In the heart of Melbourne, nearly every local knows the tale of Bunjil, the wedged-tailed eagle who is a creation deity in the mythology of the Aboriginal Wurundjeri people. These tales have been passed down through countless generations and remain an integral part of the local cultural fabric. Bunjil, they believe, is the creator of the world, their ancestral spirit, and guardian of the natural environment.
In the Wurundjeri creation story, Bunjil, along with his six chosen helpers, the Bram brothers, sculpted the mountains, rivers, flora, fauna, and even the human beings. Depictions of him are not uncommon in traditional Aboriginal art, often featuring him in eagle form or as a man with an eagle’s head, wings or feet.
One prevalent tale recounts how Bunjil once resided in the heavens above the area now known as Melbourne. Seeing the people struggling from various hardships and constant warfare, Bunjil descended from the skies. He instituted laws encompassing matters of personal conduct, protocols for ritual activity, and systems of punishment for breaches of law. This phase is known as the Dreaming, a sacred epoch when ancestral Spirit Beings formed Creation.
After imparting these laws and creating a harmonious society, Bunjil transformed into a mighty eagle and returned to the sky. As he ascended, he vowed to watch over the people and sometimes return to guide them.
These stories reverberate in the culture, existing far beyond mere legend, but as deep-seated respect for the environment and the teachings passed down from Bunjil. Lessons from this lore can still be seen today in local culture and beliefs about leadership, community role, natural preservation, and respect for the history and traditions of the Wurundjeri people.