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23 Māori and Polynesian Myths and Legends: A Journey into the Heart of Indigenous Storytelling

Corbin Powell

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Published in MAORI FOLKLORE Or THE ANCIENT TRADITIONAL HISTORY OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS: 23 Maori And Polynesian Myths And Legends (Myths Legend And Folk Tales From Around The World)

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Prologue: Unveiling the Tapestry of Māori and Polynesian Mythology

Welcome, dear readers, to the enchanting realm of Māori and Polynesian mythology, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and the voices of ancient cultures whisper tales that have captivated generations.

In this extraordinary collection, we embark on a literary odyssey that spans 23 captivating myths and legends, each a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of history, tradition, and cultural identity.

MAORI FOLKLORE or THE ANCIENT TRADITIONAL HISTORY OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS: 23 Maori and Polynesian Myths and Legends (Myths, Legend and Folk Tales from Around the World)

by John Bester

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1164 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

From the ethereal realms of Rarotonga to the sacred mountains of New Zealand, these narratives transport us to a world where gods walk among mortals, heroes embark on epic quests, and the natural world teems with spirits and supernatural beings.

Chapter 1: The Creation of the World According to Māori and Polynesian Beliefs

In the primordial darkness, before time began, the Māori and Polynesian peoples believed that the universe emerged from a cosmic void. From this void, the gods emerged, each embodying a different aspect of reality.

In the Māori tradition, Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, were the primal parents. Their passionate embrace gave birth to the world as we know it, with its mountains, rivers, and forests.

In Polynesia, the creation myth often involves a supreme being, such as Tangaroa, the god of the sea, or Rongo, the god of agriculture. These deities shaped the world through their actions and interactions, creating the islands, the oceans, and the creatures that inhabit them.

Chapter 2: The Trickster in Māori and Polynesian Mythology: Maui and His Legendary Exploits

No collection of Māori and Polynesian myths would be complete without the legendary figure of Maui, the cunning and mischievous trickster. Maui's exploits are recounted in countless tales, each showcasing his wit, bravery, and unwavering determination.

In one famous myth, Maui lassoed the sun and slowed its descent, giving humans longer days to work and play. In another, he fished up the North Island of New Zealand from the depths of the ocean, using a magical hook made from the jawbone of his grandmother.

Maui's stories embody the Polynesian spirit of adventure, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's own unique abilities.

Chapter 3: Love, Loss, and the Power of Hina, the Moon Goddess

Throughout Māori and Polynesian mythology, the moon holds a special significance, often associated with the goddess Hina. Hina is the embodiment of love, beauty, and the feminine divine.

In one poignant myth, Hina falls in love with a mortal man named Tupaea. However, their love is forbidden, and Hina must choose between her celestial duties and her earthly desires.

Hina's story explores the complexities of love, loss, and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear.

Chapter 4: The Sacred Connection with Nature in Māori and Polynesian Traditions

Māori and Polynesian cultures have a deep-seated reverence for the natural world, believing that all living things are interconnected and possess a sacred spirit.

In these myths and legends, the natural world is often personified as gods and goddesses, with mountains, rivers, and forests playing active roles in the stories.

These narratives emphasize the importance of respecting and nurturing the environment, reminding us that we are part of a larger web of life.

Chapter 5: The Epic Battles Between Gods and Mortals

The realm of Māori and Polynesian mythology is not without its conflicts and battles. In many tales, gods and mortals clash in epic confrontations, each representing different forces and ideologies.

In one such myth, the Māori god Tāne battles the sea god Tangaroa, resulting in the separation of the heavens and the earth.

These stories explore the themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of our actions, reminding us that even the most powerful beings are not immune to the forces of destiny.

Chapter 6: The Role of Ancestors in Māori and Polynesian Society

In Māori and Polynesian cultures, ancestors hold a revered place in society. They are believed to watch over their descendants, providing guidance and protection.

Many myths and legends feature the intervention of ancestors, who appear in dreams, visions, or

MAORI FOLKLORE or THE ANCIENT TRADITIONAL HISTORY OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS: 23 Maori and Polynesian Myths and Legends (Myths, Legend and Folk Tales from Around the World)

by John Bester

4.4 out of 5