is that beauty and light can emerge from unexpected places, including conflict. It also teaches us the importance of the Kookaburra's role in the daily cycle of the natural world.
How did the sun first start according to the story?
The sun was created when a brolga threw an emu's egg into the sky. The egg hit a pile of firewood belonging to the Sky People and burst into a brilliant, lasting flame.
Why does the Kookaburra laugh in the morning?
The Great Spirit asked the Kookaburra to laugh every morning to wake the creatures of the earth. This signal tells the Sky People it is time to light the sun's fire.
What was the world like before the sun existed?
Before the sun was made, the world was in a state of eternal twilight. There was only the dim light of the moon and stars, making everything look grey and shadowed.
Who are the Sky People in Aboriginal mythology?
The Sky People are supernatural beings or spirits that live in the heavens. In this story, they are responsible for maintaining the fire that provides light and warmth to the earth.
Which two birds started the conflict that led to the sun?
The conflict began between a brolga, a large crane-like bird, and an emu. Their argument over an egg resulted in the egg being thrown into the sky.