The Singing Scoutmaster: Rainbow Serpent and the Battle for Water, The

There was a time when water was scarce, and all the animals fought fiercely for the little that remained. The rivers had dried up, and only a few muddy pools were left. The land grew dry and cracked, and the creatures of the bush grew weak and thirsty.

The Rainbow Serpent, seeing the suffering of the animals, emerged from its hiding place deep in the earth. It called out to the animals, "Why do you fight amongst yourselves? There is enough water for all if you share it wisely."

But the animals were too desperate to listen. Kangaroo kicked at Emu, and Dingo snarled at Echidna. Even the birds argued, flapping their wings and pecking at each other.

The Rainbow Serpent shook its head sadly. "If you cannot learn to share, I will take the water away until you remember how to live in harmony."

With a great hiss, the Rainbow Serpent opened its mouth and swallowed the last remaining pools of water. The animals cried out in despair, but the Serpent vanished beneath the earth, leaving the land dry and barren.

Days turned into weeks, and the animals grew weaker and weaker. Finally, Kangaroo, Emu, Dingo, and Echidna gathered together. "We must put aside our differences and work together to find the Rainbow Serpent," they said. "Only then will we have water again."

The animals searched high and low, until they found the Rainbow Serpent coiled in a deep cave. "Please, great Serpent," Kangaroo pleaded, "return the water to the land. We promise to share it and never fight again."

The Rainbow Serpent looked into their eyes and saw sincerity. It uncoiled its great body and released the water back into the rivers and lakes. The land blossomed once more, and the animals rejoiced.

"Remember this lesson," the Rainbow Serpent warned. "The land and its water belong to everyone. Live in balance, or the water will be taken away again."

The animals bowed their heads in gratitude, and from that day on, they shared the water and the land peacefully, always remembering the Rainbow Serpent's warning.