Polynesian Mythology

Sir George Grey was among the first chroniclers to explore Hawaii and the South Sea Isles with an aim of writing down the local legends and myths – this collection contains the amazing results of his journey.

It was not the author’s original plan to record the myths and legends of the Polynesian people – a government posting in New Zealand, and his subsequent encounters with natives and their chieftains, spurred an interest in the region’s rich storytelling history. Many chieftains would quote different proverbs and narratives in common, summarizing the deeds of heroes such as Maui and Tawhaki. Many of the myths and legends reflected the Polynesian society’s maritime nature – prowess upon the seas, be it in intrepid sailing or hunting great beasts of the deep, is a recurring theme.

The peoples of Polynesia were spread over thousands of miles of island chains in the Pacific Ocean, and were mindful of the great distances their boats had covered. The discovery of New Zealand itself was subject to a legendary story; it being an island far greater in size than any discovered before. Tales of rituals and magic connected with nature leads Sir Grey to speculate about some arcane link between Polynesia and ancient Mexico – at the time, the supernatural qualities found in this lore were considered barbarous, and ignoble in the face of the Christianity of Western explorers.