Lafaek (The Crocodile Prince)
Lafaek (The Crocodile Prince) is a central figure in Timor-Leste's foundational creation myth, explaining why the island of Timor is shaped like a crocodile. According to legend, a young boy discovered a baby crocodile struggling to reach the sea and compassionately carried it to the water. The grateful crocodile promised to repay the boy and invited him to ride on its back. Despite its gratitude, the crocodile fought its predatory instinct to eat the boy. Seeking counsel from the whale, tiger, and water buffalo — all of whom said 'you cannot eat him' — and finally a wise monkey who cursed the