Myths And Fairy Tales Of The Polynesian Culture

Hayden Fort

Pre AP English 2//1st period

Mrs. Kaul

11 May, 2023

Polynesian Lore Research Paper

Folklore are stories told to people that hold knowledge to an aspect of their lives. It is important to cultures because it explains how things from that area of the world came to be, or teaches lessons for what to or not to do in respect to the culture. Legends are stories that explain history, that are embellished to seem more powerful, and are continuously told to people. They can also be tall tales, the only differences between the two is tall tales are blatent mistruths. Myths are explanations of how natural things came to be in a religious tone. They are told with supernatural beings, such as gods and/or demi gods. Fairytales are pure

Some differences were in how things occured. We see the settling of Easter Island now as landmark of statues, that would actively built. Maui using strength to pull the islands of Polynesia to the surface. And we see a transformation of the body in the fairy tale. We have active strength, and magic being portrayed in these stories. These folklore stories demonstrate polynesian culture’s values by strongly integrating the traditions, and needs of each people. The Rapa Nui or Easter Island settlers had a names tradition of memorisation, Maui went to get a priest to perform a ritual for the large catch of the manta ray. The mother and daughter were neglected even with a disability which caused a rift in the community. All of these tell the listener of how polynesian culture is supposed to be connected and was traditionally ritualistic. Universal values presented in polynesian folklore would include but not limit from The Death of Hotu Matu’a, Love, life and death. Maui’s tale explains contentment and tranquility once he has brought the islands up, because he has allowed growth in his people from the new places. The turtle and the shark show love, fear and

2014, honutasi.wordpress.com/2014/02/14/legend-of-the-turtle-and-shark/.

Information I used from this website was for the knowledge towards the origins of the tale of the turtle and the shark

Magazine, Smithsonian. “The Secrets of Easter Island.” Smithsonian.Com, 1 Mar. 2002, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-secrets-of-easter-island-59989046/.

Easter Island information on historical accuracy. Tells of a firsthand descendants account of the events that occurred on the island, including the creation of the Moai, Hotu Matu'a's first settling, and the death account. He claims to be the descendant through his grandmother (the last queen of the island) and is the 68th generation. He spoke heavily of the accounts from the Moai, and how the were built, and how they sank into the earth.

“Maui - the Demigod of Polynesia: Stories & Legends of Hawaii.” Valley Isle Excursions, 9 Oct. 2018, www.tourmaui.com/blog/maui-demigod/.

Tells of the spiritual origins of the people that live in Polynesian culture. Also tells of the many feats of Maui, including hauling up the island, which is the myth used in paper.

“Polynesian Culture.” Free Books from UVU, freebooks.uvu.edu/polynesian_culture/01_General_Polynesian_Culture.php. Accessed 11 May