Samoan Mythology

Plunge into the powerful world of the ancient Samoans, where gods like Tagaloa soar through the heavens and demigods battle terrifying monstrous spirits. Explore the epic sagas of creation the perilous ocean voyage on which fearless wayfinders navigated to make first landfall, when winged animals littered their boat with fish and guiding supernatural spirits born from loved ones returned to guide them home the pivotal importance of names and titles within Samoan culture why zealous missionaries tried to suppress those stories how the arrival of Europeans realigned social structure why historical birthright leaders resolved into a traditional role known as that oral history began as chants, took form like legends mystery surround identity theft how certain important figures in Polynesian mythology such as warrior queen Nafanua or trickster Moso prove amplified and repeated throughout all sacrifice represented an aspect of many cultural rituals. This volume is an indispensable guide to the colourful traditions, sacred realms and enduring legends which carved out the heart of Polynesia.Step over the threshold of old Samoa where goddesses light up the darkest shores and gods control the winds. By lively narrations of sacred tales that havefor countless generations formed the gospel of Pacific Islandlife, this captivating collection displays themultiplicity and metaphor of Samoan myth. Get to know Fiti, a fearsome god who is lord of the storms and teaches ambitious mortals who learn to defy his power a lesson or two in humility. Learn about Luma, the lovely goddess who spreads light and wealth to those in need. Each tale demonstrates that the people of Samoa have long established a life long connection to their natural environment in divine intervention, moral instruction and story telling.But these stories are more than just fun. They have a lot to teach us about courage, respect, humility and the tenuous relationship between gods and men. Readers can watch as ancient Samoans came to understand their place in the universe and discovered ways to handle life’s harsh truths with respect and grace by encountering powerful gods like Tagaloa and Papa. Myths have eternal themes - like pride and what happens when you don’t control it, the virtues of true faith and how kindness can change the course of events.This is a collection, but it’s also an education in Samoan culture and spirituality. It’s written in very understandable story format that respects actual Samoan traditions and keeps contemporary readers entertained. Each tale stands alone as a lesson, but together they make up part of a larger cosmological vision explaining the Polynesian world view that every wave, wind and living thing happens for a reason from God. Readers will be transported to a reality where the jurisdiction of the sacred and material worlds overlaps, where truths discovered ages ago are still relevant today, and where rays of ancient wisdom illuminate those who chase it. And that goes for readers whether they’re seeking cultural information, spiritual guidance or simply interesting tales about what gods and humans have in common.