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

'In the mythology of the Lake Eyre Basin there is a close relationship between the slender green snake, Wangkangurru Kurkari (Demansia Psammophis) and a larger dark coloured reddish orange bellied snake, Wangkangurru Yurkunangku (probably Pseudechis Australis). The two are constant companions both in the myths from Georgina and in the main myth, the long line of 'History' related here. They are sometimes further associated with the much feared snake called alakura which is probably Furina Diadema. All the snakes mentioned are known throughout the area. In one myth from the Georgina area and further south from Two Wells in Nganami country the snakes are young men, only recently initiated, and searching for girls. The section of this story that deals with the Green Snakes has been set out in detail by Reuther. In the fire myth from the Georgina, the Two Snakes are only newborn. In the present story they figure as a different pair of the same species of snakes, and they are old men who like to sit down in a quiet sheltered place and make hairstring. They also specialise in making objects out of hairstring, such as headbands, and in particular the secret-sacred wanaika, string-crosses used in ceremonies.' (Source: Introduction)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Last amended 7 Jan 2011 18:34:19
X