Australian Aboriginal Flood Stories

Introduction

It may come as a surprise to many, but the Australian Aborigines have traditions that bear striking similarities to parts of the book of Genesis, particularly in relation to Creation and Noah's Flood. Flood stories, which involve the salvation of only a few people and animals, are found in various cultures around the world. These stories provide intriguing circumstantial evidence that Noah, the common ancestor of Aborigines, Jews, and all modern races of humanity, existed. However, it is important to note that the Genesis account provides the most detailed and systematic narrative of the Flood.

To refresh our memory, let's briefly summarize the major events associated with Noah's Flood as described in Genesis 6-9:

• The world had become exceedingly evil and violent, with Noah being the only one who pleased God.
• God warned Noah about the impending flood as a judgment upon humanity's wickedness.
• God instructed Noah to build an ark to save his family and representative pairs of animals.
• The floodwaters covered the entire earth, including the mountains, resulting in the destruction of all living beings outside the ark.
• Noah released a raven and then a dove to determine if the land was dry. The dove returned with an olive leaf, indicating that the waters had receded enough for them to leave the ark.
• God established the rainbow as a sign of His promise never to destroy the earth by a flood again.
• All living humans and animals are descendants of those who came off the ark.

The Bundaba Flood Story

As told by Jimmy Bird:

Long ago, there was a great flood that originated from an act of mistreatment towards an owl. Some children plucked all its feathers and treated it shamefully. The owl flew into the heavens without wings and showed itself to Ngowungu, known as the Great Father. Ngowungu became very angry and decided to drown the people.

The people witnessed a small cloud rising, which grew larger and larger until it covered the entire sky. Thunder rolled and crashed, filling the people with fear. Alongside the rain and thunder, a terrible wind broke trees' limbs and uprooted others. Amidst this devastating storm, a noise came from the north. Saltwater from the sea poured over the ranges from the north, causing the floodwaters to rise higher and higher until all the land was covered, except for the tops of two or three mountains.

A man, his wives, and a dog battled their way in a canoe from the west. They were guided by a bird carrying a leaf in its mouth, showing them the way to Mt. Broome. Eventually, they reached Mt. Broome and landed there alongside other survivors. Djabalgari, a great left-handed man, incised his little finger and let the blood trickle into the floodwaters. As a result, the waters began to recede and eventually disappeared from the country. All other people were drowned.

Similarities to Genesis:

• The flood was sent as a judgment upon wickedness.
• God sent the flood to drown all people.
• The flood began with rainfall.
• The entire land was covered by water.
• A man and his wife were saved in a boat along with an animal.
• A bird with a leaf in its mouth served as a sign of dry land.
• They landed on a mountain while everyone else drowned.
• There was a sacrifice of blood at the end of the flood.

The Flood (As told by Albert Barangga)

In ancient times, the sea left marks on mountains and ranges such as Mt. House, Mt. Waterloo, and Mt. Hann. The reason for this flood was due to men killing an old woman's beloved third son. The old lady retaliated by spearing the "eye" of the sea. She stayed on Nowulu Island, and when she learned that her son had been killed, she wept once and vowed to finish those responsible. She traveled to a place called Garajin and speared and poked a small hole in the sea. The sea rapidly receded, leaving the fish flapping about on the exposed hard bottom.

During this time, the mountains were formed. The present tides do not rise as they did during that flood. The sea traveled across like a range to the people, causing the mountains to sink beneath it. The old lady picked up turtles and fish and took them to the top of the hill at Nowulu Island, where she climbed up and dug for water. Meanwhile, the mainland was submerged beneath the sea.

Only those who climbed to the top of the mountain survived while all others drowned. Eventually, they returned from the mountain. These survivors transformed into turtle and fish, becoming sea creatures themselves. The sea had drowned all the people of that generation on earth, turning them into living creatures in the sea.

Similarities to Genesis:

• The Flood was a judgment upon evil and intended to destroy all humans.
• The mountains were covered by water.
• All land was submerged, with only a few individuals being saved.
• All other people were drowned.

A Western Desert Tradition (Contributed by W.H. Douglas)

KURANGARA:

In ancient times, people noticed red-legged birds moving forward while keeping a consistent distance from their followers. These birds were much taller than they are today. Men followed them to discover their destination. The birds walked east and led the men to the coast of Australia. Stepping out of the sea near Fremantle, they turned north and continued up the coast. As they approached Port Hedland, a tremendous flood occurred.

The sky opened, and water poured down in a deluge. Many people drowned, but some were saved on mangrove boats. They paddled towards the Central Australian ranges, guided by the Mardudjara people, who were the first to bring dogs to the center of the continent.

Finally, they reached the MacDonnell Ranges, but as the waters receded, they turned into ice. Another group of people had arrived in the north of Australia by this time, trapping the southern group. The gods known as the "Watt Kutiara" came into action and began digging a pathway through the ranges. However, progress was slow, and the trapped people would have perished before being freed. So, the Wati Kutjara blasted their way through the ranges, creating an opening for escape at places like Stanley Chasm. The relieved people surged forward and passed through this opening to salvation. However, they faced a great disappointment when they realized that beyond the ranges lay only an empty land.

Similarities to Genesis:

• The Flood was a judgment upon evil, aiming to destroy all humans.
• The mountains played a significant role in their survival.
• Only a few individuals were saved while all others perished.

Why This Matters

The similarities between these Aboriginal flood stories and the Genesis account are remarkable. They provide compelling evidence that Noah's Flood was a real event that affected cultures around the world. These stories also highlight the universal understanding of divine judgment for wickedness and the salvation of a few righteous individuals.

From a biblical perspective, these Aboriginal flood stories affirm the historical accuracy of Genesis and its unique record of Noah's Flood. They serve as a reminder that all humanity is descended from Noah and his family.

Think About It

1. How do you think these Aboriginal flood stories impact our understanding of human history?
2. Considering that flood stories exist in various cultures worldwide, what does this say about the credibility of Noah's Flood as a historical event?
3. Reflect on the significance of the Flood as a judgment for evil and the salvation of a remnant. How does this resonate with your understanding of God's character?