Episode 43 - The Owl who was unwelcome (Australian Aboriginal legend)

This Australian Aboriginal legend, from Collins Dove’s 1994 collection, This Is the Dreaming, is a cautionary fable about what happens when humans forget to treat other living creature with respect and kindness. The kids mistreat and torture a new bird they see, who is actually sent by god Wandjina to help humans.  The story has a strong message against animal cruelty. It is, admittedly, more mythology than fairytale, but it shows the same compassion towards what is different and what is helpless. Be it from a fairy, or a god, the message is the same: kindness matters.