The Myth of the Crocodile that became East Timor

There are quite a few versions of this creation myth. Below are just three of those versions:

Version 1

The Legend of East Timor – The Crocodile Story

Many years ago a small crocodile lived in a swamp in a faraway place. He dreamed of becoming a big crocodile but as food was scarce, he became weak and grew sadder and sadder.

He left for the open sea, to find food and realise his dream, but the day became increasingly hot and he was still far from the seashore. The little crocodile - rapidly drying out and now in desperation - lay down to die.

A small boy took pity on the stranded crocodile and carried him to the sea. The crocodile, instantly revived, was grateful. “Little boy”, he said, “You have saved my life. If I can ever help you in any way, please call me. I will be at your command…”

A few years later, the boy called the crocodile, who was now big and strong. “Brother Crocodile”, he said, “I too have a dream. I want to see the world”.

“Climb on my back,” said the crocodile, “and tell me, which way do you want to go?”

“Follow the sun”, said the boy.

The crocodile set off for the east, and they travelled the oceans for years, until one day the crocodile said to the boy, “Brother, we have been travelling for a long time. But now the time has come for me to die. In memory of your kindness, I will turn myself into a beautiful island, where you and your children can live until the sun sinks in the sea.”

As the crocodile died, he grew and grew, and his ridged back became the mountains and his scales the hills of Timor.

Now when the people of East Timor swim in the ocean, they enter the water saying “Don’t eat me crocodile, I am they enter the water saying “Don’t eat me crocodile, I am your relative”.

(From the East Timor's Independence Day Committee)

Version 2

The Legend of Grandfather Crocodile

Long ago a boy saved the life of a baby crocodile. To repay his kindness the crocodile promised to carry the boy on his back throughout the ocean whenever he wanted. But, being a crocodile, the animal felt he would like to eat the boy.

All the other beasts condemned him, and the crocodile, ashamed, gave up the idea of eating the boy. However he still took the boy on his back and they travelled together until the crocodile became old.

Finally he said, ‘Friend, I can never repay your great kindness. However, I will change into a land where you and your descendants will live’. That crocodile became the island of Timor, which still retains his crocodile shape.

The Timorese are descendants of that boy and have inherited his noble qualities. Timorese are kind. They welcome others and, like the crocodile, have a sense of justice and gratitude to people.

Our people call crocodiles ‘grandfather’. When they cross a river they always call, ‘Crocodile, I am your grandchild, do not eat me.’

(On bookmarks sold in tourist shops)

Version 3

GRANDFATHER CROCODILE

From the depths of the ocean

a crocodile in search of a destiny

spied the pool of light, and there he surfaced

Then wearily, he stretched himself out

in time

and his lumpy hide was transformed

into a mountain range

where people were born

and where people died

Grandfather crocodile

the legend says

and who am I to disbelieve

that he is Timor!

(Xanana Gusmao)