Black Horse

The Crocodile That Became an Island

In short: In a Timorese origin story, the crocodile a boy carries to the shore eventually becomes an island.

The Crocodile That Became an Island · The crocodile’s back becomes an island FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 207 The Crocodile That Became an Island In a Timorese origin story, the crocodile a boy carries to the shore eventually becomes an island. Origin An oral account explaining the shape of Timor. 2010 dates the government’s account of the story at the launch of a stamp featuring the crocodile. Atlas record 2010 First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF The crocodile’s back becomes an island Reach¹ 1/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 1 records · 1 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

An oral account explaining the shape of Timor. 2010 dates the government’s account of the story at the launch of a stamp featuring the crocodile.

A boy carries a weak crocodile to the sea. For years afterwards, the crocodile carries the boy in return. When the animal grows old, it becomes a place for the boy’s descendants to live. The island’s long ridge and curved coastline carry the shape of that final scene.

Dated records and sources

  1. 2010 · Timor-Leste · Timor Island tale
    Government of Timor-Leste · Prime Minister officially launches the new stamp models for Timor-Leste · Public retelling

Country pages

Origin
Black Horse. The Crocodile That Became an Island. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-timor-crocodile-island/