Papua New Guinea Forest Dweller Mythology

Etengena

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Tradition / Region: Papua New Guinea Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Forest Dweller, Bird, Snake

The Myth

In Kiwai Papuan folklore, etengena are mythical beings associated with particular places in the natural world. They are said to dwell in large trees, springs, and similar locations where nature is dense and undisturbed. Some etengena are believed to watch over vegetable gardens, guarding them from harm or intrusion.

Etengena do not have a single fixed appearance. At times they may take on human form, while at other times they reveal themselves as animals. They are known to appear as snakes, birds, or other creatures, depending on the situation and the person who encounters them.

The idea of the etengena overlaps in part with that of the ororarora, another class of mythical beings known in Kiwai belief. Because of this, the boundaries between these beings are not always clear, and their roles and forms may blend into one another in stories and traditions.

Gallery

Sources

Bestiary.us contributors. (n.d.). Etengena. In Bestiary.us, from https://www.bestiary.us/etengena/

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  • How to Invite The Etengena

Oriogorukho

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Tradition / Region: Papua New Guinea Mythology
Alternate Names: Oriogoruho
Category: Pig, Forest Dweller

The Myth

In the folklore of the Kiwai Papuans, Oriogorukho is described as an evil mythical creature that resembles a human in general form, but is clearly distinguished by several frightening features. Most striking are its enormous ears, which hang down to the ground. At night, the creature uses these ears to cover itself while it sleeps.

Although its body is broadly human-like, the Oriogorukho’s legs end in pig-like hooves. From its mouth protrude two pairs of sharp fangs, and instead of hair, bushes and creeping plants grow upon its head. Despite this monstrous appearance, the Oriogorukho possesses the ability to take on the shape of an ordinary human being. When it does so, it can be very difficult, or even impossible, to recognize it for what it truly is.

Oriogorukho are said to live in the forest, where they attack people. Their diet further sets them apart from humans. In addition to human flesh, they consume raw meat, fish, and unripe fruits. According to belief, a person who eats such improper food may themselves begin to transform into an Oriogorukho, with the first visible sign being the growth of the creature’s characteristic drooping ears.

In one tale, a man who has been shamed by his wife leaves his village and wanders into the forest. There he encounters an Oriogorukho and agrees to live together with it. Stories such as this suggest that although the Oriogorukho is regarded as a clearly negative and dangerous being, it is capable of treating people well if they themselves behave well toward it.

Gallery

Sources

Bestiary.us contributors. (n.d.). Oriogorukho. In Bestiary.us, from https://www.bestiary.us/Oriogorukho/

Interpretive Lenses

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  • How to Invite The Oriogorukho

Ororarora

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Tradition / Region: Papua New Guinea Mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Forest Dweller

The Myth

Among the people of Kiwai Island, located in the Fly River delta of southeastern New Guinea, Ororarora is a name used to refer to mythical creatures. Rather than identifying a single being, the term functions as a general designation applied to such creatures within local belief.

The name appears in accounts of Kiwai mythology as a collective label, indicating the presence of beings understood to belong to the mythic or supernatural world.

Gallery

Sources

Bestiary.us contributors. (n.d.). Ororarora. In Bestiary.us, from https://www.bestiary.us/aromo-rubi/

Interpretive Lenses

Religious Readings
  • Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
  • Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
  • Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
  • Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
  • Marxist Deep Dive
Other
  • How to Invite The Ororarora