Story Summary
Discover the Dreamtime legend Why the Crow is Black. Learn how a once-white bird's greed and a fight with Eaglehawk led to his charred, dark feathers forever.
In the Dreamtime, Crow was once a bird with feathers as white as the summer clouds. He was beautiful, but his heart was filled with greed and vanity. During a long, harsh drought, Crow and his companion, Eaglehawk, went hunting for food. While Eaglehawk worked tirelessly, Crow remained lazy, hiding the water and succulent grubs he found for himself. When they finally caught a kangaroo, Crow tried to trick Eaglehawk into taking the bones while he kept the rich meat. Enraged by this betrayal, Eaglehawk fought Crow across the scorched earth. During their struggle, Crow fell headlong into the black ashes of a dying campfire. The soot clung to his oily feathers, staining them from beak to tail. No matter how much he bathed or preened, the blackness remained—a permanent mark of his selfishness and the fire of his own deceit.
The Moral
Greed and dishonesty carry lasting consequences that cannot be washed away. True character is revealed through how we share with others in times of need.
“The soot of greed clung to his feathers, turning the white of a cloud into the dark of a shadow.”
Fun Fact
In many Aboriginal kinship systems, the Crow and the Eaglehawk represent two different 'moieties,' meaning people belong to one or the other to maintain social and biological balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Why the Crow is Black?
The moral is that greed and selfishness lead to a loss of beauty and respect. It teaches that deceptive behavior results in permanent consequences that mark one's reputation.
What color was the Crow originally in the Dreamtime?
In many versions of the story, the Crow was originally white. His change to black symbolizes a fall from grace or a punishment for his behavior during the creation period.
Who is the Crow's rival in this story?
The Crow's primary rival is the Eaglehawk. The two often represent opposite forces or moieties in Aboriginal mythology, frequently clashing over resources or social rules.
Is the story of the Crow the same across all of Australia?
While the theme of the Crow turning black is widespread, different language groups have unique variations. Some involve fire, others involve being trapped in a hollow log, but most center on his trickster nature.
What does the Crow symbolize in Aboriginal culture?
The Crow is often a trickster figure, an ancestral being, or a law-giver. Depending on the region, he can represent intelligence, survival, and the complexities of social kinship.
How does this story explain natural phenomena?
Like many Dreamtime stories, it serves as an 'etiological myth,' explaining why the Australian Raven (crow) has black feathers and a distinct, mournful cry today.