POLYNESIAN CULTURE: LEGENDS & LORE Tahitians have a rich history full of divinities and a deep sense of spirituality.
It’s one of the many things that makes visiting Tahiti and her islands so magical.
An Island Split in Two By Lili Baross
Nestled amongst the Society Islands is the untouched tropical paradise of Huahine. During a tour of Huahine, our guide provided insight into the island’s unique landscape and the mysterious story of it’s formation.
As legend goes, Hiro, a young demigod, decided to set sail to the island of To’erau roa (now called Huahine) with his brothers in search of adventure. Exhausted from navigating the seas, Hiro asked his brothers to manage the canoe so he could get some rest while they were still sailing. Afraid of missing the island, and knowing that the ocean can be unforgiving, he instructed them to wake him “when the mist rises and when the earth is near.” His brothers ignored Hiro’s warning and continued sailing when mist and earth appeared. Strong winds pushed the canoe so fiercely that it cut the island of To’erau Roa into two: Huahine Nui (the big island), and Huahine Iti (the small island).
When Hiro awakened, he noticed that the island had been cut in half by the canoe as it continued it’s crossing. In an effort to stop his canoe from crossing the island, Hiro threw his hook onto the island, attempting to anchor the canoe but he lost his paddle in the process. To this day, it is said that Hiro’s hook and paddle are at the bottom of Maroe Bay.
Aumakua: Personal Deities
Polynesians have a direct line to spiritual guidance whenever they need it. They call on a personal god, or an aumakua, who acts as a healer, spirit guide, and a harbinger of danger. Polynesians believe aumakua to be deceased relatives that have the ability to shape shift as needed. These deities can take on the form of an animal, a human, or even a place. Lore suggests that family members can always recognize their ancestors, no matter what form the aumakua takes.
68 2024 Paul Gauguin Cruises | Legends & Lore
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