Famous Tree, Houses near shore, and Streets Before and After …
Let’s try to talk about stories and legends to make our spirit alive and feel better …
Maui, Hawaii is rich in legends and folklore that are an integral part of Hawaiian culture. One of the most famous figures in Hawaiian mythology is the demigod Maui, known for his mischievous and heroic deeds. Here are some of the notable legends associated with Maui:
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Maui and the Sun: One of the most well-known stories about Maui involves his attempt to slow down the sun. According to the legend, Maui’s mother, Hina, complained that her kapa (bark cloth) was not drying properly due to the sun moving too quickly across the sky. Maui set out to slow down the sun’s journey, and after a fierce battle with the sun, he was successful in making the days longer.
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Maui and the Fishhook: In another legend, Maui and his brothers went fishing, but they were unable to catch anything. Maui then fashioned a magical fishhook from the jawbone of his ancestor and the hair of his sister Hina. With this hook, he caught a giant fish that turned out to be the Hawaiian Islands themselves.
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Maui and the Creation of Fire: In this legend, Maui is credited with bringing fire to the Hawaiian islands. He achieved this by traveling to the underworld, where he stole the secrets of fire from the goddess of fire, Pele.
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Maui and the Mudhens: In this story, Maui transformed some mudhens into humans. However, he gave them the ability to transform back into birds, which led to a divided existence between the two forms.
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Maui and the House of the Sun: Maui is said to have journeyed to the House of the Sun (Haleakalā crater on Maui) in order to capture the sun and force it to slow down. He succeeded in this task, allowing his mother’s kapa to dry properly.
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Maui and the Demi-God of Snaring: In this story, Maui encounters his brother-in-law, who challenges him to various contests involving snaring birds. Maui uses his wit and cunning to outsmart his opponent and win the contests.
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Maui’s Death: There are different versions of Maui’s death, but many involve Maui meeting his end at the hands of powerful supernatural forces. In some versions, it is said that Maui was killed by the goddess Hina, while in others, he meets his demise during a battle with a powerful sorcerer.
These legends and stories about Maui and other figures from Hawaiian mythology continue to be an important part of Hawaiian cultural heritage. They are often passed down through oral tradition and have been incorporated into various forms of art, literature, and cultural practices in Hawaii.
