Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

60279

Title

Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Nathaniel Bright Emerson presents a foundational Hawaiian myth of Pele, the volcanic fire-queen, and her sister Hiiaka. This collection preserves oral traditions and poetic chants, focusing on Hiiaka's heroic journey to resurrect her beloved Lohiau. Blending ethnographic research with lyrical storytelling, the text offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and volcanic heart of ancient Hawaii.

Summary up to 500 words

In Nathaniel Bright Emerson's *Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii*, the narrative centers on the volcanic fire-queen Pele and her sister, the sorceress Hiiaka, who flee their ancestral home in Kahiki after Pele's ambitious eruptions threaten to destroy their family. Accompanied by powerful deities such as the great shark-god Ka-moho-alii, the sisters travel across the Pacific, testing potential new lands with a divining rod. They eventually arrive in Hawaii, where Pele christens the islands of Nihoa and Lehua, establishing her volcanic dominion. The story shifts focus to Hiiaka's heroic mission to save her beloved lover, Lohiau, who has died. Hiiaka employs complex necromancy, chanting prayers to gods like Kane and Kanaloa, and utilizing magical herbs to restore his spirit. Her journey is fraught with danger; she battles supernatural forces, disguises herself to navigate treacherous landscapes like the cliffs of Kalalau, and traverses the volcanic terrain of Puna. Through relentless prayer and magical skill, Hiiaka successfully restores Lohiau to life, allowing him to surf and feast with the gods. However, the myth concludes with a tragic turn. Pele's forces, driven by jealousy and the volatile nature of volcanic love, descend upon the scene. Despite Hiiaka's efforts, Lohiau is ultimately claimed by death, highlighting the destructive power of nature and the painful realities of passion. Emerson's work serves as a crucial historical record, preserving unwritten Hawaiian literature and the voices of the older generation before their memories faded. By weaving together poetry, chant, and prose, the text captures the independent spirit of Hawaiian mythology, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of natural forces and human emotion.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Legends
• Hawaii