Day 1: Arriving in New Zealand…
700 hundred years ago, it was believed that Polynesian voyages found themselves in New Zealand. Soon becoming the indigenous culture which developed their own language, traditions and culture - aka, the ‘Maori’ culture.
Through oral language, the Maori people were able to create stories and legends, which were used to teach among the villages/ iwi (these stories might have been altered throughout the years, just a guess).
700 years have passed, and a new generation stands. After the British settlers and the treaty had happened, they introduced a new way of communicating, written language. The newness of this made it easier to record stories and history. That, is how I learnt of the Maori legends and myths.
A common example of this would be the legends of Maui, a mischievous god and shapeshifter who challenges the great and mighty. I think kids should be able to know at least 2-3 things about Maui, because he is a big part of the Maori culture.
Here are 3 facts about Maui -
- The first ever thing that I read about Maui was that he captured the sun and beat it until it was weakened. Then he demanded/ threatened the sun to slow down for longer, enjoyable and providing days.
- Second, Maui being the trickster. After his village ran out of fire, Maui goes on a quest to meet the goddess of fire - Mahuika. Upon arrival, he explains how his village needs fire, where she contributes in helping by lending Maui one of her nails (of fire). Which he (purposely) drops in a nearby river. After using all her nails she became angered and a brawl began.
- Third and most obvious, Maui and the great fish. A story of which Maui and his brothers go fishing to catch kaimoana for the village. Which actually turns out to be the north island, with the canoe/waka being the south island. This makes up New Zealand.
But that begs the question, what is Stewart Island? Is it the hook? A chunk from the great fish? That’s for you to decide.
I hoped you enjoyed this, and I hope that this was interesting. Please give me feed forward and feedback!
