Gayamugu (Crocodile)

Description

Long time ago, on the banks of the estuarine river near Hopevale, three sisters and all their children went hunting for fish, mussels, crab and oysters. Gayamugu, a very tall, strong warrior went with them too, as a precaution.  They crossed a part of the estuary stream easy enough to reach the rich mangrove lands, but the tidal surge came up faster than expected, and when they got back to the crossing, were forced to swim back to the safe, sandy banks for home.  Their days’ catch went with them atop their heads in woven baskets to avoid the notice of sharks and crocodiles. Gayamugu swam with them at the rear, a small group at a time, returning to take the next scared and anxious group. 

On the last of the three daring journeys, Gayamugu’s foot was snatched in the jaws of an unusually big crocodile (warka), pulling him down beneath the seaweed and clots of sea grass for a very long time.  Gayamugu managed to use his fighting stick, poking at the monster’s eyes until he let go, escaping with only minor bruises.  Gayamugu is still remembered today amongst the Kuku Minithin people as a great hero and a model for young men.