Story Summary
Discover the Dreamtime legend of The Bat and the Birds, a story of loyalty and deception that explains why bats hide in caves and fly only at night.
In the Dreamtime, a great war broke out between the birds of the air and the animals of the land. Tula the Bat, possessing both fur like a dingo and wings like a cockatoo, watched from the shadows, refusing to commit to either side. When the birds soared to victory in a skirmish, Tula flapped his wings and claimed, "I am one of you! See my wings?" But when the land animals gained the upper hand, he showed his sharp teeth and fur, crying, "I am a beast of the earth! Look at my coat." When the two groups finally met to make peace, they compared notes and realized Tula’s treachery. Shamed and rejected by both kingdoms for his lack of loyalty, Tula fled to the darkest caves. To this day, he hides during the light of the sun, venturing out only in the shadows of night, a creature belonging to neither world.
The Moral
True character is shown through loyalty; those who try to please everyone by being two-faced will eventually find themselves with no friends at all.
“He who flies with every wind will soon find he has no sky to call his own.”
Fun Fact
Many Aboriginal groups have variations of this story, with some versions featuring a 'Flying Fox' instead of a small bat, reflecting the specific wildlife of different Australian regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Bat and the Birds?
The story teaches that loyalty is vital and that being two-faced leads to isolation. By trying to benefit from both sides without committing, the bat ended up rejected by everyone.
Why do bats fly at night according to Aboriginal legend?
According to this Dreamtime story, the bat was banished from the company of both birds and land animals. He hides in caves during the day out of shame and only emerges at night when the others are asleep.
Is The Bat and the Birds a Dreamtime story?
Yes, it is a traditional Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime story used to explain natural phenomena and teach social values. It specifically addresses themes of identity, belonging, and honesty.
Who were the main groups in the conflict?
The conflict was a Great War between the birds of the air and the land animals. These two groups represent the different facets of the natural world coming together to establish peace.
How did the animals find out about the bat's trickery?
When the birds and land animals gathered to negotiate a peace treaty, they shared stories of the war. They quickly realized the bat had claimed to be a member of both opposing sides depending on who was winning.
What does the bat represent in Australian folklore?
In many versions of this tale, the bat represents a 'fence-sitter' or someone who lacks integrity. His physical form—half-bird, half-beast—serves as a metaphor for his duplicity.