Polynesian Mythology · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Polynesian Mythology by George Grey.
Chapter 1
Preface to the First Edition
The author, a British Governor in New Zealand, explains his motivation for learning the Māori language and collecting their ancient poems, legends, and mythology. He describes the challenges of governing during a rebellion, the difficulty of communicating through interpreters, and the need to understand Māori figurative speech and allusions. After years of effort, including losing his materials in a fire, he presents this translation of Māori traditions to aid future administrators and to preserve knowledge from dying elders.
Chapter 2
Preface to the Second Edition
Sir George Grey reflects on the thirty years since the first edition, noting the deaths of many Māori chiefs who assisted him, the impact of war, and the preservation of Māori legends, poems, and histories. He details the collection of 301 printed volumes and 223 manuscripts in the Cape of Good Hope library, emphasizing the importance of republishing the catalogue in New Zealand. He recounts the discovery of the Hinemoa legend on Mokoia in 1849 and acknowledges contributions from European and Māori collaborators.
Chapter 3
Polynesian Mythology
An overview of Polynesian mythology, covering creation stories, heroic figures, and cultural narratives that explain the origins of the world, the exploits of demigods like Māui and Tāwhaki, and the migrations that shaped Polynesian societies.
Chapter 4
The Children of Heaven and Earth
This chapter recounts the Māori creation tradition of Rangi (Heaven) and Papa (Earth), who were originally joined in darkness. Their children, led by Tānemahuta, debate whether to slay or separate their parents to bring light into the world. After several brothers fail, Tānemahuta successfully rends Heaven and Earth apart, creating the world of light. Tāwhirimātea, the god of winds and storms, opposes the separation and wages war against his brothers, attacking forests, seas, and causing the dispersal of fish and reptiles.
Chapter 5
The Legend of Māui
Māui discovers his mother Taranga and his brothers, learns of his birth and survival, seeks his father Makeatutara, and attempts to conquer death by entering Hinenuitepō. The water-wagtail's laughter wakes the goddess, causing Māui's death and the introduction of mortality to humanity.
Chapter 6
The Legend of Tāwhaki
This chapter recounts the deeds of Tāwhaki, son of Hema and Urutonga, who survives an assassination attempt by his brothers-in-law, calls down a flood to destroy them, and then seeks revenge against the Ponaturi for the murder of his father. With his brother Karihi, he infiltrates the Ponaturi's house, Mānawatāne, and with their mother's help, plans to destroy them at dawn. The chapter also includes Tāwhaki's return to his wife Tangotango and the baptismal ceremony for his daughter.
Chapter 7
The Legend of Rupe
Hinauri, after being lost at sea, is rescued by two brothers, becomes the wife of Tinirau, and kills his other wives with an incantation. Her brother Māuimua (Rupe) ascends through ten heavens to seek Rehua's help, transforms into a pigeon, and rescues Hinauri and her newborn child, taking them to Rehua's dwelling.
Chapter 8
The Legend of Kae's Theft of the Whale
Kae, an old magician, is invited by Tinirau to perform enchantments over his newborn son Tūhuruhuru. After tasting the flesh of Tinirau's pet whale Tutunui, Kae tricks Tinirau into lending him the whale for his journey home. Ignoring Tinirau's instructions, Kae causes the whale to die and feasts on it with his tribe. Tinirau sends a party of women, including Hine-i-te-iwaiwa and Raukatauri, to capture Kae. Through cunning performances and enchantments, they identify Kae by his uneven teeth, put him to sleep, and transport him back to Tinirau's village. Tinirau confronts and kills Kae, leading to a later war in which Kae's tribe avenges his death by slaying Tinirau's son.
Chapter 9
The Legend of Tūwhakararo
Tūwhakararo is murdered and devoured by the Āti Hāpai tribe after a wrestling match. His brother Whakataupōtiki leads a massive war party to avenge him, using cunning and a surprise attack to burn the house Uru-o-Manono and kill the tribe.
Chapter 10
The Legend of Rātā
Rātā, son of Wahieroa, avenges his father's murder by slaying Matuku-takotako, then seeks his father's bones. After felling a sacred tree, the offspring of Tāne restore it and eventually build him a canoe. Rātā uses the canoe to attack the Ponaturi, retrieves his father's bones, and learns a powerful incantation. He later fathers Tūwhakararo, whose son Whakatau is born from an apron thrown into the sea.
Chapter 11
The Legend of Toitehuatahi and Tamatekapua
This chapter recounts the escalating conflict in Hawaiki between the families of Toitehuatahi and Uenuku on one side, and Houmaitawhiti and his sons Tamatekapua and Whakatūria on the other. The dispute begins when Toitehuatahi kills the dog of Houmaitawhiti's sons after it eats matter from Uenuku's ulcer. In retaliation, Tamatekapua and Whakatūria steal fruit from Uenuku's pōporo tree. They are caught, and Whakatūria is hung in Uenuku's house to be stifled by smoke. Through a clever ruse orchestrated by Tamatekapua, Whakatūria escapes. War follows, with initial success for Uenuku, but Houmaitawhiti and his sons ultimately defeat the attackers, committing the grave crime of eating their slain relatives. This act brings cowardice upon Houmaitawhiti's tribe, leading to the deaths of Houmaitawhiti and Whakatūria, while Tamatekapua eventually makes peace to preserve his people.
Chapter 12
The Legend of Poutini and Whaiapu
This chapter recounts the story of Poutini, a taniwha (guardian spirit) of pounamu (greenstone), and his pursuit of Whaiapu, a beautiful woman. The tale explains the origins of pounamu deposits in the South Island of New Zealand, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the spiritual significance of the stone.
Chapter 13
The Discovery of New Zealand
Ngāhue, driven by conflict with Hine-tū-a-hōanga over his jade stone Poutini, flees to Aotearoa (New Zealand). After seeking a peaceful haven, he settles the stone at Arahura, then returns to Hawaiki with reports of a new land abundant in moa and jade. He fashions axes and ornaments from the jade, and his tales inspire others to emigrate.
Chapter 14
Construction of Canoes to Emigrate to New Zealand
This chapter describes the felling of a tōtara tree in Rarotonga to build the Arawa canoe, the involvement of skilled men including Rātā, Wahieroa, Ngāhue, and Parata, and the subsequent construction of other great canoes such as Tainui, Mātaatua, Tākitumu, Kurahaupō, Tokomaru, and Matahourua. It also recounts the making of axes from green stone brought by Ngāhue and the slaying of Manaia's son by Rātā.
Chapter 15
The Voyage to New Zealand
Tamatekapua tricks Ngātoroirangi and his wife Kearoa into boarding the Arawa, then abandons Ruaeo and steals his wife Whakaotirangi. The Arawa sails away, and Ngātoro later climbs the roof to look for land, tying a string to his wife's hair to guard her from Tamatekapua's treachery. The chapter also recounts the parting advice of Houmaitawhiti, the burning of the Arawa by Raumati, the subsequent war between the Arawa and Tainui peoples, and Īhenga's discovery of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua, which he claims by setting up sacred markers.
Chapter 16
The Curse of Manaia
Manaia beats and curses his wife Kuiwai for undercooked food, insulting her brother Ngātoroirangi. Kuiwai sends her daughter and other women with gods to seek Ngātoroirangi's aid. Ngātoroirangi returns to Hawaiki, defeats Manaia's forces in multiple battles, and avenges the curse, though Manaia escapes several times.
Chapter 17
The Legend of Hatupatu and His Brothers
Hatupatu, the youngest brother, is mistreated by his elder brothers Hānui and Hāroa during a bird-snaring expedition. He steals and eats their preserved birds, then fakes an attack by a war party. When his deception is discovered, his brothers kill him and bury him in a heap of feathers. His parents send a spirit in the form of a blowfly to revive him. Hatupatu later encounters the bird-woman Kurangaituku, steals her treasures, and escapes by commanding a rock to open and hide him.
Chapter 18
Legend of the Emigration of Turi
This chapter recounts the events leading to Turi's emigration from Hawaiki to New Zealand, beginning with the murder of his relative's son Pōtikiroroa by the high priest Uenuku. In revenge, Turi kills Uenuku's son Hawepōtiki and serves his heart to Uenuku. After discovering Uenuku's plot for revenge, Turi and his family, along with others, escape on the canoe Aotea. The voyage includes conflicts, sacrifices, and the loss of the canoe Rīrino. They eventually reach New Zealand, where Turi names places and introduces karaka trees along the route to Pātea.
Chapter 19
Legend of the Emigration of Manaia
Manaia, after his wife Rongotiki is assaulted by his workmen, discovers the betrayal through a sign while fishing. He exacts revenge by ambushing and killing the offenders, including chief Tupenu. Continuous retaliatory attacks from Tupenu's tribe dwindle Manaia's forces, prompting him to repair the canoe Tokomaru and emigrate with his family to a new land, where he and his people slay the native inhabitants to claim the country. Manaia is revealed to have an unrecognized son, Kahukakanui, who distinguishes himself in battle.
Chapter 20
The Story of Hinemoa
Hinemoa, a high-born maiden of Rotorua, falls in love with Tūtānekai, an illegitimate son of Whakaue. Despite her family's attempts to keep them apart, Hinemoa swims across Lake Rotorua guided by the sound of Tūtānekai's trumpet. She warms herself in a hot spring, breaks a calabash to get his attention, and is discovered by him. They marry, and Tūtānekai later arranges for his sister Tupa to marry his friend Tiki.
Chapter 21
The Story of Marutūāhu, the Son of Hotunui, and of Kahureremoa, the Daughter of Paka
Hotunui, a chief who arrived on the Tainui canoe, settles at Wakatīwai after being falsely accused of theft. He leaves his pregnant wife, instructing her to name the child Marutūāhu if a boy. Marutūāhu later journeys to Hauraki to find his father, where he encounters the daughters of Te Whatu. Meanwhile, Kahureremoa, daughter of Paka (Hotunui's second son), travels to Otawa and marries the chief Takakōpiri, becoming an ancestor of the Ngāti Pāoa tribe.
Chapter 22
The Two Sorcerers
A tale of magical rivalry between the sorcerer Kiki, whose shadow withers plants, and the visiting chief Tāmure, who uses protective incantations and cunning to defeat Kiki in a contest of sorcery, ultimately causing Kiki's death.
Chapter 23
The Magical Wooden Head
Hakawau, a powerful sorcerer, sets out to confront Puarata and Tautōhito, whose magical wooden head has been killing all who approach their fortress on the Sacred Mount. Through his own enchantments and genii, Hakawau defeats the evil spirits guarding the fortress, neutralizes the head's power, and ultimately destroys all within the stronghold.
Chapter 24
The Art of Netting Learned by Kāhukura from the Fairies
Kāhukura, a fair-skinned man, visits Rangiaowhia and discovers signs of fairy fishing. He returns at night, joins the fairies in hauling their net, and by tricking them into helping him string fish, delays them until dawn. When daylight reveals he is mortal, the fairies flee, leaving behind their net. Kāhukura learns the art of netting from their abandoned net and teaches it to his children, introducing net-making to the Māori people.
Chapter 25
Te Kanawa’s Adventure with a Troop of Fairies
Te Kanawa, a Waikato chief, encounters a troop of fairies on Pukemore while hunting kiwi. Terrified, he offers his jade ornaments to appease them. The fairies take only the patterns of the jewels and leave, allowing Te Kanawa to escape unharmed.
Chapter 26
The Loves of Takarangi and Raumahora
A war between the Taranaki and Ngāti Awa tribes besieges the pā of Rangirarunga. His daughter Raumahora's beauty is renowned, and the enemy chief's son Takarangi, moved by compassion and love, defies his own warriors to bring water to the dying chief and his daughter. Their mutual gaze leads to marriage, ending the war and uniting the tribes.
Chapter 27
Stratagem of Puhihuia’s Elopement with Te Ponga
Te Ponga, a chief from Āwhitu, visits the fortified town of Maungawhau (Mount Eden) after a peace is made with the Waikato and Āwhitu tribes. During a dance, he falls in love with Puhihuia, the chief's daughter. They secretly meet at a fountain and plan to elope. Te Ponga's men prepare a canoe and sabotage the other canoes. The next day, as Te Ponga departs, Puhihuia runs away with him, and they escape by canoe, leaving the pursuers unable to follow.
Chapter 28
The History of Pāoa, the Ancestor of the Ngāti Pāoa Tribe
Pāoa, ancestor of the Ngāti Pāoa tribe, journeys from the south in search of his estranged wife, traveling through many regions including Taupō, Tongariro, Taranaki, and Waikato. Unable to find her, he settles at Kaitotehe, marries a local maiden, and fathers two sons. Later, he travels with his people up the Waihou River, visiting several villages where he is recognized and received with hospitality. Despite his shabby appearance, his noble bearing distinguishes him. His visit to Taharua's village leads to the famous proverb about greed associated with Ngāti Pāoa.
Chapter 29
Appendix I: On the Native Songs of New Zealand
This appendix examines the musical scales and intervals found in Māori songs, comparing them to the enharmonic, chromatic, and diatonic genera of ancient Greek music. The author argues that Māori music retains natural, uncultivated intervals akin to the Greek enharmonic scale, and provides notated examples of Māori airs alongside commentary on notation, rhythm, and the difficulty of capturing these sounds in Western musical notation.
Chapter 30
Appendix II: On New Zealand and Polynesian Ethnology
Sir George Grey presents a paper on the social life of ancient New Zealanders, using the legend of Chief Pāoa to illustrate their hospitality, courage, and heroic qualities. He compares Māori social structures and fairy tales with those of ancient Britain and Europe, arguing that similar stages of civilization produce similar cultural expressions. Grey also discusses the resistance to colonization and the natural reaction against rapid civilization.
Chapter 31
Endnotes
The endnotes provide supplementary commentary, citations, and clarifications on various Māori traditions, including the defence of Ōrākau, the origin of malicious spirits, the story of Māui and Irawaru, and references to Kupe's voyages, as well as scholarly citations on music and rhythm.
Chapter 32
List of Illustrations
This chapter presents a series of musical notations and examples, including enharmonic tetrachords, quarter tones, chromatic and diatonic progressions, and vocal pieces such as 'He Waiata Aroha' and 'Whakarongo Child’s Song'.
