How the Kangaroo Got Its Tail

In the ancient Dreamtime, Kangaroo and Wombat were the closest of friends. They traveled the bush together, but their personalities were very different. Wombat was industrious, always digging shelters, while Kangaroo was restless and preferred to sleep under the stars. One evening, a massive storm swept across the plains, bringing freezing rain and howling winds. Wombat retreated into his deep, dry burrow, but Kangaroo had nowhere to go. Shivering, Kangaroo begged Wombat to let him in. Wombat, knowing his burrow was too small for both and annoyed by Kangaroo's lack of foresight, refused. The two began to argue as the rain beat down. In a fit of rage, Kangaroo grabbed a large, flat rock and smashed it onto Wombat’s head, flattening his skull. Wombat, screaming in pain, grabbed a long, wooden spear and hurled it at Kangaroo as he turned to flee. The spear struck Kangaroo right in his backside and stuck fast. Kangaroo hopped away into the darkness, unable to remove the weapon. Over time, the spear became the powerful tail we see today, helping him balance as he leaps, while the Wombat’s head remained forever flat as a reminder of their broken friendship.