#maori

Folklore hero of several Polynesian islands. In all versions he is noted as a hero of humanity, but how he goes about his job differs, either being a wise man, a warrior, or a trickster figure. In the Māori version of the tale he has incredible strength and can shapeshift into animals. He is born prematurely and destined to die, but in life he performs many great feats. Using a fishhook made from his grandmother's jawbone and his own blood as bait he fishes up a giant fish which becomes the North Island of New Zealand (Te Ika-a-Māui) with his canoe becoming the South Island (Te Waka-a-Māui). Additionally he slows the movement of the sun and discovers fire for humanity from the goddes Mahuika, often with the help of his brothers. He is tricked by his father into believing he can achieve immortality for himself and all humans by defeating the goddess of death Hine-nui-te-pō, turning into a lizard and crawling into her vagina, but is crushed to death by the obsidian teeth inside. The Hawaiian version of Māui is a brother of four: Māui-mua, Māui-waena, Māui-ki'iki'i, and he as Māui-a-kalana. In similar fashion he slows the sun and dredges up the Hawaiian islands rather than New Zealand, but additionally is said to have lifted the sky so that it doesn't bare down on humans and made birds visible to human eyes. On almost all islands the story of him pulling up the land, slowing down the sun, and discovering fire are universal.

Pantheon: Polynesian

Domain or Function: Cultural hero who aids humanity by altering the natural world.

Alternate Names: Māui-a-kalana, Māui-tikitiki (Māui the top-knot), Māui-pōtiki (Māui the last born), and more.

Character Traits: Most often a trickster who will go to great lengths to achieve what he feels needs to be achieved, always with the best intentions for humanity at heart.

Visual Traits: Typically shown in art as a muscular man with flowing hair, sometimes in a top bun.

Symbolism: His fish hook, often called Mānaiakalani or makau.