The Rainbow Serpent! A Colombian Folk Story Exploring Themes of Creation, Deception, and Forgiveness

“The Rainbow Serpent” is a captivating Colombian folk story that emerged from the fertile imagination of the indigenous Muisca people sometime during the 15th century. It weaves together elements of creation mythology, cautionary tales about trickery, and ultimately, a message of forgiveness and redemption. This particular tale provides a fascinating window into the beliefs and values of the Muisca civilization, highlighting their deep respect for nature and their complex understanding of human relationships.

The story begins in a time before humans walked the Earth, when the world was shrouded in mist and darkness. Bakatá, the revered creator deity, resided amidst this primordial chaos, desiring to bring light and life into existence. He entrusted this monumental task to the Rainbow Serpent, a magnificent creature imbued with immense power and wisdom. The Serpent, adorned with scales shimmering like a thousand rainbows, was tasked with shaping the land, carving out rivers and valleys, and breathing life into the very air.

As the Rainbow Serpent diligently set about its work, Bakatá bestowed upon it a sacred flute. This magical instrument possessed the power to summon forth the sun’s rays, dispelling the perpetual darkness. However, amidst the Serpent’s noble intentions, a seed of vanity began to sprout. Enraptured by its own magnificence and the power entrusted to it, the Rainbow Serpent started to believe itself superior to all other beings.

One day, consumed by this misguided arrogance, the Serpent decided to keep the sacred flute for itself. It envisioned wielding the sun’s power solely for its own benefit, basking in perpetual glory while leaving the world in darkness. Bakatá, ever watchful and omniscient, soon discovered the Serpent’s treacherous intentions.

Dismayed by this betrayal of trust, Bakatá summoned a council of wise creatures – hummingbirds with voices as sweet as honey, jaguars whose stealth and strength were unmatched, and condors whose eyes could pierce through any deception. Together, they devised a plan to reclaim the stolen flute and restore balance to the world.

The Rainbow Serpent, blinded by its vanity, remained oblivious to the gathering storm. The wise creatures, utilizing their unique abilities, orchestrated a series of events that led the Serpent into a trap. The hummingbirds, with their melodious calls, lured the Serpent towards a hidden grove. There, the jaguar, concealed among the dense foliage, pounced upon the unsuspecting creature, disarming it of the sacred flute.

The condor, soaring high above, witnessed the entire ordeal and carried news of the recovered flute back to Bakatá. Filled with sorrow rather than wrath, Bakatá understood that the Rainbow Serpent had succumbed not to malice but to a misguided sense of pride.

Instead of punishing the Serpent, Bakatá chose a path of compassion. He returned the flute to the Serpent, but only after reminding it of its true purpose – to serve as a bridge between darkness and light, not as a ruler wielding power for personal gain. The Rainbow Serpent, humbled by this experience and overwhelmed by Bakatá’s forgiveness, vowed to fulfill its original duty with unwavering loyalty and humility.

From that day forward, the Rainbow Serpent diligently continued its work of shaping the world, always mindful of the balance it needed to maintain. The story of “The Rainbow Serpent” serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of transgression, compassion and forgiveness can pave the way for redemption.

Themes Explored in “The Rainbow Serpent”:

• Creation: The story beautifully portrays the act of creation as a collaboration between divine will (Bakatá) and a powerful natural force (the Rainbow Serpent).
• Deception and Vanity: The Rainbow Serpent’s transgression highlights the dangers of pride and the allure of power for personal gain.
• Forgiveness and Redemption: Bakatá’s decision to forgive the Rainbow Serpent emphasizes the transformative power of compassion and second chances.

Symbolism in “The Rainbow Serpent”:

“The Rainbow Serpent” continues to resonate with audiences today as a timeless tale that speaks to universal themes. It invites reflection on our own relationship with power, the importance of humility, and the enduring hope for redemption.