At the beginning of time, the world was silent, empty, and without form. From the high sky realm, Baiame descended to Earth, appearing as a towering man of immense power and wisdom. Wherever his feet touched the ground, mountains rose from the earth, and with a single sweep of his hands, rivers began to flow. He shaped valleys, forests, and waterholes, carefully preparing the land so that life could survive and flourish.
When the land was ready, Baiame created all living beings, first the animals and birds, and finally human beings. He gave each tribe its own Country, teaching them that land was sacred and inseparable from identity. He also granted distinct languages to different peoples so they could live in balance rather than conflict, understanding that diversity was part of harmony, not division.
Unlike many creator figures who shape the world and then depart, Baiame placed great importance on moral responsibility. Before leaving the Earth, he gathered the tribes and taught them the sacred Lore that would govern life. Marriage laws were established, defining who could marry whom through totem and kinship systems to protect social balance and the health of future generations. He introduced Bora initiation ceremonies, guiding young men into adulthood by teaching courage, hunting skills, self discipline, and responsibility to the community. Above all, he taught respect for nature, reminding people that humans are caretakers of the land, not its owners, and must live with gratitude rather than greed.
After completing his work, Baiame withdrew back into the sky world, often called Bullimah. Yet he did not disappear completely. In the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, there is a sacred site known as Baiame’s Cave, where ancient rock art depicts him with enormous outstretched arms, symbolizing protection, authority, and his ability to see all human actions from above. This image serves as a constant reminder that his presence endures beyond the physical world.
Many believe that Baiame still watches from the stars. When people live according to the Lore, he blesses the land with rain, abundance, and balance. When laws are broken and harmony is disturbed, natural disasters are seen as warnings, urging humanity to return to the right path rather than acts of punishment driven by cruelty.
Culturally and spiritually, Baiame represents unity, connecting many different tribes through a shared understanding of creation and responsibility. His laws are not merely religious teachings but the foundation of social life, ethics, and justice, guiding daily behavior and community relationships. Unlike feared spirits of the wilderness, Baiame is remembered as a benevolent and compassionate creator, a symbol of wisdom, order, and enduring care for both people and the land they call home.