Whiro
God of Darkness and Evil
Underworld deity
Place of Origin: Polynesia; worship continued in New Zealand
Origin Date: Polynesian prehistory
Domain: Death, darkness, underworld.
Symbols: Darkness, snakes.
Attributes: Association with death, sickness, and malevolence.
Epithets: None specifically known.
Equivalents: Similar to deities of the underworld and death, such as Hades (Greek) or Hel (Norse).
Religion: Māori mythology
Sacred Texts: Oral traditions and myths.
Iconography: Depicted in association with darkness and serpents.
Relations: Son of Ranginui and Papatūānuku; often opposing Tāne Mahuta.
Description
Whiro is the god of darkness, evil, and death. He is often depicted as a malevolent force, opposing the gods of light and life. Whiro is believed to be the cause of sickness and death in the world.
Narratives
The Birth of Whiro:
Whiro is one of the children of Ranginui (the sky father) and Papatūānuku (the earth mother). He symbolizes the chaotic and destructive forces in the universe, providing a counterpoint to the more benevolent deities. His siblings include Tāne Mahuta, the god of forests, and Tūmatauenga, the god of war.
The Separation of Rangi and Papa:
When the children of Ranginui and Papatūānuku decided to separate their parents to bring light into the world, Whiro opposed the plan. He preferred the darkness and chaos of their embrace. Despite his protests, his siblings went ahead with the separation, and Whiro was filled with rage and sorrow.
Whiro's Revenge:
In his anger, Whiro sought revenge on his siblings for separating their parents. He summoned malevolent forces and diseases to attack them. His rivalry with Tāne Mahuta, who represents life and light, became particularly intense, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between opposing forces in the natural world.
Whiro and the Underworld:
Whiro is associated with the underworld, Taiwhetuki, also known as the House of Death. It is a deep and dark cave where all things evil are preserved, including black magic and personifications of illnesses and diseases. Whiro's presence in the underworld reinforces his connection to darkness and death.
Whiro and the Souls of the Dead:
According to some tribes, when people die, their bodies descend into the underworld, where they are eaten by Whiro. Each time Whiro consumes a body, he becomes stronger. This process will eventually make him powerful enough to break free of the underworld and devour everything and everyone on the surface. Cremation is recommended to prevent this, as Whiro cannot gain strength from ashes.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Whiro
Whiro, also known as Whiro-te-tipua, is a significant deity in Māori mythology, known as the god of darkness, evil, and death. He is often depicted as a lizard-like creature and is associated with the underworld and malevolent forces.
Core Beliefs
God of Darkness and Evil: Whiro is the personification of darkness and evil in Māori mythology. He is considered the antithesis of Tāne, the god of light and forests. Whiro's influence is felt in the natural world and human life, representing chaos and destruction.
Underworld and Death: Whiro resides in the underworld, known as Taiwhetuki, the House of Death. He is believed to consume the bodies of the dead, gaining strength from them. This belief underscores the importance of cremation in some Māori traditions, as Whiro cannot gain strength from ashes.
Conflict with Tāne: Whiro's rivalry with his brother Tāne is a central theme in Māori mythology. While Tāne represents life and light, Whiro embodies darkness and death. Their conflict reflects the broader struggle between opposing forces in the natural world.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Whiro is often depicted with a fearsome and ominous appearance, reflecting his association with darkness and death. He is commonly portrayed as a dark-skinned man or a lizard-like creature, symbolizing the malevolent forces that disrupt the balance of life.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Whiro include lizards, geckos, and other reptiles. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke his presence and acknowledge his influence.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Whiro are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Māori culture and mythology. He embodies the chaotic and destructive forces in the universe, providing a counterpoint to the more benevolent deities.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to acknowledge Whiro's influence. These include offerings of food, chants, and other goods to seek protection from his malevolent forces. Rituals often take place in marae (sacred communal places) dedicated to Whiro.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Whiro can be found throughout regions with Māori populations. These sites are often located in places associated with darkness and the underworld.
Offerings: Offerings to Whiro typically include food and items related to his symbols, such as lizards and geckos. These offerings symbolize respect and the desire for protection from his malevolent influence.
Festivals and Traditions
Death Rituals: Whiro is honored during death rituals and ceremonies, which include prayers, chants, and offerings to protect the deceased's spirit from his malevolent influence. These rituals are an essential part of Māori culture and tradition.
Cultural Celebrations: Whiro'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 Whiro for protection from his malevolent forces and to ensure the safe passage of the deceased's spirit. Traditional prayers often invoke his role as the god of darkness and death.
Whiro's role as the god of darkness and evil embodies the core values and beliefs of Māori mythology, emphasizing the importance of balance between light and darkness, good and evil.