Polynesian Mythology · Chapter
Legend of the Emigration of Manaia explained
Manaia, after his wife Rongotiki is assaulted by his workmen, discovers the betrayal through a sign while fishing.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Migration and Discovery
Manaia's decision to emigrate from Hawaiki to a new land, leading to the discovery and settlement of New Zealand.
Conflict and Reconciliation
The cycle of revenge between Manaia and Tupenu's tribe, culminating in Manaia's departure rather than reconciliation.
Resistance and Resilience
Manaia's resilience in the face of dwindling numbers and his strategic planning to secure a new homeland.
Characters to notice
- Manaia
Protagonist and ancestor of Ngāti Awa; seeks revenge after his wife is assaulted, then emigrates to New Zealand.
- Kuiwai
Manaia's wife, Rongotiki, who is assaulted by the workmen and later aids Manaia with incantations.
- Tupenu
Chief of the tribe that assaulted Rongotiki; slain by Manaia during the ambush.
- Tuurenui
Manaia's son; named after him the river Tuurenui; initially hesitant in battle.
- Kāhukura
Kahukakanui, Manaia's previously unknown son who bravely slays the first enemy in battle.
Key passages
“Manaia and his party slew them, and destroyed them, so that the country was left for himself and for his descendants, and for his tribe and their descendants”
Manaia and his followers killed the original inhabitants to claim the land for themselves and their future generations.
Describes the violent takeover of the new land.
“he felt a fish nibbling at his hook; so he gave a jerk to his line to pull it up, and when he got the fish up to the side of the canoe, to his surprise he saw that the hook was not in the mouth of the fish, but fast in its tail; and as this had long been esteemed as a sign that your wife was being insulted by somebody”
Manaia caught a fish with the hook in its tail, an omen that his wife was being dishonored.
The fish omen reveals the assault on Rongotiki.
“The first slain of the enemy belongs to me, to Kahukakanui, the son of Manaia”
Kahukakanui declared himself as the first to kill an enemy, revealing his identity as Manaia's son.
Manaia learns he has another son, Kahukakanui, who shows great bravery.