Pele

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Pele

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Hawaiian legend of Pele and Hi'iaka. This paper will discuss myths and legends of Hawaii that represent the culture, literacy and fantasy perceived by the natives. The understanding of Pele and Hi'iaka myth does not accompany historical basis and valid proof. Nonetheless, the myth of Pele and Hi'iaka represent the stories which have been passed from generation to generation. According to the legend, Pele was born of Kane and Haumea. In addition, the legend also describes Pele as goddess that shapes the sacred land and volcanoes along with the capability to control fire.

Nonetheless, the goddess believed and worshiped by the natives of Hawaii since decades. According to the legend, the goddess was pursued by her older sister Na-maka-o-kana'i, who was very angry with her and blamed her for seducing her husband. The myth concerning older sister of Pele declares her as the goddess of water and the seas. The legend tells that Pele used to travel around various islands until she came to Mauna Loa. There are different cultural events celebrated in Hawaii that reflect the belief concerning the goddess of volcanoes.

The Myth of Pele and Hi'iaka

According to the myth, Pele governs any kind of outbreak, in particular the lava of volcanoes. The legend tells that Pele used to live in the silent depths of Mount Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This legend is alive till today as the tiny lava formations discoveries around the volcano are known as “tears of Pele”. According to another local legend, the misfortune will befall on the wretches who shirk one of these stones to his kingdom. Famous for its passionate romances no less than for his fiery temper, Pele often manifested her followers in the form of a seductive woman, beautiful as the moon. Nonetheless, some assert that the manifestation was governed by a browned skinned lady as rough as lava.

Whatever aspect of the goddess chooses to manifest itself, no one could disregard the temptation of influence along with her ability to destroy and create. At the time of the story to the peaceful inhabitants of the archipelago of Tahiti was imposed by the priestly caste the bloody worship of the new god Oro. Not all were able; however, to accept this cruel deity that demanded more and more numerous and bloody human sacrifices. Therefore, it was that a handful of sixty men and women faithful to the old gods led by Tamatoa king of Bora Bora and his younger brother that stood against this trend.

They left the archipelago to look for a new place to live in peace, away from the madness of extermination. Exiles brought with them the ancient gods Tane and Ta'aroa (respectively the god of wind and god of the ocean) represented by two ancient sacred stones. They left with supplies, animals and plants to grow in the new land they hoped to find in the north and where they intend ...