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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Mythology of the Aborigines

Mythology of the Aborigines.

A most interesting paper was read before the Royal Society by Mr. James Manning on "The Mythology of the Blacks." The particulars were obtained from a "Koradgee" named Andy, of the Binalong tribe, near Yass, whose confidence Mr. Manning managed to secure. Mr. Manning's paper is a verbatim account as dictated by Andy, and is remarkable in every sense.

page 41

According to the statements made by this man, these blacks not only believe in a God, a Supreme Being, but a Son of God, and a spirit also. This God dispenses justice from an inaccessible throne, situated in a sea of crystal, and grants pardons and rewards hereafter to all who believe in him and try not to offend, &c.

If this is a bona-fide account, it shows that these blackfellows possess a religion which we cannot improve upon, and which it would be a pity to interfere with. It completely upsets all the assertions which missionaries and others have made to the contrary; but it appears strange that no similar account of this creed, almost that of a Christian, should never have been obtained from any other aboriginal in any part of the country—especially in those places where missionaries have dwelt for years.

If this statement of Andy prove to be an invention, compiled from the scraps of religious teaching which either himself or members of his tribe may from time to time have gathered together, it shows a wonderful amount of ingenuity on his part, and a certain amount of credit should be awarded him.

No argument will persuade them that their women can possibly enjoy happiness hereafter. Women are, according to their idea, certain game for the "Devil-devil," and the few men who escape his grasp are supposed to return to this world either as a white man or as some animal. White men who possess either a mark or a wound on their bodies, or some peculiarity similar to that of a deceased blackfellow, are credited with being that same black " jump up white fellow." Women are supposed to be wholly beyond redemption; they are not allowed to interfere or to express any opinion on any so-called religious subject. This is perhaps fortunate for them, as they avoid many a good beating by keeping aloof.

I heard a blackfellow, who had received a considerable amount of religious instruction, but who unfortunately did not live on very happy terms with his wife, declare that if he could only raise half-a-crown, so that he could purchase a clean shirt, he would go straight away to Heaven at once, where he would be out of reach of all women, especially of his——old wife, and so have peace and quietness, &c. He made a most amusing address, anything but complimentary to the women, his wife in particular, and kept a large audience in roars of laughter. He raised the half-crown, and passed the night in the lock-up.