Watuwe the Magic Crocodile

Watuwe's Promise: Guardianship of the Tami River Wildlife

Watuwe Si Buaya Ajaib >> Edisi Bahasa Indonesia

Folklore from Papua

Once upon a time, in Papua, near the Tami River, a husband and wife were expecting a child. The husband, Towjatuwa, was particularly concerned about his wife, who may have trouble delivering a baby due to her advanced age.

The only way to help his wife was to use a sharp stone found in the Tami River. However, a huge crocodile unexpectedly showed up as he was searching for a sharp stone. Of course, Towjatuwa was astounded and terrified right away, to the point where he nearly passed out.

When the crocodile approached Towjatuwa, the crocodile's body looked different from ordinary crocodiles because cassowary feathers grew on its back, which looked scarier than usual.

Towjatuwa was also preparing to run away when the crocodile approached him. However, unexpectedly, the crocodile was very friendly when he spoke to Towjatuwa.

"I'm sorry if I startled you. My name is Watuwe. What is your name, and what are you doing in this river?" asked the crocodile.

"Oh, my... my name is Towjatuwa. I'm looking for a sharp stone to help my wife give birth," Towjatuwa replied fearfully.

Towjatuwa's fear was slowly fading because the crocodile was not as scary as one might imagine. Therefore, their conversation became more intimate and relaxed.

"You don't have to worry, Towjatuwa. I can help with your problem. I will help your wife give birth," said Watuwe.

After listening to it, Towjatuwa became relieved and happy. He returned home and told his wife what had happened.

Day after day, Towjatuwa's anxiety did not improve because his wife was about to give birth. He was afraid that Watuwe would not fulfill his promise to help his wife give birth.

As night fell, the wife began to feel pain in the stomach. Towjatuwa panicked. Then, Watuwe appeared, and Towjatuwa also became relieved. Watuwe uses his magical powers to help his wife give birth safely.

The night's calm was then broken by the cry of a baby boy. Towjatuwe was extremely grateful to Watuwe. In his heart, he experienced the emotions of joy and relief. Narrowra was the baby's name.

"Towjatuwa, one day your son will become a handsome and reliable young man in hunting. But there is one thing that you must remember: in the future, you and your descendants should not kill or eat crocodile meat. If you violate this prohibition, you and your descendants will die," said the Watuwe.

"Okay Watuwe. I will remember your message, and I will convey it to my descendants," replied Towjatuwa.

From then on, Towjatuwa and all of his descendants promised not to kill animals around the Tami River. Additionally, they defend the animals against hunters.

Moral Message: Fidelity and Environmental Protection: Honoring Promises and Protecting Nature

The moral lesson conveyed by this story revolves around the significance of gratitude, honoring commitments, and preserving the environment. Towjatuwa and his descendants were bestowed with immense blessings due to Watuwe's kindness. In return, they were entrusted with the responsibility of respecting and caring for the animals around the Tami River. Moreover, they were bound by the prohibition against killing or consuming crocodile meat. This narrative underscores the positive impact of safeguarding nature and showing reverence for all living beings on both human life and the environment."

Did you know?

The New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) or buaya irian (Indonesian) is a species of
crocodile found in the inland freshwaters of New Guinea. The general form of this type is similar to the saltwater crocodile (C. porosus), but smaller and with a darker skin color.