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=high&dev=1/earth/Atmosphere/moons/triton_atmosphere.html">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=high&dev=1/earth/Atmosphere/moons/triton_atmosphere.html">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

According to the Maori people of New Zealand, Rangi was the Sky Father and his wife was the ...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. She was the Tide Controller. One night she ...Read more

Maori: Rangi

According to the Maori people of New Zealand, Rangi was the Sky Father and his wife was the ...Read more

Hawaii: Pele

Pele is the fire goddess who resides in the Kilauea crater according to the people of Hawaii. ...Read more

Hawaii: Haumea

Haumea was the goddess of childbirth and fertility in Hawaiian mythology. Her children included ...Read more

Maui

Maui was the trickster hero of Polynesian mythology. It is said that Maui was born prematurely ...Read more

Rapa Nui: Makemake

Makemake was the creator of humanity and the god of fertility in the mythology of the South ...Read more

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