The Legend of the Ko’ko’ (Guam Rail) and the Hilitai (Monitor Lizard) is one of the best-known animal legends told by the CHamoru people. In it, a hilitai who sings wonderfully, hopes to upgrade his appearance to match his voice. He makes a deal with a ko’ko’, that they will paint each other to make them look more beautiful.

The ko’ko’ paints small spots on the hilitai’s green skin. The hilitai loves his new look, but when it comes time to paint the ko’ko’, he adds a few stripes, but then gives up not wanting to continue. The ko’ko’ punishes the hilitai for breaking his promise by pecking his tongue, splitting it in two so he could no longer sing.

This legend provides a story for why both animals look and act a certain way. It also has an important moral, reminding children to not be so vain or selfish as to forget about promises you have made to your friends.

Image is from the Hale’-ta book: Hemplon Nåna Siha.