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Polynesian mythology
Articles about Polynesian mythology within Oceania.
Last articles
Turi-a-faumea
Turi-a-faumea is a name generally associated with a Polynesian deity or spiritual figure connected with childbirth. Modern reference works often classify Turi-a-faumea as a Samoan goddess of childbirth, although the surv…
Fe’e
Fe’e is a Polynesian name associated primarily with the octopus, especially in Samoan tradition and in related languages of the central Pacific. Depending on the source, Fe’e may refer simply to an octopus, to a remarkab…
Hikule’o
Hikuleʻo is a major figure in traditional Tongan mythology, especially in stories concerning Pulotu, the realm of the dead and the dwelling place of powerful supernatural beings. His name is also written Hikule’o, Hikule…
Hina
Hina is a name used for several important female figures in Polynesian traditions, especially in eastern Polynesia. Depending on the island, language and tradition, Hina may be associated with the moon, women’s work, wea…
Hoa-tapu
Hoa-tapu is an obscure name associated with Polynesian mythology, but it does not identify a universally recognised god or legendary being across Polynesia. In modern lists of mythological figures, Hoa-tapu is sometimes …
Ilaheva
Ilaheva is a little-known name associated with Polynesian mythology, but its identity and traditional role are not securely established. Some modern mythology references describe Ilaheva as a female sea deity or as a com…
Kai-n-tiku-aba
Kai-n-tiku-aba is a little-known name associated with the traditional mythology of the Gilbert Islands, now the Republic of Kiribati in the central Pacific. The figure is sometimes placed under the broad heading of Polyn…
Laufakanaa
Laufakanaa is an obscure name associated in some modern reference lists with Polynesian mythology. Unlike widely attested figures such as Māui, Tangaroa, Tāne, or Tagaloa, Laufakanaa does not have a securely documented m…
Lo-au
Lo-au, more commonly written Loʻau or Loau, is a traditional Polynesian figure associated especially with Tonga. He is generally described not as a universal Polynesian god but as a culture hero, priest, lawgiver, or anc…
Tagaloa
Tagaloa is a major deity in several Polynesian religious traditions, especially those of Samoa and neighbouring island societies. The name is also written Tangaloa, Tāngaloa, or in related forms such as Tahitian Ta'aroa,…
Mahu-fatu-rau
Mahu-fatu-rau is an obscure name associated with Polynesian religious tradition. It is preserved mainly in older records of Polynesian mythology rather than in a widely circulated body of traditional stories. The survivi…