The story of Jiddelek

Long ago there was a big frog and his name was Jiddelek. He went to the river to have a drink. He began to drink the water from the water hole, then from the creek, then the river, ‘til there was nothing left.

All the animals were thirsty. There was no water anywhere. The animals called a meeting, they decided that one of them should try to make Jiddelek laugh. Turtle and platypus played leapfrog. That didn’t make Jiddelek laugh. Duck and bird flew around. That didn’t make Jiddelek laugh. Bataluk strutted to and fro puffing out his stomach. Jiddelek was nearly asleep.

Snake said, ‘Let me try’. He started a wiggly, squiggly dance. He twisted and nearly tied himself in a knot. Then came a rumbling noise from Jiddelek and it grew louder and louder. His mouth opened and he began to laugh. A mighty gush of water came out of his  mouth, all the water came back to the water holes and the rivers.

Gunai/Kurnai Traditional Custodians

Further Information

Gunai/Kurnai word list

Bataluk   goanna
Jiddelek   frog

Sounds of Gunai/Kurnai

a as in but
oo as in foot
a as in but
e as in get
u as in out
rr rolled r sound
ng as in sing
i as in lick