|
Maori mythology and history - origin myths and folklore of the Maori of New Zealand (4009 words) |
 | To some Maori tribes 'Hawaiki' is a reference to the Cook Islands, possibly because their ancestors came to New Zealand from the Society Islands by way of the Cook group. |
| Although the Archaic Maori is popularly called a 'Moa Hunter', the expression, with its economic overtones, is misleading as there were areas of the country populated by people from East Polynesia who would never have encountered the bird. |
| For protein the Maori remained dependent on fish, birdlife and the occasional Maori rat, and it seems that the practice of cannibalism may have had its origin in this lack of meat - although in later times it was to assume a religious rather than a dietary character. |
| Myths Of Origins And The Deluge Of Polynesia (8819 words) |
| IN considering the mythology of these peoples it will be most convenient to begin with the cosmogonic myths, for these are not only in themselves very interesting, as presenting un-usual features, but also show, in an unmistakable manner, the composite character of the mythology as a whole. |
| Leaving Maori mythology and turning to the other island groups in Polynesia it is apparent that the cosmogonic myths, current in the Marquesas present striking analogies to some of those in New Zealand. |
| Tongan mythology also refers to the primeval sea and to the realm of the gods far away, whence Maui sails to fish up the land of Tonga 42 This latter episode seems to represent a different element almost throughout Polynesia and probably should not be regarded as belonging to this theme. |
Feeds |
Contact