Just So Stories · Chapter
The Singsong of Old Man Kangaroo explained
Old Man Kangaroo, proud and dissatisfied with his appearance, asks three gods to make him different and popular.
What happens
Old Man Kangaroo, proud and dissatisfied with his appearance, asks three gods to make him different and popular. The first two gods dismiss him, but the third, Nqong, sets Dingo to chase him. The relentless pursuit forces Kangaroo to hop, stretching his legs and transforming him into the modern kangaroo. By five o'clock, Kangaroo is changed but regrets the ordeal, while Dingo is left hungry.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Humility
Kangaroo's inordinate pride leads him to demand change, but the humbling chase teaches him the cost of his wish.
Consequences of Idleness
Kangaroo's dissatisfaction with his original form and his idle dancing prompt a drastic, unwanted transformation.
Adaptation and Camouflage
Kangaroo's body adapts under pressure, developing powerful hind legs and a pouch as a result of the chase.
Characters to notice
- Old Man Kangaroo
Proud and dissatisfied, he seeks transformation from the gods and is fundamentally changed by Dingo's chase.
- Dingo
Yellow-Dog Dingo, always hungry, is commanded by Nqong to chase Kangaroo, driving the transformation.
- Nqong
The Big God who grants Kangaroo's wish by setting Dingo after him, later reminding Kangaroo of his request.
- Nqa
The Little God who first dismisses Kangaroo's request to be made different.
Key passages
“Make me different from all other animals by five this afternoon.”
Change me so I am unlike any other creature, and do it by five o'clock this afternoon.
Kangaroo's repeated demand to the gods, showing his pride and impatience.
“He tucked up his front legs; he hopped on his hind legs; he stuck out his tail for a balance-weight behind him; and he hopped through the Darling Downs.”
He lifted his front legs, bounced on his back legs, and used his tail for balance as he leaped across the Darling Downs.
Description of Kangaroo's physical transformation into a hopping animal.
“I wish that I hadn't. I thought you would do it by charms and incantations, but this is a practical joke.”
I regret my request. I expected magic spells, not this exhausting chase.
Kangaroo's regret after realizing the painful method of his transformation.