Altjira
In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Altjira (him none made) is the self-existent creator god of the Arunta (or Aranda) people. He is envisioned as a towering figure with reddish skin, long flowing hair, and distinct emu-like feet, symbolizing his connection to the natural world. His divine children share this unique feature, with his sons inheriting the emu feet, while his daughters are said to have the feet of dogs, highlighting the balance of different aspects of creation in his lineage.
Altjira’s role in the mythos is pivotal, as he is credited with the formation of the Earth, its landscapes, and its people. However, after completing his work of creation, Altjira grew indifferent to the world he had shaped. Rather than remaining involved in the lives of his creations, he ascended to the sky, distancing himself from human affairs.
From his celestial realm, he watches over the world but remains largely detached, displaying little interest in the daily struggles and activities of humanity. In this sense, Altjira represents the idea of a creator who, after setting the world into motion, retreats from active governance, leaving nature and humanity to follow their own paths.
This mythology reflects a broader theme of the Aboriginal belief in the Dreamtime, where the ancestors shaped the world but do not intervene in its current state.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
