Opportunities to Demonstrate Courage

Māui, the demigod from Polynesian mythology, is often portrayed as a mischievous trickster who slows down the Sun’s journey across the sky. However, this simplistic representation does not capture the complexity of his character and exploits.

A Free Thinker and Clever Trickster

One of Māui’s names is “Māui-pōtiki,” or “Māui the youngest sibling.” This signals the characteristics of someone who challenged the status quo – a free thinker and a clever trickster. He was innovative, intelligent, confident, and resourceful – and most of what he did would benefit the whole community. However, he could also be devious, cruel, and jealous as he pushed to achieve his goals.

Facing Challenges

Māui faced a series of challenges, some forced upon him, such as surviving his infancy. At birth, he was presumed dead (or near death) and was abandoned to the sea. His grandfather rescued and raised him, teaching him skills, knowledge, and karakia – the spiritual means to bend the laws of the universe in his favor.

A Series of Exploits

Māui is credited with many other exploits. He hauled islands up across the Pacific. He spoke with the gods and creatures of the Earth. He even brought fire to the world from the goddess Mahuika and came close to conquering death. Each story contains layers of knowledge, explaining important aspects of the world and human behavior.

Spreading Stories Across the Seas

These stories have been passed down through generations for hundreds of years – spread with our voyaging ancestors across the Pacific, the largest continent in the world. As such, Māui pops up in stories all across Polynesia, reaching into Melanesia and Micronesia. While the tales about the character, attitude, aptitude, and mana (the spiritual lifeforce) are similar, variations exist across Polynesia.

A Launch Pad for Addressing Current Issues

Perhaps the sequel to Moana will now reawaken Māui-based discussions on marae (Māori communal spaces) and other Pacific forums. Or perhaps the spirit of Māui will see this “harmless rascal” persona as a launch pad to galvanize his descendants into addressing the ills that face them today.

Conclusion

As we watch Moana, let us not forget the true story of Māui – a demigod who embodied courage, creativity, and determination. His spirit continues to inspire and guide our people, offering valuable lessons on how to navigate life’s challenges and make a positive impact on the world around us.

* Mike Ross is the Head of School, Te Kawa a Māui, School of Māori Studies at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington