The Demigod of Māui: Setting the Record Straight on Disney’s Portrayal

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

In 2016, Disney released Moana, an animated film that tells the story of a young Polynesian princess who sets sail on a quest to save her island and restore the heart of the ocean. While the movie was widely praised for its stunning animation and catchy soundtrack, one of its most iconic characters – Māui, the demigod – has been met with criticism from some quarters.

In this article, I will examine Disney’s portrayal of Māui and set the record straight on who he really is. I will draw on traditional Māori sources and historical records to provide a more nuanced understanding of this complex and multifaceted character.

The Story of Māui

Māui is a figure from Polynesian mythology, particularly in Māori culture. He is often depicted as a trickster and a shape-shifter, known for his cunning and cleverness. According to traditional Māori stories, Māui was born to a mortal mother and a godfather – the goddess of the sky, Mahuika.

One of Māui’s most famous exploits is his role in slowing down the sun by lassoing it with a magical rope. This story not only showcases Māui’s intelligence and resourcefulness but also highlights his connection to the natural world and his ability to manipulate its forces.

Māui’s other stories are just as fascinating, featuring him hauling islands up across the Pacific, speaking with gods and creatures of the earth, and even bringing fire to the world from the goddess Mahuika. These tales contain layers of knowledge that explain important aspects of the world and human behavior, passed down through generations for hundreds of years.

A Different Māui?

So what did Disney get right about Māui? While they certainly got his physical appearance and some of his personality traits correct – Māui is depicted as a lovable rogue with a penchant for mischief and mayhem – they also got several things wrong.

For one, Māui is not just a demigod; he is a multifaceted character with complex motivations and emotions. He is both brave and cowardly, intelligent and foolish, cunning and devious. This nuance was lost in Disney’s portrayal of him as simply a goofy sidekick to Moana.

Furthermore, Māui’s relationships with his people are far more complex than they were depicted on screen. In traditional Māori stories, Māui is often shown to be fiercely independent and non-conformist, challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries. He is also deeply connected to his ancestors and his people, using his cunning and intelligence to protect and provide for them.

The Real Impact of Disney’s Portrayal

So what impact did Disney’s portrayal of Māui have? On one hand, it introduced this iconic character to a new generation of audiences worldwide. On the other hand, it also reinforced stereotypes and tropes about Polynesian culture that can be damaging and inaccurate.

By portraying Māui as a one-dimensional sidekick, Disney perpetuated the myth that Pacific Islanders are either savages or tricksters. This erasure ignores the rich cultural heritage and complex histories of Pacific Island nations.

A New Era for Māui

However, there is hope on the horizon. As we move forward, it’s essential to get the stories right – to tell them with accuracy and respect. By exploring traditional Māori sources and historical records, we can develop a deeper understanding of this fascinating character and his place in our shared cultural heritage.

As I say, “Kia ara ake anō te kawa a Māui” – let the spirit of Māui arise. Let us celebrate his stories, his values, and his people. And let us continue to tell these stories with accuracy, respect, and pride.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Disney’s portrayal of Māui was a mixed bag. While they got some things right about his physical appearance and personality traits, they also got several things wrong – particularly when it came to his relationships with his people and the nuances of his character. As we move forward, it’s essential to get the stories right – to tell them with accuracy and respect.

By doing so, we can celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Pacific Island nations and develop a deeper understanding of this fascinating character and his place in our shared cultural heritage.