The Rainbow Serpent occurs as highly important figure in the mythology of many Aboriginal groups around Australia. Known as Ngalyod in the Kuninjku language of Western Central Arnhem Land, the powerful being is mostly associated with bodies of water such as billabongs, creeks, rivers and waterfalls where it is said to reside. It can take many forms sometimes appearing as a buffalo or kangaroo but is more often depicted as a serpent. A Ngalyod is considered male or gender neutral in some areas whilst others it is specifically female.

Feared and respected a Ngalyod has the powers of both generation and destruction with a strong association with the wet monsoon season in Northern Australia. It is responsible for creating all manner of water plants such as waterlilies, vines, algae And the tree palms that surround water holes and billabongs. Certain activities are forbidden at the sacred sites of the Ngalyod for fear that the wrath of the great serpent will cause sickness, accident or harm to the perpetrator.