Watuwe the Mystic Crocodile

A long time ago, near the Tami river in Irian Jaya, there was a couple happily awaiting the birth of their child. Towjatuwa, the husband, was very worried about her wife's condition that she will have difficulties in birthing as she is advanced maternal age.

The only way to help his wife is to use sharp stone that can be found in the Tami river. However, when he was looking for the stone, a crocodile appeared suddenly. Towjatuwa then was so shocked and was so scared to the extent he would faint.

When the crocodile was approaching Towjatuwa, his body looked different as the other bodies of the crocodiles would normally have, there were feathers of the Cassowaries bird grown on the back of the crocodile, which made him look even scarier.

Towjatuwa was already preparing himself to escape when the crocodile was approaching. However, unexpectedly, that crocodile was very friendly when speaking to Towjatuwa.

“Sorry if I scared you. My name is Watuwe. What is your name and what were you doing in the river?” asked the crocodile.

“Oh, m...my….my name is Towjatuwa. I was searching for a sharp stone to help my wife in birthing,” replied Towjatuwa in a stuttered voice.

The frightened feelings of Towjatuwa disappeared slowly because he thought the crocodile wasn't as scary as he thought. Therefore, their conversations became more relaxed.

“You don’t need to worry Towjatuwa. I can help you. I can help your wife in birthing,” said Watuwe.

After hearing him, Towjatuwa became relieved and happy. He told his wife what happened at the river immediately as he reached home.

Day by day, the uneasiness of Towjatuwa didn't become better as his wife was about to give birth. He was afraid Watuwe wouldn't keep his promise.

When the night came, the wife started to feel discomfort around the stomach area. Towjatuwa panicked. Soon after, Watuwe appeared to keep his promise and he used his magic power to help the wife deliver the child safely.

Afterwards, the crying of the baby boy broke the night's silence. The feelings of happiness, relieveness, and touchedness mixed into one, Towjatuwe was very thankful for what Watuwe did. And He named his child Narrowa.

“Towjatuwa, your child will become a reliable young man and a professional hunter in the future. However, there’s one thing that you should always remember, you and your descendants are not allowed to kill or eat any crocodile’s meat. If you break the rule, you and your family will die,” said Watuwe.

“Okay Watuwe. I will remember and will deliver your message to my descendants,” replied Towjatuwa.

From that moment, Towjatuwa and his descendants promised not to kill any animals around the Tami river. They would also protect the animals from the hunters.[2]