Isokelekel : The Founding Father

Isokelekel

Introduction

The mythical hero Idzikolkol, also known as Isokelekel, was from Kosrae and defeated the Saudeleur Dynasty at Pohnpei. He is regarded as the father of the modern island nation. There are varying sources about the events that occurred before and during the attack on Pohnpei, and 13 different accounts have been published.

In most of the stories, the collapse of the dynasty was caused by the oppression of its ruling class, which was exacerbated by the mistreatment of Nan Sapwe by its lords. The culture of Pohnpei is decentralized and autonomous, and quibbling publicly over variations is regarded as bad form.

Various cultural phenomena such as clan affiliation and the kava social groups contribute to the varying accounts. Because of this, any preferred variant is typically the product of autonomy and self-interest. The modern inhabitants of Pohnpei are the descendants of the people who traveled to the island with the expeditionary party of the legend’s hero, Idzikolkel.

Physical Traits

Isokelekel is often described as a strong and well built man wearing the traditional garb of the islands.

Family

One of the most common stories about Isokelekel’s birth is that he is the offspring of Nan Sapwe, who was an ill-tempered and rebellious Thunder God. The Saudeleur’s fury was directed toward Nan Sapwe after she had been unfaithful to the ruler’s wife. Other stories claim that the ruler insulted a high priest who predicted the downfall of the dynasty and that he also incensed other gods.

Following the Saudeleur’s oppression, Nan Sapwe left Pohnpei and traveled to Kosrae. Some believe that the Thunder God fled to East Katau. He impregnated a member of his own tribe, who was known as Lipahnmei, by giving her a lime. This union resulted in the birth of Isokelekel, who knew his fate.

Other names

Isokelekel also means “shining noble” or “wonderful king” and he was also called Idzikolkol

Powers and Abilities

When he was a young adult, over 300 individuals, including women, children, and men, embarked on a journey to conquer Pohnpei. The journey was conducted in a human sacrifice ceremony, which was rare in the history of the island nation. In the eastern Caroline Islands, which included the Mortlocks, Pingelap, and Ant Atoll, it is believed that Isokelekel made multiple stops along his way to Pohnpei. Some say that he learned about his mission to conquer the island by gathering information from various sources, such as his mother or a bird.

The invaders’ canoe first made its way into Pohnpei through a channel near Kehpara. From Kitti, they headed toward the island. Upon reaching Palikir, they were offered leftover lihli, which was a gesture forbidden to high-ranking individuals. Pohnpei was given the name Sapwen luh Pohnpei, which literally means “Land of Leftovers.”

Modern Day Influence

He is known as a cultural hero in both Pohnpei and Kosrae. He has left a significant number of claimants of descent on the island, including several generations of reigning NAHNMwarki kings. Despite the existence of dual blood lines in the region, modern chiefs still trace their lineage back to him.

The use of the name Isokelekel to refer to a Pohnpeian is regarded as an undisguised challenge in the region. In 1995, Petersen noted that the concept of caution was associated with the myth of the king. He also states that the events that happened in the history of Pohnpei were initiated by outsiders.