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[00:04.71]Despite only arriving in New Guinea 40,000 years ago,
[00:08.23]humans were soon established throughout the island's maze of hidden valleys.
[00:16.13]Today, these people are known as Papuans
[00:18.80]and together speak over 700 different languages
[00:22.56]more than any other island on Earth.
[00:29.45]Yet, despite their mastery of the island,
[00:32.01]there was one creature they lived in awe of -
[00:36.35]the giant man-eating crocodile.
[00:48.45]Even today, young men must endure a brutal initiation ceremony,
[00:52.86]in the belief that they will acquire the strength and guile of these giant reptiles.
[01:07.94]The chief shaman calls out to the crocodile gods,
[01:10.97]asking for their blessing and protection.