Story Summary
Discover the Dreamtime legend of The Emu and the Jabiru, an ancient Australian story explaining how these birds gained their unique physical characteristics.
Long ago in the Dreamtime, the Emu and the Jabiru were close companions, but a bitter rivalry grew between them while they were fishing. The Emu, greedy for the best catch, began to quarrel with the Jabiru over their haul. In the heat of their argument, a fierce battle erupted that would change them both forever. The Jabiru, swift and sharp, struck the Emu across its wings with a heavy club, stunting them and tethering the bird to the earth. In a fit of retaliation, the Emu threw a jagged stone that lodged deep in the Jabiru’s throat, stretching its neck and altering its voice. To this day, the Emu remains on the ground, a powerful runner with useless wings, while the Jabiru carries the mark of their ancient feud in its long, slender neck and its majestic, silent flight.
The Moral
Bitterness and physical conflict often leave permanent scars that change our destiny forever.
“What is broken in anger can rarely be mended by regret.”
Fun Fact
This story belongs to the 'How and Why' genre of Aboriginal oral tradition, which was used for thousands of years to teach children about natural history and social behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Emu and the Jabiru?
The moral is that anger and greed have lasting consequences. It teaches that once a conflict reaches a certain point, the damage done cannot be undone, permanently altering one's path.
Why can't the Emu fly in this story?
In the legend, the Jabiru struck the Emu's wings during a fight over fish. This blow was so powerful that it stunted the Emu's wings, leaving it unable to ever fly again.
What kind of bird is the Jabiru?
The Jabiru is a large, long-necked stork native to Australia. In Dreamtime stories, it is often depicted as a tall, graceful figure whose physical traits were shaped by ancient events.
What are Dreamtime stories?
Dreamtime stories are foundational narratives of Australian Aboriginal culture. They explain the creation of the world, the origins of animals, and the laws of the land through the actions of ancestral spirits.
Where does this story take place?
The story is set in the vast landscapes of the Australian Outback, specifically around billabongs and watering holes where these birds are commonly found.
Why do the birds look different now?
The story serves as an etiological myth, explaining that the birds' physical traits are the result of an ancient feud. The Emu's flat wings and the Jabiru's long neck are permanent reminders of their struggle.