Mythology of the Polynesian islands

Visit the links to learn about the Polynesian myths related to objects in the sky, and aspects of their world.

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<a href="/mythology/planets/dwarf_planets/makemake.html&edu=elem&dev=1">Makemake</a> was the creator of humanity and the god of fertility in the mythology of the South Pacific island of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island). He was also the chief god of the bird-man cult, and was worshipped in the form of sea birds. This image shows a petroglyph of Makemake on Easter Island. In July 2008, a <a href="/our_solar_system/dwarf_planets/makemake.html&edu=elem&dev=1">recently discovered dwarf planet</a> was named after Makemake.<p><small><em> Public domain image/Wikipedia Commons</em></small></p>

Explore Mythology of the Polynesian islands

Maori: Papa

The Maori people of New Zealand believe that at the beginning of time the sky was so in love ...Read more

Maori: Tangaroa

Tangaroa was one of the children of the Sky Father, Rangi, and Mother Earth, Papa. He was ...Read more

Maori: Tawhiri

Tawhiri was very angry with his brothers. They disagreed about whether their parents, Rangi ...Read more

Maori: Rona

Rona was the daughter of the sea god Tangaroa. One night she was carrying a bucket with water ...Read more

Maori: Rangi

The Maori people of New Zealand believe that at the beginning of time the sky was so in love ...Read more

Hawaii: Pele

Pele is a fire goddess according to the people of Hawaii. She is savage and wrathful and resides ...Read more

Hawaii: Haumea

Haumea was a goddess in Hawaiian mythology. She was the goddess of childbirth. One of her children ...Read more

Maui

Maui was a hero of Polynesian mythology. For Maui and his mother the days were too short. Maui ...Read more

Rapa Nui: Makemake

In South Pacific mythology, Makemake was the creator of humanity and the god of fertility. ...Read more

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