Umbarra

Umbarra, or King Merriman († 1904) was an Elder ( Elder ) of the Aboriginal tribe of the Djirringanj or Yuin in the Bermagui region on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Although the Aborigines traditionally had no kings or chiefs, but older, admitted the white colonial power, the older the right to carry a plate King ( King drive). Therefore, it was for the older nicknamed King.

Life

Umbarra lived on Merriman Iceland, in the middle of Wallaga Lake, while his people lived along the banks of the lake. His wife was Queen Narelle.

From Umbarra is believed that he had clairvoyant abilities and that he communicated with a black duck, his moojingarl that warned him of the coming danger.

Legends

Many legends exist about Umbarra and his moojingarl. One day it prophesied to him that a group of warriors would be a battle from the south far away. King Merriman was therefore back on the island, because another man told him that the women and children remain in a safe place and should be hidden in the reeds.

The first who saw the incoming warriors, warned the king and his men, who fought a fierce battle, but this is lost. The recalcitrant tribe members had to depart from the island.

According to legend, King threw Merriman powerful spears and a boomerang, the arms and minds of the enemy met, before he returned to him. But that was not enough. Then he transformed himself into a whirlwind and flew away. He flew over the grim Kiola - Aboriginal tribe and their Clever you ( wise man ) guessed correctly its presence ahead and that this meant that the Wallaga - nation would be victorious over the other tribe. King Merriman traveled to the Shoalhaven tribe, to warn them, but the Kiola strain defeated the invaders and the king whose power was exhausted. The king remained for a while in Shoalhaven and then traveled on.

Today

A general access to the Merriman Iceland is prohibited because of the great importance for the Aboriginal people. It is the first place on the site was reported as Aboriginal. He is the focus of Aboriginal culture, the island is connected with the story of King Merriman, which is very well known among the Yuin Aboriginal people of the south coast of New South Wales.

Today, the Yuin keep on Umbarra Cultural Centre to close to the lake and the former Wallaga Lake National Park has risen in Gulaga National Park.