Tradition: Indonesian Mythology
Alternative names: Toralindo
Category: Cow

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The Myth

Toralindo is a gigantic buffalo from the mythology of the Torajan people of Sulawesi. It is believed to support the Earth upon its horns, and its movements are associated with earthquakes.

Toralindo is an enormous buffalo capable of carrying the Earth on its horns. Its movements can cause the ground to shake, and its reactions to sounds or animals can influence the stability of the Earth.

According to Torajan tradition, the Earth is flat and is supported by the giant buffalo Toralindo. When Toralindo is bitten by a fly, it shakes its head to drive the insect away, causing an earthquake.

Different villages have different ways of trying to stop Toralindo from shaking its head. Some people begin to meow loudly, because buffaloes are believed to be afraid of cats. When Toralindo hears the meowing, it forgets about the fly and stops shaking its head.

Other people imitate a pig being struck with a stick, believing that the resulting squealing will distract Toralindo and prevent it from continuing to shake its head.

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Sources

“Toralindo.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed August 30, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/toralindo

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