The Rainbow Serpent

Aboriginal mythology · creator god · Australian culture

Creator of Land. The Rainbow Serpent is believed by many Aboriginal Australian peoples to have formed the mountains, valleys, and water systems across the continent. By moving across the landscape, this powerful deity literally shaped the world that Aboriginal people live in.

Many Different Names. Different Aboriginal groups across Australia call this deity by different names in their own languages. Despite the different names, many cultures share similar stories about this important creator being.

Brings Balance or Chaos. When respected and treated well, the Rainbow Serpent brings good things like rain, fertile land, and harmony. But if it is disturbed or disrespected, it can cause floods, droughts, and other destructive events.

Star of Aboriginal Art. The Rainbow Serpent appears in rock paintings, dot paintings, and other Aboriginal artworks that have been created for thousands of years. These artworks tell important stories about creation and the connection between the people and the land.

Connected to Water. The Rainbow Serpent is often associated with waterholes, rivers, and rain, making it a protector of water sources that are essential to life in Australia.