!! THIS ENTRY NEEDS TO BE REWRITTEN !!
The Three Brothers Mountains loom large over Camden Haven, like a reassuring, protective wall to nestle up against. These three ancient mountains hold a captivating story that endures today, connecting two cultures to create one history, together.
The Biripi people
The Three Brothers dreaming story links the Three Brothers Mountains Middle and North Aboriginal Place to the Three Birpi Brothers Mountains South Aboriginal Place. The Aboriginal legend that explains the creation of the Three Brothers Mountains has been passed down through many generations of Aboriginal people. The telling of the legend is a creative act so no two tellings are the same, but the general storyline remains unchanged.
According to an often quoted account of the legend given by Harry Buchanan in 1975:
There were 3 brothers who lived near the Camden Haven River near the sea. As part of their initiation, they were required to live alone in the bush for several months before they would be recognised as fully initiated.
After being in the bush for several months they began to worry about their mother and father, so the youngest brother volunteered to go and check up on them. Just as he left the camp he saw an old witch but paid her no attention. He told his parents about her when he reached them, and his father gave him a special boomerang, and told him to quickly return to his brother's camp to warn them that the witch would try to kill them.
The youngest brother headed back to his brother's camp but did not make it there by night fall, at first light he continued his journey but the witch was at the camp when he arrived. He asked the witch what she had done to his two brothers, and she replied that she had eaten them and would eat him too.
Before the witch had a chance to do anything, the youngest brother hit her on the head with the boomerang and split her in half. He buried half her body in the river and half in the sea. Then returned to his brother's camp and gathered up their bones.
He buried their bones where the North and Middle Brother mountains now stand, then went to where the South Brother mountain now stands and died. That night a mountain rose up where each body lay to mark the tragedy. The mountains were then named after the Three Brothers.
The expedition of Captain James Cook
In 1770, Captain James Cook sailed along the east coast of Australia during his renowned expedition. Upon sighting the Three Brothers Mountains from the sea, Cook was inspired to name them accordingly. This encounter marked the convergence of Aboriginal and European cultures, initiating a transformative chapter in the region's history.
Cultural Clash and Transformation
The introduction of European settlers brought significant changes to the region surrounding the Three Brothers Mountains. As European culture permeated the area, it intersected with the rich Aboriginal heritage, leading to a dynamic process of cultural exchange. This fusion of traditions, languages, and practices created a new cultural landscape that shaped the history of the region.
This ABC video describes the uncanny renaming of Three Brothers Mountains by Captain James Cook – with the same traditional name.
Read the story and more about the three brothers on the Australian Museum website
Resilience and Preservation
Throughout the history of the region, both Aboriginal and European communities have shown resilience in preserving their respective cultures while embracing the changes brought by cultural exchange.
A Unified Legacy
The merging of Aboriginal and European cultures around the Three Brothers Mountains has woven a legacy that embraces diversity and shared history. Today, the region's heritage sites, museums, and cultural events pay homage to the intertwined past, fostering respect and an appreciation for the contributions of both cultures.
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