Polynesian mythology is the body of myths, stories, and beliefs of the Polynesian people, who are native to many islands in the Pacific Ocean. These myths often revolve around the concept of mana, which is a spiritual power that is believed to be inherent in all things.
Polynesian myths often explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, and the customs and traditions of the tribe. Many Polynesian stories also feature gods and goddesses, as well as heroes who embark on epic journeys. These myths play an important role in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Polynesian communities.
What mythology is believed by Polynesians?
Polynesian mythology is an oral tradition, which means that it has been passed down through the generations by word of mouth, rather than being written down. As a result, much of Polynesian mythology has been lost over time, and what is known today is based on the accounts of early European explorers and missionaries, as well as the traditions of modern Polynesian cultures.
According to Oceanic mythology, the universe is divided into three main realms: the celestial realm, the earthly realm, and the underworld. The celestial realm is the realm of the gods, and it is often depicted as a place of great beauty and splendor. The earthly realm is the realm of humans, and it is often depicted as a place of conflict and struggle. The underworld is the realm of the dead, and it is often depicted as a place of darkness and shadow.
Polynesian mythology creation story
The origins of Polynesian mythology are closely tied to the history and culture of the Polynesian peoples, who are native to the Pacific Islands. Polynesian mythology is an oral tradition, which means that it has been passed down through the generations by word of mouth, rather than being written down. As a result, much of the early history of Oceanic mythology has been lost, and what is known today is based on the accounts of early European explorers and missionaries, as well as the traditions of modern Polynesian cultures.
According to some accounts, Polynesian mythology may have its roots in the mythology of the Austronesian peoples, who are thought to have migrated to the Pacific Islands from Southeast Asia and Taiwan around 4000 BCE. The Austronesian peoples brought with them their own myths, stories, and traditions, which were likely influenced by the mythology of the cultures they encountered along the way.
Over time, these myths and stories were adapted and modified by the various Polynesian cultures, and they developed into the complex and diverse mythology that is characteristic of Polynesian cultures today. Despite the fact that much of Oceanic mythology has been lost over time, scholars and enthusiasts of Polynesian mythology have been able to piece together a general understanding of the major gods and goddesses of the Polynesian pantheon, as well as the themes and motifs that appear in Polynesian myths and stories.
Polynesian mythology afterlife
In Polynesian mythology, the concept of the afterlife varies between different cultures and traditions. However, many Polynesian cultures believe in the existence of an underworld or a realm of the dead, where the spirits of the deceased go after they die.
In Maori mythology, for example, the underworld is known as “Hawaiki,” and it is believed to be a shadowy realm that is located beneath the earth. According to Maori beliefs, the spirits of the dead are guided to the underworld by the god of death, who is known as “Hine-nui-te-po.” Once they reach the underworld, the spirits of the dead are believed to live on in an afterlife, where they continue to exist in a different form.
Other Polynesian cultures have similar beliefs about the afterlife and the existence of an underworld or realm of the dead. In Hawaiian mythology, for example, the underworld is known as “Po,” and it is believed to be a place of darkness and shadow where the spirits of the deceased go after death.
Overall, the concept of the afterlife in Polynesian mythology is closely tied to the beliefs and customs of the various Polynesian cultures, and it varies between different cultures and traditions. However, many Polynesian cultures believe in the existence of an afterlife, and the concept of the afterlife often plays an important role in Polynesian myths and stories.
Polynesian mythology gods and goddesses
Who is the Polynesian god?
There are many gods and goddesses in Oceanic mythology, as the various Polynesian cultures have their own unique pantheons of deities. Some of the most well-known gods and goddesses in Polynesian mythology include:
Io: Also known as the “Supreme Being,” Io is the creator god in Polynesian mythology and is often depicted as the ultimate source of all life and creation.
Tane: The god of forests and birds, Tane is one of the most important gods in Polynesian mythology and is often credited with creating the first humans.
Rangi: The god of the sky, Rangi is often depicted as being locked in an eternal embrace with Papa, the goddess of the earth.
Maui: A trickster god in Polynesian mythology, Maui is known for his adventures and his ability to shape the natural world.
Hine-nui-te-po: The god of death, Hine-nui-te-po is responsible for guiding the spirits of the deceased to the underworld in Polynesian mythology.
Who is the strongest Polynesian god?
It is difficult to say who the strongest god is in Polynesian mythology, as the various Polynesian cultures have their own unique pantheons of deities, and each god or goddess is believed to have their own specific powers and abilities. However, some of the most powerful gods in Polynesian mythology include:
Io: As the creator god, Io is often depicted as the most powerful god in Polynesian mythology. Io is believed to be the ultimate source of all life and creation, and he is often depicted as being omnipotent and omniscient.
Tane: The god of forests and birds, Tane is often depicted as being a powerful and influential deity in Oceanic mythology. Tane is credited with creating the first humans, and he is also responsible for separating the earth from the sky.
Rangi: The god of the sky, Rangi is often depicted as a powerful and formidable deity in Polynesian mythology. Rangi is often depicted as being locked in an eternal embrace with Papa, the goddess of the earth, and his power is believed to be linked to the natural world.
Maui: A trickster god in Oceanic mythology, Maui is known for his adventures and his ability to shape the natural world. Maui is often depicted as being a powerful and cunning deity, and he is known for his ability to perform feats of magic and transformation.
Overall, the concept of power and strength in Polynesian mythology is closely tied to the specific powers and abilities of each god or goddess, and there is no one “strongest” god in Polynesian mythology.
Who is the Polynesian trickster god?
Polynesian mythology, maui
In Polynesian mythology, Maui is often depicted as a trickster god. Maui is known for his adventures and his ability to shape the natural world, and he is often depicted as being a powerful and cunning deity.
According to Maori mythology, Maui was the son of the god Tane and the mortal woman Hine-nui-te-po. As a young god, Maui was known for his mischief and his ability to perform feats of magic and transformation. He is credited with a number of important feats, including lassoing the sun to slow down its journey across the sky, fishing up the North Island of New Zealand from the depths of the ocean, and obtaining fire for humanity.
Maui is often depicted as a trickster figure in Oceanic mythology, and his adventures are often characterized by his clever and cunning behavior. In many myths and stories, Maui is depicted as being able to outsmart the other gods and goddesses, and he is known for his ability to bend the rules and bend the world to his will.
Overall, Maui is an important and influential figure in Polynesian mythology, and his adventures and feats are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Polynesian peoples.
Polynesian mythology creatures
In Polynesian mythology, there are a wide variety of creatures that are believed to inhabit the natural world. These creatures range from gods and goddesses to animals and other supernatural beings, and they play important roles in the myths and stories of the Polynesian peoples.
Some examples of creatures that appear in Oceanic mythology include:
Gods and goddesses: The Polynesian pantheon includes a wide variety of deities, who are believed to have control over different aspects of the natural world. Some examples of gods and goddesses in Polynesian mythology include Io, the creator god, Tane, the god of forests and birds, and Rangi, the god of the sky.
Spirits and ghosts: Many Polynesian cultures believe in the existence of spirits and ghosts, who are thought to inhabit the natural world and play important roles in the lives of the living. These spirits and ghosts are often depicted as being mischievous or malevolent, and they are often associated with supernatural phenomena such as possession or hauntings.
Animals: Many Polynesian cultures have their own unique animals that are believed to inhabit the natural world and play important roles in the myths and stories of the Polynesian peoples. These animals may be real, mythical, or a combination of both, and they often have symbolic or allegorical meanings in Oceanic mythology.
Other supernatural beings: In addition to gods, goddesses, spirits, and animals, Polynesian mythology includes a wide variety of other supernatural beings, such as monsters, demons, and other mythical creatures. These beings are often depicted as being malevolent or dangerous, and they are often associated with supernatural phenomena or legends.
Overall, the creatures of Oceanic mythology are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Polynesian peoples, and they play important roles in the myths and stories of Polynesian cultures.
Polynesian mythology books
There are many books available that explore the mythology of the Polynesian peoples. Here are a few examples:
“Polynesian Mythology” by Sir George Grey: This book is a classic work on Oceanic mythology, and it includes a wide variety of myths, stories, and legends from the Maori, Hawaiian, and other Polynesian cultures.
“The Maori: A Concise Guide” by John Dunmore: This book is a concise guide to the mythology and culture of the Maori people, who are native to New Zealand. It includes a wide range of information on Maori mythology, including creation myths, stories of the gods and goddesses, and legends of the natural world.
“The Hawaiian Religion” by F.W. Christian: This book is a comprehensive guide to the religion and mythology of the Hawaiian people. It includes information on the gods and goddesses of the Hawaiian pantheon, as well as stories and legends about the natural world and the role of humans in the cosmos.
“The Polynesian Tree of Life” by Will Kyselka: This book explores the mythology and symbolism of the Polynesian Tree of Life, which is a central symbol in many Polynesian cultures. The book includes information on the various meanings and interpretations of the Tree of Life in Oceanic mythology, as well as its role in Polynesian culture and society.
These are just a few examples of the many books that are available on Polynesian mythology. Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply someone interested in learning more about this rich and diverse tradition, there are many books available that can help you explore the myths and stories of the Polynesian peoples.
Polynesian mythology Movies
There are a number of movies that explore the mythology and culture of the Polynesian peoples. Here are a few examples:
“Moana” (2016): This animated film from Disney is set in ancient Polynesia and tells the story of a young woman named Moana, who sets out on a journey to save her people. The film is inspired by Polynesian mythology and includes a number of references to the gods and goddesses of the Polynesian pantheon, as well as other elements of Polynesian culture and tradition.
“The Legend of Maui” (2018): This animated film is based on the myths and stories of the Polynesian trickster god, Maui. The film tells the story of Maui’s adventures and his role in shaping the natural world, and it is inspired by the mythology of the Maori people of New Zealand.
“Whale Rider” (2002): This drama film is based on the novel of the same name by Witi Ihimaera and is set in the Maori community of Whangara, New Zealand. The film tells the story of a young girl named Pai, who is chosen by the spirits of her ancestors to be the leader of her people. The film explores themes of tradition, culture, and mythology, and it is inspired by the beliefs and customs of the Maori people.
“The Rising of the Moon” (2021): This action-adventure film is set in ancient Hawaii and follows a group of warriors who set out on a quest to stop an evil sorcerer from unleashing the power of the gods. The film is inspired by Hawaiian mythology and includes a number of references to the gods and goddesses of the Hawaiian pantheon, as well as other elements of Hawaiian culture and tradition.
These are just a few examples of the many movies that explore the mythology and culture of the Polynesian peoples. Whether you are a fan of action, drama, or animation, there are a number of movies available that can help you learn more about this rich and diverse tradition.
Polynesian mythology Names
Here are a few examples of names from Polynesian mythology and culture that you could consider for a baby:
Moana: This name is derived from the Polynesian word “moana,” which means “ocean.” In Polynesian mythology, the ocean is often seen as a powerful and revered element of the natural world, and the name Moana is often associated with the sea and with the goddess of the sea, Hina.
Tane: This name is derived from the Polynesian god Tane, who is the god of forests and birds. In Polynesian mythology, Tane is often depicted as a powerful and influential deity, and the name Tane is often associated with nature and the natural world.
Maui: This name is derived from the Polynesian trickster god Maui, who is known for his adventures and his ability to shape the natural world. The name Maui is often associated with mischief and trickery, as well as with the power of magic and transformation.
Hine: This name is derived from the Polynesian goddess Hine, who is often depicted as the goddess of love and beauty. In Polynesian mythology, Hine is often associated with the natural world and with the elements of earth and sky, and the name Hine is often associated with these themes.
Rangi: This name is derived from the Polynesian god Rangi, who is the god of the sky. In Polynesian mythology, Rangi is often depicted as a powerful and formidable deity, and the name Rangi is often associated with the power and majesty of the natural world.
These are just a few examples of names from Oceanic mythology and culture that you could consider for a baby. Whether you are looking for a traditional Polynesian name or simply a name that is inspired by Polynesian mythology and culture, there are many options available to choose from.
Conclusion About Polynesian mythology
Polynesian mythology is an oral tradition, which means that it has been passed down through the generations by word of mouth, rather than being written down. As a result, much of Polynesian mythology has been lost over time, and what is known today is based on the accounts of early European explorers and missionaries, as well as the traditions of modern Polynesian cultures.
Oceanic mythology includes a wide variety of myths, stories, and legends that center around the gods and goddesses of the Polynesian pantheon, as well as other supernatural beings and forces. Polynesian mythology is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Polynesian peoples, and it continues to be studied and admired by scholars and enthusiasts of mythology and Pacific Island culture.
Overall, Polynesian mythology is a rich and diverse tradition that offers a unique perspective on the world and the cosmos. It is characterized by a belief in the power of magic and the presence of deities and spirits in the natural world, and it includes many themes and motifs that are common to other mythologies around the world.