Story Summary
Discover the Aboriginal Dreamtime legend of Tiddalik the Frog, a giant creature who drank all the world's water until a clever eel made him laugh it back out.
Long ago in the Dreamtime, there lived a giant frog named Tiddalik. One morning, he woke with an insatiable thirst and began to drink. He drank from the billabongs, the rivers, and the lakes until every drop of fresh water in the world was contained within his swollen belly. The land withered, and the other animals grew desperate as the plants died and the earth cracked. Led by the wise Wombat, the animals gathered to find a solution. They realized that if they could make Tiddalik laugh, the water would spill out of his mouth. The Kangaroo jumped high, the Emu told jokes, and the Kookaburra laughed his loudest, but Tiddalik remained stoic and silent. Finally, Nabunum the Eel began to dance, twisting and wriggling his body into impossible, hilarious shapes. Tiddalik’s mouth began to twitch, then a giggle escaped, and finally, a great roar of laughter erupted. The water gushed forth with incredible force, refilling the dry rivers and bringing life back to the parched Australian bush.
The Moral
Greed leads to suffering for the entire community, and sometimes humor is the only way to resolve a difficult conflict.
“When the giant laughed, the rivers ran once more.”
Fun Fact
Tiddalik is so culturally significant that a large statue of him stands in the town of Taree, New South Wales, celebrating his role in Australian folklore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Tiddalik the Frog?
The story teaches the dangers of greed and selfishness, showing how one individual's actions can harm the entire community. It also highlights the power of humor and cooperation in overcoming obstacles.
Which animal finally made Tiddalik laugh?
Nabunum the Eel was the hero who finally made Tiddalik laugh. He did this by performing a silly, rhythmic dance that involved twisting himself into strange, comical shapes.
What culture does the story of Tiddalik come from?
The story is a prominent Dreamtime myth from Australian Aboriginal culture. It is specifically associated with the Gunai/Kurnai people of Victoria and the peoples of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Why did Tiddalik drink all the water?
Tiddalik was overcome by an immense, insatiable thirst. In his selfishness, he did not consider the needs of the other animals or the environment, leading him to consume every drop of fresh water available.
What happened to the world when the water disappeared?
The Australian bush became parched and the earth began to crack. Plants died, and the animals faced the threat of extinction from thirst, representing the devastating impact of environmental imbalance.
Is there a real-life inspiration for Tiddalik?
Many believe the story is based on the Water-holding frog (Litoria platycephala). This real frog can store vast amounts of water in its body and bury itself underground to survive long periods of drought.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
