Atnatu
In Australian Aboriginal mythology, Atnatu is a powerful, self-created god known for his authority over the heavens and his children. Atnatu’s story reflects his role as both a creator and a strict enforcer of divine order. According to the myth, Atnatu punished some of his children for their disobedience or defiance of his rules. As a consequence, he cast them out of the celestial realm by sending them through a hole in the sky, banishing them from the heavens to the Earth below.
This act of punishment illustrates Atnatu’s control over the balance between the heavenly and earthly realms. His children, once cast out, were forced to live among the humans and other beings, severing their direct connection to the divine. This myth reflects deeper themes found in Aboriginal mythology, where the relationship between the sacred, the celestial, and the earthly is intertwined, and actions in one realm affect the balance of the others.
Atnatu’s actions also symbolize the concept of cosmic justice, where even the divine can be subject to punishment for transgressions. The myth serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying the natural and spiritual laws, while also explaining the origin of certain celestial and earthly phenomena. The story of Atnatu emphasizes the importance of harmony and respect for the divine order, which governs both the heavens and the Earth.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
