Story Summary
Explore the Dreamtime legend of The Two Wise Men and the Seven Sisters, an Australian Aboriginal myth explaining the origin of the Pleiades in the night sky.
In the ancient Dreamtime, seven beautiful sisters traveled across the vast Australian landscape, their presence bringing life and light to the bush. They were relentlessly pursued by two powerful wise men who sought to capture them and take them as wives. The sisters, determined to remain together and preserve their freedom, fled across the burning red sands and over the rugged mountain ranges. As they traveled, their footsteps created the waterholes and sacred landmarks that define the land today. Realizing the wise men were closing in and that no corner of the earth was safe, the sisters appealed to the spirits of the sky for sanctuary. In a brilliant burst of light, they were transformed into a cluster of stars, ascending far beyond the reach of their pursuers. The two wise men were left behind on earth, eventually becoming stars themselves in a separate part of the heavens, forever fated to watch the sisters from a distance, never to catch them again.
The Moral
The power of unity and the desire for freedom can transcend the physical world to achieve eternal peace.
“The earth could not hold them, so the heavens became their eternal home.”
Fun Fact
This story is considered one of the oldest oral traditions in the world, with some researchers suggesting it has been told for over 65,000 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Two Wise Men and the Seven Sisters?
The moral focuses on the strength found in sisterhood and the importance of autonomy. It teaches that one's spirit and unity can overcome even the most persistent earthly challenges.
Which constellation is represented by the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters are most commonly identified as the Pleiades star cluster. This celestial connection is shared by many cultures around the world, though the Aboriginal interpretation is unique to the Dreamtime.
Who are the two wise men in the story?
In various versions of the myth, the two men are powerful elders or sorcerers who pursue the sisters across the continent. They are often associated with the stars of the Orion constellation or the Southern Cross.
How did the sisters shape the Australian landscape?
As the sisters fled, their movements and resting places created significant geographical features. Their journey is recorded in 'Songlines,' which act as spiritual maps of the Australian outback.
Is this story the same across all Aboriginal groups?
While the core theme of the Seven Sisters is widespread across Australia, different language groups have their own specific names, locations, and variations of the tale. It is one of the most significant and consistent narratives in Dreamtime lore.
Why did the sisters turn into stars?
The sisters chose to become stars to escape their pursuers and remain together forever. The sky offered a permanent sanctuary where they could shine brightly beyond the reach of those who sought to control them.