Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Truth be told, life is often a mixture of reality and myth and the dividing line between the two is frequently difficult to determine. Such is the case of the Purple Swamphen, a large rail which is often found near swamps and marshes. First of all, let’s start with some truths.
It has been recently split into six separate species including the one shown here, the Australian Swamphen. Even though its flight is clumsy, it can fly long distances and undoubtedly spread from Australia to New Guinea and New Zealand in this way as well as other islands of the South-West Pacific.
However, its recent introduction into the swamps of Florida was undoubtedly human assisted. There it is considered a pest and 3,000 have been removed from the wild since biologists are trying to eradicate it. It is also considered a good swimmer, especially since it is without webbed feet. According to Pliny the Elder, the Romans kept these birds as adornments to their large villas and houses. There they were thought of as noble birds and thus escaped being eaten, one of the few birds that the Romans did not consume.
Now for the part they play in legends. In Polynesian culture the color red was highly esteemed but unlike other birds which derived their status from their plumage, the swamphen was prized from the color of its face, beak, and legs. Just like the ancient Romans, some Samoan chiefs kept them as pets. There, some believed it to be the incarnation of Vave, a mischievous and aggressive demon. Māori mythology also includes the swamphen in its traditions. There, it is known as Pukeko. In the story “How the Kiwi Lost Her Wings”, several birds of the forest were asked to save the forest from destruction by the bugs, to come down from the trees and consume these destroyers. All but the kiwi gave excuses, but in a selfless act the kiwi complied and was willing to give up its colors and the ability to fly. The excuse offered by the Pukeko was that it was too damp down there and he didn’t want to risk getting his feet wet. As a result, his punishment was to be forced to live in the swamp forever.
While these traditions may be entertaining, Scripture assures us of a better way, a way based upon reality. Paul encourages the young pastor, Timothy, in this way: “Put an end to their myths and fables, and their idea of being saved by finding favor with an endless chain of angels leading up to God—wild ideas that stir up questions and arguments instead of helping people accept God’s plan of faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3 TLB) In the same way the Apostle Peter assures us our faith in Christ is secure: “For we have not been telling you fairy tales when we explained to you the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. My own eyes have seen his splendor and his glory.” (2 Peter 1:16 TLB)
Reality and myth: we can make a distinction.