Torryong – The Ovens River

Torryong Gunyuk (the chief) asked the people of Juna (the snake) to call to their totem clan.

They formed a circle, swayed side by side and sang the giant Rumbalara (rainbow serpents) down from the mountains. Gunyuk told the serpents to travel west for three days, then turn south to find water.

The serpents formed one long line, carving a deep, twisting groove as they went. For three days and nights, Gunyuk and the clan sang to Byamee for rain. Rain came and flowed down the slopes into the grooves left by the snakes and created Poodumbia (the King River), Torryong (the Ovens River), which flowed into Tongala (the Murray River). The water flowed deep and wide.

 

 

 

 

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