Ngani Vatu

Introduction

The ngani-vatu, according to Fijian folklore, is a large bird. An enormous man-eating bird mentioned in Fijian folklore. It is comparable to the Poua-Kai of Maori legends, Simurg from Persian mythology and the Roc of the Arabian Nights.

Physical Traits

It is described as a huge raptor with wings that could block out the sun. It’s characterized as a big bird. Its body measures 4 point 50 meters from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail feathers, and its wingspan is greater than 3 meters. In males, the back is light green, while in females, it is light brown. The body feathers are red. Legs and beak are a light yellow colour. On each of its four wings are clawed fingers.

Mythology

Okova and Tutu-wathiwathi, a married couple, were out fishing in their boat when the ngani-vatu swooped from the sky and took Tutu-wathiwathi away. While pursuing it, Okova quickly lost track of it and turned around to ask his partner’s brother Rokoua for assistance. On the island of Sawa-i-Lau, they located the bird’s habitat, but it was already too late. The only thing they discovered to be associated with Tutu-wathiwathi was her finger, which Okova kept as a reminder of his love, lying next to a heap of bones from the ngani-vatu’s previous meal. He made a blood oath, and the two waited in wait.

The ngani-vatu eventually made a comeback, carrying ten porpoises in its talons and five turtles in its beak. Okova and Rokoua pierced its gut with their spears, which despite their length vanished into its hulking form as it picked apart its prey. The two were able to save one of the bird’s smaller feathers to use as a sail after it collapsed, triggering an avalanche. They threw the body into the water to dispose of it, but as they were doing so, a huge wave rose and hit the nearby islands. They went back home after that. He was regarded as a Saint by the people and ascended to the throne above the king.

Other names

The Ngani Vatu is also known as Ngutu-lei.

Powers and Abilities

The ngani-vatu can create storm clouds by flapping its wings, and if it falls into the ocean, its body is big enough to create a tsunami. Both people and animals are taken hostage and brought to its lair where they are devoured.

Modern Day Influence

The giant man eating bird is a common feature is various video games and popular modern literature.