This was successfully coordinated by a wise old owl, when Nabunum the eel made Tiddalik laugh when he tied himself in comical shapes.
The frogs burrow underground during dry periods and emerge during the rain to absorb large amounts of water, breed and feed.
This story is found in many places around Australia but is often attributed to the Gunaikurnai people of South Gippsland, Victoria and has spread worldwide since first being published.
Various versions of the story were recorded by amateur ethnographers in the late nineteenth century, originating with the Gunaikurnai people near Port Albert, approximately 225 kilometres (140 mi) south-east of Melbourne.
The substance of the story has changed over time, with different animals being able to make Tiddalik laugh, and many of the modern versions being dissimilar to those of the nineteenth century.