Tahitian Mythology
Tahitian mythology can be defined as the set of myths and legends that originated not only on the Island of Tahiti but also on the Islands of society. These islands were comprised of Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea, and other islands. It is represented by the historical tales that developed throughout history in these ancient people, which are a core part of Polynesian Mythology as Tahiti is the largest island that belonged to what was previously called “French Polynesia.
The historical narratives and legends can vary depending on whether a Tahitian or European told the history. The shared cultural language brought people together and formed the essence of the island kingdom. The Tahitian mythology can be broken down into three fundamental parts: land, sea, and air. These elements are very essential in how the culture has developed throughout the centuries, in the way that the mythologies and traditions have been passed down throughout the generations. The land part of Tahitian mythology can be divided into five fundamental facets- The kakapupu (the pillar of sky and heaven), Kahake (the big 3-headed god of the mountains), Andaka (God of the oceans), Taiaha (God of war) and Hou (the goddess of death)
Regarding the history of “Te Atua,” Tahitian mythology has recognized that he is the son of the sky goddess Taina and the god Papa-Oumou. According to the legends, the god Te Atua-o-Tahiti traveled to the Americas with his father. To return home, he needs to obtain something from the goddess of the earth. However, he is warned by his father to beware of her trickery. Te Atua does not heed the warning and takes an ax to the planet. She keeps provoking him to prove himself stronger than her and uses many tricks to fool him, but he holds his own and defeats her. The two became lovers, and then there was peace between the two goddesses.
There are many legends and legends that surround Te Atua and Taina. Some legends state that if a person travels from one country to the other and does not obtain an item from the earth, the person will go to the land of the dead to continue to live. Some also state that if a person goes to the moon and gets the famous emerald crystal, they will return to life and travel to another country. There are many different versions of the mythology, but the general theme is the same. It is believed that some people have visited the land of the dead and returned to life due to using the emerald crystal. Some versions also state that the person’s liver is cut in half so that both people can live in eternity.
