Lafaek, the "grandfather" crocodile

[EN]

The crocodile ("lafaek", in Tetum, Timorese language) has been part of Timorese culture since very ancient times. Legend has it that a long, long time ago, a very old crocodile lived on an island, so old that it could no longer hunt the fish in the river. 

One day, hungry, he decided to walk along the banks in search of some distracted animal that could hunt and serve as food. He fainted and was unable to return to the water. 

A child found him and dragged him into the water, saving his life. Grateful, the crocodile offered to carry him on his back, sailing through the endless sea. 

They traveled together, happily. 

But the crocodile was already old and could not resist the fatigue and age, he died and his body was transformed into a wonderful island that they named Timor. Even today there are those who believe that the crocodile, respected as "Grandfather", only attacks those (himself or his family) who have some scores to settle. 

Interestingly, the island presents itself, as a whole or in some scenic corners, with contours that resemble a crocodile.

The two photos presented here were taken in 2015, in Timor-Leste.
On the right, one of the island's landscape features, which reminds us of a crocodile's head.
Below, a wild saltwater crocodile, photographed in Dili, in front of the Government Palace, in one of its public appearances.