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Gurawul the Whale
More than 70 years ago, the ancient legend of Gurawul the whale was passed down to Yuin Elder Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison by his grandfather and uncles. He promised them that one day he would travel to the southern land, Tasmania, and search for the whale dreaming of their Ancestors.
This exquisitely illustrated book tells the story of Uncle Max’s journey to fulfil that promise, and how he eventually came face to face with Gurawul.
Filled with important cultural knowledge and personal stories, Uncle Max sadly died before Gurawul could be published, and his family are continuing his legacy to show how science is finally beginning to catch up with these ‘old blackfella’ stories.
This exquisitely illustrated book tells the story of Uncle Max’s journey to fulfil that promise, and how he eventually came face to face with Gurawul.
Filled with important cultural knowledge and personal stories, Uncle Max sadly died before Gurawul could be published, and his family are continuing his legacy to show how science is finally beginning to catch up with these ‘old blackfella’ stories.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2023
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 18, 2023
I was so grateful to read this book and understand the cultural importance of protecting whales
October 13, 2024
It's always interesting to know about a country and its culture, and this book did that. And at the same time, it made it more fun for me to read in this format - it didn't have long texts, and it had illustrations and photos!
Because sometimes, history or lore or old stories can get quite overwhelming. Who actually reads the whole captions in the museums, for example? You'd be there the whole day!. The format made it more real (for a visual person like me).
I also did enjoy reading about the story. And the way it was told makes you feel you were there too. There's a wee bit of evolution and science incorporated, so that's why it makes you wonder if the stories are actually real, and not just traditional stories made up to explain something unexplainable.
Anyway.
History. Lore.
What's the difference these days? They're both told [traditionally] by people. I've learned from WAP that men can write history depending on how they viewed the situation, without actually being in the actual event. Who's to say what Napoleon or Alexander really think? ... And I feel like that's the same with the lores. Easy to think they're just stories. But with the way histories are being distorted these days, how do we know what's the truth and what's not?
Anyway.
---
Because sometimes, history or lore or old stories can get quite overwhelming. Who actually reads the whole captions in the museums, for example? You'd be there the whole day!. The format made it more real (for a visual person like me).
I also did enjoy reading about the story. And the way it was told makes you feel you were there too. There's a wee bit of evolution and science incorporated, so that's why it makes you wonder if the stories are actually real, and not just traditional stories made up to explain something unexplainable.
Anyway.
History. Lore.
What's the difference these days? They're both told [traditionally] by people. I've learned from WAP that men can write history depending on how they viewed the situation, without actually being in the actual event. Who's to say what Napoleon or Alexander really think? ... And I feel like that's the same with the lores. Easy to think they're just stories. But with the way histories are being distorted these days, how do we know what's the truth and what's not?
Anyway.
---
Giving it away to keep... that's an important thing that they taught me. I must give it away to keep. I must give this story away so that I can keep my sanity, keep my peace, and keep my respect for my fellow human beings and totems.
July 21, 2023
I really enjoyed reading the story of Gurawul and how different elders and custodians from different mobs had more to add to the story. I'm glad I got to read this and learn about Gurawul.
January 3, 2025
great book
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews