Daramulum- Aboriginal Australian GodDeity
Also known as: Dharamulan, Daramulun, and Dhurramoolun
Description
Son of Baiame and Birrahgnooloo, a one-legged god whose voice is the deep pulsating roar of the bullroarer. Daramulum presides over the Bora initiation. Only initiated men may see him. To the uninitiated, he is sound without source, presence without form.
Mythology & Lore
The Bora Ground
When boys of the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri are brought to the Bora, they hear Daramulum before they see anything. A deep pulsating roar rolls across the ceremonial ground from no visible source. Women and the uninitiated are forbidden from approaching. They hear a god. The boys are about to learn what makes the sound.
The bullroarer is a flat piece of carved wood swung on a cord. Its roar is not a representation of Daramulum's voice. It is his voice. The revelation of the instrument, its sacred designs and meaning, is what separates the initiated from the uninitiated. A boy enters the Bora hearing thunder from a clear sky. He leaves knowing who speaks.
Son of the Sky
Baiame the All-Father shaped the world and withdrew to his celestial realm. Birrahgnooloo the All-Mother sent the rain. Their son Daramulum stayed closer to the ground. He is the god who can be heard.
In the traditions recorded by Howitt, Daramulum has one leg, a form that marks him as the moon crossing the night sky. Baiame retreated beyond reach. Daramulum rides the darkness, visible and close.
Relationships
- Serves
- Associated with