Bluetongue Lizard: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Figure of some Indigenous Australian mythology}} |
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{{distinguish|text=the [[blue-tongued lizard]]}} |
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| ⚫ | '''Bluetongue Lizard''' is an old man in the [[Australian Aboriginal mythology]] of the [[Warlpiri people]]. He is a [[trickster]] and a powerful [[Magician (paranormal)|sorcerer]], as well. The myth involving him is the wellspring of the [[Warlpiri people|Warlpiri]] fire ceremonies. He is often regarded as a deity, but this notion is not exactly true. At night time he flies and he goes to Habberfield |
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== Story == |
== Story == |
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Bluetongue Lizard had two sons, and the three of them camped in the Place of Fire, which was known as Warlukurlangu. He pretended he was [[Blindness|blind]] so his sons would |
Bluetongue Lizard had two sons, and the three of them camped in the Place of Fire, which was known as Warlukurlangu. He pretended he was [[Blindness|blind]] so his sons would [[hunting|hunt]] for him. However, once they were gone, he would leave to hunt his own food, which he ate on the spot. The place he went hunting was Ngama, also known as the Cave of the Rainbow Snake. There, he gained his sorcery skills. One day, the two sons went hunting and killed a [[kangaroo]], which they presented to their father to eat. The two sons did not know this kangaroo was sacred and used to speak to Bluetongue Lizard, telling him secrets. Upon learning of the kangaroo's slaying, Bluetongue Lizard was filled with rage and summoned a magic [[Bushfires in Australia|fire]], sending it after his sons. The fire followed them wherever they went. It would die down at night, but start up again in the morning, driving Bluetongue Lizard's sons around all of the [[Dreaming (spirituality)|Tjukurrpa]]. Finally, the sons stopped at the Ngarra [[salt lake]] and drowned there, too fatigued to go on.<ref name=Philip>{{cite book |last=Philip |first=Neil |title=Mythology of the World |url = https://archive.org/details/mythologyofworld0000phil|url-access=registration |quote=Mythology of the World. |location=Boston, MA|year=2004 |publisher=Kingfisher |page=[https://archive.org/details/mythologyofworld0000phil/page/135 135] |isbn=978-0-7534-0964-0}}</ref> |
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== Effect == |
== Effect == |
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The [[Warlpiri]] |
The [[Warlpiri people]] recapture the spirit of Bluetongue Lizard with dramatic fire ceremonies that involve a young male dancer emerging from total darkness into the glow of a ceremonial fire. The dancer selected moves carefully and willingly and then kneels by the fire, shaking his shoulders. He takes brushes from the fire and proceeds to scatter the [[ember]]s over his back. The Warlpiri [[Australian Aboriginal elder|elder]]s walk by the youth to coach him in the proper performance of the dance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moreton|first=Romaine|title=Blood Brothers - Jardiwarnpa|url=http://aso.gov.au/titles/documentaries/jardiwarnpa-blood-brothers/clip3/|accessdate=27 May 2011}}</ref> The Ngarra is one of the most [[sacred]] sites of the Warlpiri – so sacred, only men are permitted to go there.<ref name=Philip /> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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* [[Australian Aboriginal mythology]] |
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* [[Rainbow Serpent]] |
* [[Rainbow Serpent]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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<!--- Categories ---> |
<!--- Categories ---> |
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[[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]] |
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[[Category:Australian Aboriginal mythology]] |
[[Category:Australian Aboriginal mythology]] |
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[[Category:Australian mythology]] |
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[[Category:Magic gods]] |
[[Category:Magic gods]] |
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[[Category:Trickster gods]] |
[[Category:Trickster gods]] |
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Latest revision as of 17:36, 4 July 2024
Bluetongue Lizard is an old man in the Australian Aboriginal mythology of the Warlpiri people. He is a trickster and a powerful sorcerer, as well. The myth involving him is the wellspring of the Warlpiri fire ceremonies. He is often regarded as a deity, but this notion is not exactly true. At night time he flies and he goes to Habberfield
Story
[edit]Bluetongue Lizard had two sons, and the three of them camped in the Place of Fire, which was known as Warlukurlangu. He pretended he was blind so his sons would hunt for him. However, once they were gone, he would leave to hunt his own food, which he ate on the spot. The place he went hunting was Ngama, also known as the Cave of the Rainbow Snake. There, he gained his sorcery skills. One day, the two sons went hunting and killed a kangaroo, which they presented to their father to eat. The two sons did not know this kangaroo was sacred and used to speak to Bluetongue Lizard, telling him secrets. Upon learning of the kangaroo's slaying, Bluetongue Lizard was filled with rage and summoned a magic fire, sending it after his sons. The fire followed them wherever they went. It would die down at night, but start up again in the morning, driving Bluetongue Lizard's sons around all of the Tjukurrpa. Finally, the sons stopped at the Ngarra salt lake and drowned there, too fatigued to go on.[1]
Effect
[edit]The Warlpiri people recapture the spirit of Bluetongue Lizard with dramatic fire ceremonies that involve a young male dancer emerging from total darkness into the glow of a ceremonial fire. The dancer selected moves carefully and willingly and then kneels by the fire, shaking his shoulders. He takes brushes from the fire and proceeds to scatter the embers over his back. The Warlpiri elders walk by the youth to coach him in the proper performance of the dance.[2] The Ngarra is one of the most sacred sites of the Warlpiri – so sacred, only men are permitted to go there.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Philip, Neil (2004). Mythology of the World. Boston, MA: Kingfisher. p. 135. ISBN 978-0-7534-0964-0.
Mythology of the World.
- ^ Moreton, Romaine. "Blood Brothers - Jardiwarnpa". Retrieved 27 May 2011.