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Polynesian Folktales - Page 4

Traditional stories from the islands of Polynesia, filled with wit, heroism, and moral wisdom.

An illustration of Hiro battling a storm in his magic canoe before it turns to stone, Tahitian folktale.

Hiro the Trickster and the Magic Canoe

by Quwwatu-Llah Oyebode

November 4, 2025

Polynesian Folktales·Tahitian Folktales

Long ago, in the islands of Tahiti, when gods still walked among humankind and the sea was a living spirit, there lived a man unlike any other. His name was Hiro, the great navigator, the daring thief, and the cunning trickster. Tales of his feats echoed across the islands, some spoke of his cleverness with awe, others whispered of his arrogance

An illustration of Maui pouring sand into the ocean as Hinahengi rises from the deep, Tongan folktale.

Polynesian Folktales·Tongan Folktales

The Origin of the Sea Tides

In the time before time, when the gods still walked among men and the world was young, the sea lay silent and still. Its surface shone like a mirror, unbroken by wave or wind. Fish drifted lazily in the depths, and the shores of Tonga rested peacefully, kissed only by

Maui and the Sun Snare

Before the islands had clocks or shadows that kept steady, the days

The Shark Who Loved the Moon

Far below the reefs of Tonga, where coral gardens bloom like stars

An illustration of Menehune building a fishpond under moonlight, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Menehune: The Little People of the Valleys

November 3, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

Long before the great canoes of Polynesian voyagers touched the shores of Hawai‘i, before chiefs ruled and the sound of drums echoed in the valleys, there were the Menehune, the mysterious Little People who lived deep within the mountains. They were small in stature but mighty in skill, gifted craftsmen and

An illustration of owl army attacking chief’s warriors in a Hawaiian forest, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Battle of the Owls: Ka Lua Ho‘omau o Pueo

November 3, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

Long before Western ships touched the shores of Hawai‘i, when the gods still walked unseen among the mountains and valleys, there lived a cruel and arrogant chief. His name is lost to time, for his deeds brought him only shame. He ruled over a lush valley surrounded by ancient forests,

An illustration of Anuenue, Rainbow Maiden bridging sunlight and rain, Hawaiian folktale scene.

The Rainbow Maiden: Anuenue

November 3, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

Long ago, when the islands of Hawai‘i were young and the seas shimmered with divine light, there lived a maiden unlike any other, her name was Anuenue, the Rainbow Maiden. She was born from the sacred union of sunlight and rain, the two eternal lovers who danced across the skies of

An illustration of Pele and Hi‘iaka facing each other by the volcano, Hawaiian folktale scene.

Pele and Hi‘iaka: The Goddess of Fire and Her Sister

November 3, 2025

Hawaiian Folktales·Polynesian Folktales

In the time when the world was young and the Hawaiian Islands still shaped their forms from the breath of the gods, there lived Pele, the radiant goddess of volcanoes, fire, and lightning. Her home was the crater of Kīlauea, where molten rivers of lava flowed like veins of the

Samoan maiden Sina beside a lagoon as the spirit-eel emerges, symbolizing the birth of the first coconut tree.

Sina and the Eel: A Samoan Folktale

November 3, 2025

Polynesian Folktales·Samoan Folktales

Long ago, in the ancient islands of Samoa, there lived a maiden named Sina, whose beauty was said to rival the morning light over the lagoon. Her eyes sparkled like the sea, her hair flowed like black coral vines, and her laughter carried across the village like music. All who

An illustration of Ti‘iti‘i wrestling Mafui‘e near a fiery cave, Samoan fire origin folktale.

The Legend of Ti‘iti‘i and the Fire God: Samoan Folktale

November 3, 2025

Polynesian Folktales·Samoan Folktales

In the ancient days of Samoa, when the gods still walked the earth and mortals lived close to the divine, there was no fire in the world. The people ate raw food, huddled in the dark when night fell, and shivered through the rains. The warmth of the sun blessed

An illustration of Nafanua holding her spear above peaceful Samoan tribes, Samoan goddess folktale scene.

Nafanua, the Warrior Goddess of Peace: Samoan Folktale

November 3, 2025

Polynesian Folktales·Samoan Folktales

Long ago, in the time when the gods walked among mortals and the sea carried the voices of spirits, the islands of Samoa were divided by endless warfare. Chiefs battled for power, villages burned, and blood stained the sands where once there had been peace. The cries of the wounded

Tagaloa and the Creation of the Islands: Samoan Folktale

November 3, 2025

Polynesian Folktales·Samoan Folktales

In the earliest time, before there were lands or people, there was only the endless expanse of the ocean, a vast, shimmering mirror stretching to every horizon. Its waters moved gently, rippling with the rhythm of the winds that swept across its surface. There were no shores, no mountains, no

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Polynesian Folktales - Page 4

Hiro the Trickster and the Magic Canoe

The Origin of the Sea Tides

Maui and the Sun Snare

The Shark Who Loved the Moon

The Menehune: The Little People of the Valleys

The Battle of the Owls: Ka Lua Ho‘omau o Pueo

The Rainbow Maiden: Anuenue

Pele and Hi‘iaka: The Goddess of Fire and Her Sister

Sina and the Eel: A Samoan Folktale

The Legend of Ti‘iti‘i and the Fire God: Samoan Folktale

Nafanua, the Warrior Goddess of Peace: Samoan Folktale

Tagaloa and the Creation of the Islands: Samoan Folktale

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