YEARS: 7–8, 9–10
This media resource contains content that may be considered inappropriate for younger children.
A skilled young hunter performs a cowardly act by kidnapping a young woman and taking her away from the camp.
This behaviour has consequences for himself and the clan. The story is about Aboriginal moieties and what happens if you do not follow Aboriginal law. In central Arnhem Land there are two moieties, Yirritja and Dhuwa. Yirritja families must marry Dhuwa and vice versa.
The Bat and The Butterfly is a Dhuwa story that's told in Ritharrngu language.
Things to think about
- 1.What do you think is the central message of this story? Who do you think is the intended audience for this?
- 2.What do you know about Aboriginal moieties? How might they be relevant to this story?
- 3.Many traditional stories in Australia and around the world feature the theme of transformation into an animal. Can you think of some examples?
Teachers
For more information, check out the Bat and the Butterfly study guide by ATOM.
Acknowledgements
With thanks to the Djilpin Aboriginal Arts Corporation.
Date of broadcast: 4 Dec 2007
Copyright
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