Kwoka's Warning single work   short story   myth/legend  
Issue Details: First known date: 1931... 1931 Kwoka's Warning
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

A white woman traveling by sea in the Torres Strait hears the cry of a strange local bird and later is told the legend of two brothers with an inquisitive and talkative sister. When fellow fishermen drink their water on the reef the brothers spear them in revenge, then abandon the sister on an island so she cannot betray them. She is transformed into the loudly crying 'Kwoka' bird. The story is told in front of a chattery and inquisitive young girl, who is compelled to take it as an object lesson, and learn to be quiet. By the end of the story her aspiring lover has actually proposed to her.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 17 Jan 2012 14:18:19
Settings:
  • Mua Island, Torres Strait Islands, Queensland,
Newspapers:
    Powered by Trove
    X