Māui
Demigod and Cultural Hero
Cultural hero
Place of Origin: Polynesia; worship continued in New Zealand
Origin Date: Polynesian prehistory
Domain: Creation, mischief, heroism.
Symbols: Fishhook, sun.
Attributes: Cleverness, heroism, trickery.
Epithets: None specifically known.
Equivalents: Similar to trickster figures like Hermes (Greek) or Loki (Norse).
Religion: Māori mythology
Sacred Texts: Oral traditions and myths.
Iconography: Often depicted with a magical fishhook, performing his legendary feats.
Relations: Son of Taranga and Makeatutara.
Description
Māui is a demigod known for his trickster traits and numerous heroic deeds. He is considered a cultural hero among the Polynesians, credited with creating New Zealand's landmass, capturing the sun, and fishing up islands from the sea.
Narratives
The Birth of Māui:
Māui was born prematurely and was abandoned by his mother, Taranga, who wrapped him in her hair and cast him into the sea. He was rescued by the sea deity, Tangaroa, and raised by his ancestor, Tama-nui-te-rā (the sun). Māui eventually returned to his family, revealing his divine heritage and extraordinary abilities.
Māui and the Secret of Fire:
Māui sought to discover the secret of fire. He visited his grandmother, Mahuika, the goddess of fire, and tricked her into revealing the source of fire. Māui extinguished each flame she gave him until she became enraged and threw her last flame into the trees, which is why fire can be created by rubbing sticks together.
Māui Slows the Sun:
The days were too short for people to complete their tasks, so Māui decided to slow down the sun, Tama-nui-te-rā. With the help of his brothers, Māui captured the sun with ropes and beat it until it agreed to move more slowly across the sky, lengthening the days.
Māui and the Giant Fish:
Māui used a magical jawbone as a fishhook and went fishing with his brothers. He caught a giant fish, which became the North Island of New Zealand (Te Ika-a-Māui). The mountains and valleys were formed by his brothers hacking at the fish in their greed.
Māui Lifts the Sky:
In some versions of the myth, Māui lifted the sky, which was pressing down on the earth, to create more space for people to live and move. He used his great strength to push the sky higher, separating it from the earth.
Māui and the Goddess of Death:
Māui sought to achieve immortality for humankind by defeating Hine-nui-te-pō, the goddess of death. He attempted to enter her body through her vagina while she slept, but 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 Māui
Māui is a prominent figure in Māori mythology, known as a culture hero and trickster. He is celebrated for his cleverness, bravery, and numerous exploits that have shaped the natural world and human life.
Core Beliefs
Culture Hero and Trickster: Māui is renowned for his cunning and resourcefulness. He is considered a demigod and a hero who performed many feats to benefit humanity. His actions often involved trickery and cleverness, making him a beloved and complex character in Māori mythology.
Creation of the North Island: One of Māui's most famous exploits is fishing up the North Island of New Zealand, known as Te Ika-a-Māui, using a magical fishhook made from his grandmother's jawbone. This act is a central part of Māori creation stories.
Bringing Fire to Humans: Māui is credited with bringing fire to humans. He obtained fire from the goddess Mahuika by tricking her into giving him her burning fingernails. This story explains the origin of fire and its importance to human life.
Slowing the Sun: Māui also slowed the Sun's journey across the sky to make the days longer. He and his brothers captured the Sun with ropes and beat it until it agreed to move more slowly. This myth explains the length of daylight and the changing seasons.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Māui is often depicted as a young, handsome man with a mischievous smile. He is sometimes shown with his magical fishhook and other symbols of his exploits.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Māui include the fishhook, the Sun, and fire. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Māui are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Māori culture and mythology. He embodies the qualities of cleverness, bravery, and resourcefulness.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: While Māui is not traditionally worshipped as a deity, his stories and exploits are celebrated in various rituals and ceremonies. These include storytelling, chants, and performances that honor his contributions to Māori culture.
Sacred Sites: Places associated with Māui's exploits, such as the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waka a Māui), are considered sacred and are often visited by those who wish to pay their respects.
Offerings: Offerings to Māui typically include items related to his symbols, such as fishhooks and representations of fire. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Storytelling Festivals: Festivals dedicated to storytelling often feature tales of Māui's exploits. These gatherings include performances, chants, and activities that celebrate his cleverness and bravery.
Cultural Celebrations: Māui'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 may invoke Māui's name in prayers for protection, cleverness, and success in their endeavors. Traditional prayers often reference his role as a culture hero and trickster.
Māui's role as a culture hero and trickster embodies the core values and beliefs of Māori mythology, emphasizing the importance of cleverness, bravery, and resourcefulness.