Maori Legends

The ancient Maori peopled his word with imaginative yet clearly-defined gods and manifestations. He had his own vivid account of the creation of the world, the separation and the clothing of the Earth Mother, and the ornamenting of the Sky Father with sun, moon and stars by Tane-matua. Tangaroa, the god of the sea, is at war with Tane of the Forests, and both are attacked by Tawhiri-matea, the god of winds. The adventures of the gods of the Maori pantheon had an important influence on thought and custom, and provided assurance that man and his surroundings were under the guardianship of gods who were prepared to protect those who honoured them. There were tender stories of love and endurance, terrifying tales of monsters and ghostly creatures in the night, and belief in an after-life. There were enchanted people of the forest, supernatural animals who preyed on human beings, and malignant sea-creatures who invaded the land by night. There were many stories of the sun, moon, and stars. Mountains, rivers, and lakes were given names and characters and often acted as human beings, as also did the trees and forest plants, the wind and the weather. There were tales of flying men, giants, witches, and evil wizards. From this rich treasure store Roger Hart has selected subjects to illustrate intriguing aspects of Maori lore and takes the reader behind the scenes of Maori belief in the supernatural. The text is accompanied by vivid illustrations.