The Giant Kangaroos

**NOTE:  ORIGINALLY POSTED 3/26/12**


Once, there were two brothers of the family name Byama. After a wicked man named Thoorkook killed their sons, the brothers decided to take revenge. So they changed themselves into giant kangaroos, and hopped about near Thoorkook's dwelling place. Thoorkook's dogs scented them, and gave chase. The brothers, disguised as the kangaroos, hopped faster and faster, leaving the dogs behind. But one of the dogs ran ahead of the pack, and just as he was about to catch them, they turned and rent him in two with their giant paws. They threw the body into a nearby watering hole.

They continued to hop, and the dogs continued to give a frenzied chase. The dogs lagged further behind, save one, who ran ahead of the pack. Just at the last moment, the giant kangaroos rent him in two with their giant paws. One by one, over many days, the chase continued in such a manner until all of the dogs were gone.

The brothers changed themselves back into men, and entered Thoorkook's camp. When he saw them, he grabbed his weapons, but the brothers made a show of peace by laying their weapons aside. The elder brother said, "While we were away hunting, you came with your dogs and killed our children. Now we have killed your dogs - even as we speak their bodies are being picked clean by the buzzards. You, however, we will not kill with deception, but as men who fight other men." Having said this, the brothers picked up their weapons and advanced. Thoorkook also picked up his weapon, and prepared to fight.

The fight waged on for many hours, as the men were all skilled at battle. Each time Thoorkook hurled his spear, the brothers protected themselves with shields. Each time the brothers hurled their spears, Thoorkook did likewise. At long last, the elder brother threw his spear with such force that it pierced Thoorkook's shield, entered into his throat, and came out the other side.

Not wishing their enemy to remain dead, they turned him into the Mopoke bird, who only lives at night and has a wretched cry. Thus is he punished forever.

When the brothers returned home, they discovered that their wives were still mourning the loss of their children. So they turned their wives into Curlews, whose mournful cries echo out from the bushes day and night.

-From Australia