Daramulum

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Daramulum (also spelt Darhumulan, Daramulan, Dhurramoolun or Dharramaalan) means “one legged.” He is a sky hero linked to Baiame and has an emu-wife. He can shapeshift.

Some rock art shows Daramulum, and nearby carvings may mark star groups. He is depicted on rock near Elvina Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, close to a carving of his emu-wife. He is drawn in semi-profile with one arm, an emu-back, and a large foot.

Daramulum’s voice is said to be heard through the bullroarer, which is used in initiation ceremonies. He now lives in the trees of the bush, especially in burls or growths on tree trunks, and only leaves them for initiation ceremonies. The bullroarer must be cut from a tree that contains his spirit to work.

Among the Guringai, Daramulum is represented by the Alpha Crucis (the main star) of the Southern Cross; the rest of the Cross represents the head of his emu-wife (the emu in the sky).

A religion centered on Daramulum is a defining feature of the Yuin nation.