Hine-nui-te-pō
Goddess of Death
Underworld deity
Place of Origin: Polynesia; worship continued in New Zealand
Origin Date: Polynesian prehistory
Domain: Death, underworld.
Symbols: Red flowers, underworld gates.
Attributes: Control over death and the afterlife.
Epithets: None specifically known.
Equivalents: Comparable to deities like Persephone (Greek) or Ereshkigal (Mesopotamian) who also rule the underworld.
Religion: Māori mythology
Sacred Texts: Oral traditions and myths.
Iconography: Often depicted as a fearsome figure with sharp teeth and obsidian skin.
Relations: Daughter of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-ahu-one.
Description
Hine-nui-te-pō is the goddess of death and the ruler of the underworld. She is the daughter of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-ahu-one. After discovering that her father was also her husband, she fled to the underworld, becoming its guardian.
Narratives
The Birth of Hine-nui-te-pō:
Hine-nui-te-pō, originally named Hine-tītama, was born to Tāne Mahuta, the god of forests, and Hine-ahu-one, the first woman created from earth. She was initially unaware of her parentage and lived a life of innocence and beauty.
Hine-tītama Discovers Her Parentage:
Hine-tītama married Tāne Mahuta and bore him several children. Upon discovering that Tāne was her father, she was overcome with shame and despair. She fled to the underworld, Pō, where she transformed into Hine-nui-te-pō, the goddess of night and death.
Hine-nui-te-pō's Role in the Underworld:
As the goddess of the underworld, Hine-nui-te-pō shepherds the spirits of the dead. She resides in the realm of darkness, guiding souls through their journey after death. Her presence is associated with the color red in the sky, symbolizing her dominion over the night.
Māui and Hine-nui-te-pō:
The demigod Māui sought to achieve immortality for humankind by entering Hine-nui-te-pō's body through her vagina while she slept. However, Māui's plan was thwarted when the birds accompanying him laughed, waking Hine-nui-te-pō. She crushed Māui with the obsidian teeth in her vagina, causing his death and marking the first instance of mortality for humans.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Hine-nui-te-pō
Hine-nui-te-pō is a significant figure in Māori mythology, known as the goddess of night and death. She plays a crucial role in the afterlife and the journey of souls.
Core Beliefs
Goddess of Night and Death: Hine-nui-te-pō is the goddess who receives the spirits of humans when they die. She is associated with the night and the underworld, guiding souls to their final resting place.
Transformation: Originally known as Hine-tītama, she transformed into Hine-nui-te-pō after discovering that her husband, Tāne, was also her father. Overcome with shame, she fled to the underworld, where she became the goddess of death.
Myth of Māui: The demigod Māui attempted to achieve immortality by entering Hine-nui-te-pō's body while she slept. However, he was crushed to death by her, bringing mortality to humankind.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Hine-nui-te-pō is often depicted with a fearsome appearance, including sharp obsidian teeth and eyes that glow like fire. She is sometimes shown with red skin, symbolizing the color of the sunset and the transition to the night.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Hine-nui-te-pō include the night, the underworld, and the color red. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and guidance.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Hine-nui-te-pō are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Māori culture and mythology. She embodies the natural cycle of life and death.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Hine-nui-te-pō. These include offerings of food, chants, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in marae (sacred communal places) dedicated to Hine-nui-te-pō.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Hine-nui-te-pō can be found throughout regions with Māori populations. These sites are often located in places associated with death and the afterlife.
Offerings: Offerings to Hine-nui-te-pō typically include food and items related to her symbols, such as red flowers and obsidian. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and guidance.
Festivals and Traditions
Death Rituals: Hine-nui-te-pō is honored during death rituals and ceremonies, which include prayers, chants, and offerings to guide the deceased's spirit to the afterlife. These rituals are an essential part of Māori culture and tradition.
Cultural Celebrations: Hine-nui-te-pō's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Māori heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Hine-nui-te-pō for protection, guidance, and the successful transition of souls to the afterlife. Traditional prayers often invoke her role as the goddess of night and death.
Hine-nui-te-pō's role as the goddess of night and death embodies the core values and beliefs of Māori mythology, emphasizing the importance of the natural cycle of life and death.