Polynesian Myths and Legends

Discover the Magical Myths and Legends of the South Pacific!

Hello, little adventurers! Today, we're going to take a magical journey through the myths and legends of the South Pacific Islands and Australasia. We'll learn about some amazing stories from the Maori, Aboriginal Australians, Tongans, Hawaiians, and Samoans. Are you ready? Let's dive in!

Maori Myths and Legends

The Maori people of New Zealand have wonderful stories about their gods and heroes. One of the most famous is Maui, a clever and adventurous demigod. Maui is known for fishing up the North Island of New Zealand from the sea! Can you imagine using a magical fishhook to catch an entire island? Maui also slowed down the sun to make the days longer, so everyone could have more time to play and work.

"Maui and the Sun: A Maori Tale" by Gavin Bishop - Tales of Maui have been told by the Maori for thousands of years. Here, Maui and his brothers decide to catch the sun and teach it a lesson. The sun, in its haste to get back to bed, raced across the sky each day, leaving only a few hours of sunlight for fishing. Armed with ropes and his enchanted weapon, he and his brothers travel to the edge of the pit where the sun slept to lay their trap

How Maui Slowed the Sun - by Peter Gossage - Winner of the Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for a much-loved book Faced with too short days and long nights Maui comes up with a plan to slow the sun's passage through the sky. With the help of his brothers, Maui sets out for the home of the sun to catch it and make it move more slowly.

Kaha the Kea: A New Zealand story about Kaha the kea, a cheeky and clever bird, intertwined with Maori mythology.

Ngā Atua - Māori Gods: A book to treasure for young and old, Robyn Kahukiwas ""Ngā Atua: Māori Gods"" takes the reader on a beautiful visual journey while imparting simple and effective explanations of the major Maori gods. Robyn introduces the pantheon of Māori gods, and explains the arena of life for which each deity is responsible.

Te Haka a Tanerore - Both Te Reo Māori and English are presented in one redesigned edition. Winner of the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award in the 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults. The story of the first haka, 'Te Haka a Tānerore' is retold by Reina Kahukiwa.

The Whale Rider - In every generation since the legendary 'whale rider', a male descendant inherits the title of chief. But now there is no male heir-there's only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl.

The Seven Stars of Matariki - This is a contemporary myth of love, magic, and adventure that tells the story of how Matariki / the Pleiades star cluster came into being.

Little Kiwi's Matariki - The Maori New Year is a time for celebrating, food and family. A little Kiwi in the New Zealand coastal bush wakes up in the middle of her sleep because she can feel it coming. One by one, she runs to her friends to wake them up so that they can spend the Maori New Year together.

Aboriginal Australian Myths

In Australia, the Aboriginal people have their own incredible stories, which they call "Dreamtime" tales. These stories explain how the world was created. One important figure is the Rainbow Serpent, a giant snake that created rivers and mountains as it moved across the land. The Rainbow Serpent is a powerful and protective spirit that takes care of the land and the people.

The Rainbow Serpent by Dick Roughsey - This classic Australian Aboriginal story explains the creation of the landscape and the significance of the Rainbow Serpent.

The Legend of the Seven Sisters: A Traditional Aboriginal Story from Western Australia - A dreaming story of the Wongutha people from the Eastern goldfields, this wonderful retelling by well-known Indigenous children’s author, May O'Brien explains how the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) came to be. Beautifully illustrated by Sue Wyatt, it offers teachers and librarians a way to introduce traditional Indigenous beliefs, dreaming stories and language to their students.

Stories from the Billabong - Ten of Australia's ancient aboriginal legends, authentically and elegantly retold and illustrated by one of the most well-known artists working in the tradition. Discover how Great Mother Snake created and peopled the world with plants and creatures, what makes Frogs croak, why Kangaroo has a pouch, and just what it is that makes Platypus so special in this impressive collection of illustrated aboriginal legends.

Dreamtime: Aboriginal Stories - Australia's most famous Aboriginal writer offers reminiscences of her childhood on Stradboke Island off the Queensland coast, communicating her pride in her heritage, and presents a collection of traditional Aboriginal folklore.

Aboriginal Stories Of Australia - A wealth of poetic and imaginative tales from Aboriginal cultural heritage.Aboriginal Stories presents a collection of myths and legends gathered from various sources, representing the rich and diverse tapestry of beliefs of Aboriginal people throughout Australia.

Rainbow Bird: An Aboriginal Folk Tale from Northern Australia - A bright, vibrant picture book retelling of a traditional Aboriginal fire myth from Northern Australia. "I'm boss for Fire," growls rough, tough Crocodile Man, and he keeps the rest of the world cold and dark - until one day clever Bird Woman sees her opportunity and seizes it…

Poems from the Dreamtime: This captivating collection of children's poems, inspired by traditional Dreamtime stories, will take you and your child on a mesmerising journey through the oldest living culture in the world.  

Tongan Legends

In Tonga, a group of beautiful islands in the Pacific Ocean, the people tell stories about Tangaloa, the god of the sky. Tangaloa is believed to have created the islands by dropping stones from the sky into the sea. These stones became the islands of Tonga! Tangaloa is a very important god who looks after the Tongan people and their land.

Tongan Myths & Legends - by Edward Gifford - this is not a children's story but an entire encyclopedia of Tongan myths and legends of the South Pacific compiled by Edward Gifford in the 1800s, during his travels around the Islands. It's a fascinating read if you'd like to get under the skin of traditional culture from a time when there had been minimal interaction with the outside world....

Maui, Kakamora and Other Legends of Oceania - Want to know more about about Maui and how he pulled up the Hawaiian islands with his fish hook? How about Pele (Te Kā) the volcano goddess, a giant crab, and the not so cute little Kakamora? All are found in the legends and myths of the South Pacific, also known as Oceania.

Hawaiian Myths

The Hawaiian Islands have their own amazing myths, filled with gods and goddesses. Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, is one of the most famous. She lives in the Kilauea volcano and controls the lava that flows from it. Pele is powerful and can be fiery and passionate, just like the volcanoes she rules. Her sister, Hi'iaka, is the goddess of hula and forests, and together, they keep the islands vibrant and alive.

Pele: Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes - by Herb Kawainui Kane - is a captivating children's book that delves into the rich Hawaiian mythology surrounding Pele, the fiery goddess of volcanoes. Through vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, Kane brings to life the legend of Pele, her powerful presence in the volcanic landscapes, and her passionate and often unpredictable nature.

Samoan Stories

In Samoa, the people tell tales of Tagaloa, a creator god who made the islands and the first humans. Tagaloa looked down from the heavens and decided to create land for people to live on. He shaped the islands and taught the first Samoans how to fish, farm, and build their homes. Tagaloa is a wise and caring god who watches over the Samoan people.

Sina And The Magical Eel: Legends from Polynesia - The sound waves of Sina's beauty flowed with the tides from the Islands of Samoa. The rippling effect of her beauty streamed into heart desires of many. One such was Chief Tuifit, all the way from the distant Fiji Islands. He left no wave unturned in his desires and used his magical powers to turn himself into an eel and flowed through the oceans to reach Sina in a Whole New World

Let's Remember These Stories

Isn't it amazing how each culture has its own unique stories about how the world was created and how special gods and goddesses take care of everything? These myths and legends are like magical windows into the hearts and minds of the people who live in these beautiful islands. They teach us to respect nature, be brave, and always remember where we come from.

So, next time you look at a map or see a picture of the South Pacific Islands, remember the incredible myths and legends that make these places so special. Who knows, maybe you'll dream up your own magical stories too!