Wiradjuri Mythology
Wiradjuri mythology forms the spiritual foundation of the Wiradjuri people — the largest First Nations group in New South Wales — whose ancestral lands stretch across fertile plains and the meeting of three major rivers: the Macquarie (Wambool), the Lachlan (Kalare), and the Murrumbidgee. Known as the People of the Three Rivers, the Wiradjuri maintain a deep cultural connection to waterways, country, and the Dreaming — the sacred framework that guides identity, law, and responsibility.
In Wiradjuri mythology, the Dreaming (Ngurambang) describes the actions of ancestral beings who created the rivers, hills, animals, and plants that define the landscape. These ancestors established the moral laws, kinship structures, and ceremonial customs that continue to shape Wiradjuri society. Every part of Country holds a story, making the physical environment a living map of cultural memory.
One of the most significant ancestral beings in Wiradjuri tradition is Waiyungah, often associated with the great river and the fertility of the land. Other Dreaming stories feature animal ancestors like the goanna (guwang), emu (dinawan), and eaglehawk (maliyan) — important totems that connect individuals to specific responsibilities and protectors within the environment. Totemic relationships reinforce the belief that people and nature are inseparable, bound through ancestry and law.
Ceremony plays a vital role in Wiradjuri mythology. Traditional songs, dances, and body designs preserve sacred teachings and maintain balance between the human and spirit worlds. Storytelling — particularly through yarning and carved message sticks — ensures that cultural knowledge is passed to future generations with accuracy and respect.
Language is deeply tied to Wiradjuri spirituality. Many Dreaming concepts are embedded in the Wiradjuri language, and revitalization efforts led by community leaders play a central role in strengthening cultural identity. The teaching of creation stories through language education reconnects younger generations to ancestral Country and the values held within it.
Despite the impacts of colonisation, displacement, and cultural disruption, Wiradjuri mythology remains strong. Cultural custodians continue to protect heritage sites, restore ceremonies, and share Dreaming stories through art, education, and community-led land stewardship.
Wiradjuri mythology stands as a powerful expression of resilience, connection, and ancestral law — a testament to the enduring bond between the People of the Three Rivers and the Country that gives them life.
