XIX. TALES OF THE HEAVENLY BODIES 



(no. 451—455). 



THE STARS (no. 451—452). 



The two seasons of the year, the rainy season of the norlh-west monsoon and the dry season 

 of the soulh-east monsoon, are divided by the natives into „moons" or months, each one comprising 

 the time from the first appearance of the new moon till the end of its waning. Each of these monthly 

 periods has a name of its own, in most cases that of some constellation which during the month sets 

 at the western horizon. Thus the first „moons" of the north-west season (about December and January) 

 are called Nåramudiibu (Wega) and Niriradiibu (Atair). The four first „moons" of the south-east season 

 (about April to July) are called Kéke (Achernar), Utiamo (Pléiades), Séngerai (Orion), and Köidjugiibu 

 (Capella, Sirius, and Canopus together), and the two last „moons". of the same season (about October 

 and November) Tågai (Crux) and Kårongo (Antares). The other „moons" do not dérive their names 

 from stars. 



451. There was once a Mabuiag man named Tâgai, and he and his sons (or younger 

 brothers) went one day to spear fish. The names of the sons were Kéke, Utiamo, Séngerai, 

 Köidjugiibu, NåramudtJbu, Niriradtjbu, and Kàrongo, the last mentioned being the youngest. 

 Tâgai was spearing fish from the bow of the canoë, and ail the rest were paddling except Kårongo 

 who did not help them. After Tàgai had speared a number of fish Kårongo went to the bow 

 and eut them up. But the others sald, „Oh, you been do nothing, what name (why) you go eut 

 him fish?" They used to quarrel like that every day, since Kårongo always remained idle except 

 for cutting up the fish. At last Tâgai became angry, and one da)- brandishing his spear he said 

 to Kårongo, „What for you no listen ? Another man he pull him canoe, I spear him fish, what 

 for you no help him.' You me one family (we belong to the same family)." He pointed his 

 spear at Kårongo, ran him through, and hurled him up into the sky, where he became the 

 constellation called Kàrongo (Antares). Tågai said, „You go down along ground (set below the 

 horizon) first, before north-west he start blow." He was in a rage and speared the others too, 

 calling out, „I been kill Kårongo, more better I kill you altogether." 



When spearing Nâramudtibu he said, „Time belong you, you give him people plenty 

 fish, fine water all time," and Nâramudtibu too became a star (Wega). 



The same was the case with Ni'riradiibu (Atair), and on spearing him Tågai said, „Brother 

 belong you (näramudubu means „eider brother" and niriradübu „younger brother") he give fish, 



Tom. XLVII. 



