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Overview
During a drought, younger members of the Noongahburrah question why Wirreenun has not brought rain. The account follows his preparations, his directions to build protective shelters and the gathering of the community. Clouds accumulate, and he sends everyone under cover before thunder and lightning strike near the camp. While others fear the storm, he goes outside and declares that he will prevent the lightning from coming closer. The storm settles into a sustained rain that lasts for days and renews the country.
Although the community subsequently praises him, Wirreenun decides to demonstrate further power. He consults a neighbouring rainmaker and directs people to the dry plain of Googoorewon. The two bring rain specifically over that plain until it becomes a lake. Young men doubt that fish could be present because the water came directly from rain rather than rivers, but follow his instruction to cast nets and obtain abundant catches. The ending marks the renewed plenty with a gathering. These events are the narrated demonstration of his power in this historical collection, rather than independently verified weather control or a general description of present-day ceremonial practice.
Origins & earliest records
K. Langloh Parker, Australian Legendary Tales (1896), Wirreenun the Rainmaker. Narran-region collection; individual narrator unspecified.
Records & interpretation
Complete published English chapter supplies the stated sequence and ending. Its account is situated in Parker’s historical collection and not universalised across Australian communities.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Australian Legendary Tales: Wirreenun the Rainmaker
Complete selected chapter; historical editorial witness, with no independently inspected original-language recording.
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary historical collected narrativeParker: Wirreenun the RainmakerResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
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