← All chapters
Polynesian Mythology · Chapter
The Legend of Poutini and Whaiapu explained
This chapter recounts the story of Poutini, a taniwha (guardian spirit) of pounamu (greenstone), and his pursuit of Whaiapu, a beautiful woman.
What happens
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.