The Legends and Myths of Hawaii: The fables and folk-lore of a strange people

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

56597

Title

The Legends and Myths of Hawaii: The fables and folk-lore of a strange people

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Authored by Hawaiian King David Kalakaua, this volume preserves the fables and folk-lore of a unique Polynesian culture. It details ancient arts, customs, and legends, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the spiritual life, social hierarchy, and heroic narratives of pre-contact Hawaii.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by Hon. R. M. Daggett with a preface acknowledging contributions from figures like Liliuokalani and Abram Fornander, *The Legends and Myths of Hawaii* serves as both a historical record and a treasury of mythology authored by His Hawaiian Majesty David Kalakaua. The text begins with an extensive overview of ancient Hawaiian civilization, detailing their material culture: dwellings constructed of wood and thatch facing east toward the god Kane, clothing made of kapa cloth, and tools fashioned from stone, bone, and wood due to the absence of metals. Daily life is explored through the consumption of poi and taro, the use of awa root for stupefying beverages, and the significance of the royal yellow feather mantle (mamo). Social structure is defined by strict tabus governing chiefs and priests, as well as the division of household spaces into separate apartments for men, women, and specific functions. The narrative covers athletic pursuits like surfing and the holua sledging contest, musical traditions involving drums and flutes, and mourning customs that could temporarily suspend legal order. A comprehensive glossary defines hundreds of Hawaiian terms related to nature, warfare, games, and cosmology. The core of the book consists of legendary tales, including the story of Umi, a peasant prince who rises against the tyrannical King Hakau with the aid of learned priests Nunu and Kakohe. These narratives illustrate themes of divine intervention, the power of genealogy (mele), and the conflict between royal authority and priestly wisdom. The legends also touch upon political upheavals, such as the destruction of temples and the secret disposal of royal bones to prevent desecration by enemies. Through these stories, Kalakaua presents a world where the gods actively influence human affairs, navigation relies on celestial knowledge, and the community is bound by complex systems of honor, sacrifice, and oral tradition.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Legends
• Myths