The enemy saw him rise from the muddy banks covered in mud and thought he was a spirit. Most tribes in Papua New Guinea are very afraid of spirits. Therefore, the enemy fled in fear, and the Asaro escaped.
When the enemy observed him climbing out of the muddy banks with dirt on his body, they perceived him as a spirit. Many tribes in Papua New Guinea have an overwhelming superstition regarding spirits. Consequently, the enemy fled in terror, and the Asaro managed to escape.