The Witchetty Grub
(Arrernte / Aranda Nation – Central Australia)
A long time ago, in the Dreaming, the land was new and soft, and the ancestral beings were shaping the world. Among them was Witchetty Grub. He was not small as we see him today, but a great spirit ancestor, with the strength to carve paths and the wisdom to share food.
Witchetty Grub travelled across the red country. As he moved, he dug into the roots of the trees, leaving behind signs of his journey. Where he passed, the sweet grubs appeared in the roots of the witchetty bush, hidden safely under the bark. These became food for the people, a gift to keep them strong.
Grub’s work
Witchetty Grub was tireless. Each morning, when the sun rose and painted the desert gold, he began to dig. He scraped with his body, carving hollows under the roots. He wriggled deep into the earth, leaving tracks where others would later find food.
Sometimes Kangaroo came by and watched. “Grub, why do you work so hard?” he asked. Grub lifted his head. “The land must be full of food. The children will be hungry. I must leave something for them.”
Kangaroo nodded slowly. “You are wise, Grub.” And Kangaroo bounded away, leaving Grub to his work.
Grub’s work
One hot afternoon, Crow flew down. He tilted his black head and looked at Grub.“What are you doing, little wriggler?” Crow asked.
One hot afternoon, Crow flew down. He tilted his black head and looked at Grub.
“What are you doing, little wriggler?” Crow asked.
“I am digging,” Grub replied. “I am filling the earth with food so that all may eat.”
Crow’s eyes gleamed. “All may eat? Then I shall have more than my share.”
He pecked at the roots where Grub had worked, gobbling the sweet grubs hidden there. He ate and ate, not thinking of the others.
Grub watched him. “Crow, you must not take them all. Leave some for the children.”
But Crow only laughed. “Caw! Caw! Why should I? I am clever and hungry. I will eat what I please.”
The animals gather
Soon Kangaroo returned, and Emu with him. They saw Crow pecking greedily. “Crow!” cried Emu. “Stop! This food is for everyone.” “Greedy bird,” said Kangaroo. “You spoil the gift.”
Witchetty Grub lifted his head from the soil. Though he was small, his voice was calm and firm. “Crow,” he said, “if you eat more than your share, you will always be hungry. The grubs are many, but they must be shared.”
The lesson takes root
That evening, the animals gathered around Witchetty Grub. Possum climbed down from a tree and asked, “Will there be enough food for us?”
“Yes,” said Grub. “For wherever I have travelled, the grubs will grow. They will be here long after I am gone.”
“And what of Crow?” asked Echidna.
Grub smiled gently. “Crow will keep searching. He took too much, and still he is never satisfied. But those who share will always have enough.”
The animals nodded. They understood. From then on, they watched for the grubs in the roots of the witchetty bush, digging them carefully and sharing them among the camp.
