Ep: 6. Maui, the Demigod (Polynesian Mythology)

Transcript

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Welcome, my mythic friends, to Mythos, according to yours truly, I'm your host, Wendy Morrow. If you noticed, our name is different, I changed it from Mythos to Myth This, because you guys are going to think it's so funny, but I decided that I want it to be different because there's so many podcasts out there that have Mythos, and I thought Myth This would be, it's kind of like, it's kind of fun, and since in my podcast we myth this lore, and we talk about it, get it? Get it? I thought it was clever, but I hope you guys like the new name, and I thought I better release some new episodes since I changed the name, but this is my very first episode with the new name, and I'm very excited to share, more. With you guys and like just to talk about these tales, these lores, the lessons we can take from them. If you're new here on this podcast, we dive into myths and folklore from all over the world. These stories have shaped cultures and stirred imaginations and kept us captivated for centuries. Together, we'll explore the origins, meanings, and mysteries behind these tales. Last week, our very last episode was Anansi, the spider, and I shared how that like, meant so much to me, just his tale in general, because he spreads wisdom. Well, he went through this whole like, journey to, to, Just gain wisdom and spread it throughout the entire world and I was like, oh my gosh I can relate to that because that's what I want to do through these tales, of course, but Today's tale. Okay, we're talking about Maui the demigod If you love Moana, you're going to love this story, obviously Maui honestly guys the first time I saw Moana, I cried so much because the whole movie is about family and like getting to know yourself and your purpose and Moana had to go through all of these trials and when her grandma died, I literally, ugh, I cried so hard because it just made me feel so connected to my ancestors and like my purpose. I don't know if any of you guys cried, but I was bawling and there was like a bunch of kids around me. I think I was, how old was I? I was probably I don't know, I was 16 years old, I think. I was pretty young but I was bawling and they were like looking at me like I was crazy because I was like older But I loved it so much and i'm very excited to talk about it. It's one of my very favorite tales ever this is actually a polynesian mythology So I think it's pretty cool. I have some polynesian friends. I love so much and they're so interesting I love their food. Their culture is amazing and I can't wait to dive into this so, grab your favorite drink and gather around my campfire for a tale you won't forget. Okay, let me set the scene for you. Picture a vast Pacific Ocean, a living, breathing entity, stretching as far as the eye can see. Scattered across shimmering waters are the islands of Polynesia, each one unique yet bound by a shared history, culture, and mythology. Their air is warm, heavy with the scent of salt and hibiscus, And the sky is a canvas of endless blue By day and in infinite stars by night. For the Polynesian people, These islands are more than homes. They are gifts from the gods, Formed through divine intervention and heroic deeds. Life here is deeply connected to nature, and guided by oral traditions, passed from one generation to the next. At the heart of many of these stories, Maui, the demigod, whose cunning, bravery, and audacity shaped the world as we know it. Roots of the Myth. The tale of Maui are not the stories confined to a single island or culture. From Hawaii to New Zealand, from Tonga to Tahiti, Maui's legends transcended boundaries, weaving together a tapestry of shared history, shared heritage. In Polynesian cosmology, he is both trickster and hero, a figure who defies the gods and bends nature to his will, all for the benefit of humankind. His stories are not just entertaining, they are a profound explanation of the world. And I truly believe so. It's just a unique take of everything. They teach lessons about perseverance, cleverness, and the relationship between humans, nature, and the divine. Through Maui, Polynesian people celebrated their connection of their ancestors, their environment, and their gods. And so, with the sound of crashing waves and the glowing of mythic campfire, let us dive into a remarkable adventure of Maui. The Tale of Slowing the Sun. In ancient times, the sun raced across the sky, leaving little light for the people to fish, farm, and live their lives. The night stretched long and cold, and frustration grew. Maui, observing the struggles of his people, decided to confront the problem. I will tame the sun, Maui declared to the elders. His voice was calm, but resolute. If it refuses to listen, I will force it to obey. With the help of his family, Maui began crafting a rope from flax fibers, weaving it with a sacred chance that imbued it with mana, spiritual energy. At dawn, Maui and his brothers climbed Haliakila, it means the house of the sun. It is the tallest mountain on the island. They waited in silence at the first golden rays lit the horizon. When the sun began its. Hurried ascent, Maui threw the rope. With practiced precision, ensuring its fiery limbs, the sun wreathed and blazed, its flames searing the rocks. Release me, mortal, it roared. But Maui stood firm, his grip unyielding. You move too fast, he said. My people suffer. You must fill your journey across the sky. The sun fought, but Maui's strength prevailed. Bolstered by his divine heritage, was unmatchable. Finally, the sun conceded. Very well, it said. I will move slowly, but I will shine as fiercely as ever. From that day forward, the people of Polynesia enjoyed longer days, their lives transformed by Maui's daring and determination. Pulling the island of the sea. Another tale. Maui's gaze often turned to the endless ocean, imagining a world filled with more land of his people. One day, he told his brothers, Beneath the waves lies a hidden world. With your help, I will bring it to the surface. Using his enchanted fish hook, Maniakuliani. I think I definitely said that wrong. Let me try that again. Maniakulani. Maui set out with his brothers in their canoe. As they reached the deepest part of the ocean, he began chanting sacred prayers, calling to the spirit below. He cast his line into the water, the fishhook glowing with divine energy. So if you have not caught on now, you should know that Moana was never part of the tale, but Maui was considered a demigod. Even though he had like human parents, because of the deed he did for the people, he blessed the people of his tribe, so they, Raised him up to be this demigod in their eyes now We had brothers that helped him throughout his journey in most of histories he's considered a god, some he's considered a demigod, and in others, just a human, but in most, he is a demigod because of the blessings he gave towards the people, his family, his tribe, or just throughout history, he's just been proclaimed a demigod. And we esteem him as such. Okay, let's move on. Using his enchanted fish hook, Maui set out with his brothers in their canoe. As they reached the deepest part of the ocean, he began chanting sacred brother prayers. Calling to the spirit below, he cast his line into the water, his fish hook glowing with divine energy. Suddenly, the line pulled taut. Row with all your might, Maui commanded, his voice ringing with urgency, But do not look back, No matter what you hear or feel. Suddenly the line pool taught, Row with all your might, Maui commanded. His voice ringing with urgency, But do not look back, No matter what you hear or feel. The brothers rowed furiously, The canoe straining as something Massive rose from the depths. The water churned and swirled, and slowly the tips of lush green islands began to emerge. Mountains and valleys formed at the land's stretch towards the sky. But curiosity got the better of one brother, who glanced back. The spell broke. The islands stopped rising, leaving them scattered across the Pacific as they are today. Even so, Maui said, surveying the newly born islands, we have created a home of our people, a place of beauty and life. And so it was. If you've ever been to those islands, they're absolutely gorgeous. I've never been. I want to go. You guys should let me know. If you've ever been. Just how beautiful it is and what your experience is. I know that there's so many beautiful like architecture there as well. Many historical things to see but let me know put it down below in the comment section. Stealing fire for mankind. The nights were cold and dark, and the people had no fire to warm themselves, or cook their food. Maui knew the secrets of fire, was guarded by Mahiika, the goddess of flames, who lived in fiery caves deep within the volcano. Mahayuka, the goddess of flames. She lived in a fiery cave deep within the volcano. Determined, Maui traveled to her lair. Mahayuka, her hair glowed like embers and her eyes blazed, greeting him with suspicion.'Why have you come here, Maui? she asked, her voice crackling.'My people suffer in the cold, Maui replied.'I seek the Seeker of Fire to bring them warmth and light.'Maha'ika, agreed, pulled one of her flaming fingernails and handed it to him.'Use this wisely, she said. But Maui, ever the trickster, extinguished the flames and returned, claiming it had been lost. Again and again and again, maha'ika gave him her fiery nails until only one remained. Maha'ika returned, realizing his deceit. She unleashed a fiery rage, sending flames roaring across the land. Maui transformed into a bird and flew to a, and flew to safety, clutching the last ember of fire. As he soared across the island, he hid the ember in the wood of trees. From the day, from that day forward, the Polynesian people learned to create fire by rubbing sticks together, thanks to Maui's cunning and bravery. So, to expound on that, he took the last nail and put it in a tree, and because he put it in that tree, it like merged with that tree, and that's how fire was created, through embers. Assuming that it grew in every tree, you're able to find fire now. So, I don't know how that works, but this is just a tale, and I love it. It really makes you think of, how this story was, brought about, Because this is something that was told throughout generations, and I truly believe it was morphed into something, into a tale, because it was more digestible that way. But I'm sure it's because of some, catastrophe that happened throughout history. And it's been turned into this story of how these people grew from these trials and how they learned to cope with all of these horrible things that's happened to them. Let's talk about the cultural significance of Maui stories. Because it's more than just a myth. They're a profound reflection of the Polynesian values. Through Maui's actions, The people learned about mana, the spiritual energy that connects all living things, and the importance of courage, ingenuity, and community. His tale explains the natural world while teaching resilience and adaptive traits that help the Polynesian people thrive across vast challenging environments. Maui is a reminder of humanity's power to shape the world, a symbol of endless potential within each of us. what a great message. Alright guys, we've reached the part of our episode where it's time to myth this lore. Let's talk about this story. Obviously there's so much to learn from it. I have chosen, today I have chosen, a scripture from Psalms 24 verse 1. This is the King James Version. It says, and it quotes, The earth is the lord's and the fullness thereof the world and they that dwell therein. Okay? The reason I chose the scripture to go with this tale is because maui's Feats demonstrates his ability to shape the world just the creator shaped the earth, in whichever creator you believe in. In these scriptures, it emphasizes the divine ownership of the world and all its elements, much like, Maui's uses his gifts to manipulate natural forces. The message encourages us to remember that our abilities are gifts and we should use them for greater good. We shouldn't hide our talents maui, acted right. He went and, use his talent of shape shifting to help other people. Actually, it reminds me of the story of Loki, because Loki also uses his shape shifting abilities to help people sometimes, but unlike Loki, Maui doesn't use it to, he doesn't harm people or those he claimed to love. If anything, the only people he's harming is the gods he's stealing from The story of Maui reminds us to use the things that the world has given us. The things that God has blessed us with I believe that, In this story, Maui teaches us that we should be courageous, we should act. I love how his brothers helped him. He was a leader. And obviously Moana isn't in this story, but we can put ourselves in this story. And we can, let our family influence us. I love how his family helped him do so many of the courageous acts. They helped him literally move mountains, isn't that crazy? Like that, that's such a crazy thought. I know in the scriptures, like if we have faith as small as mustard seed, we can move mountains. And that's a quote from a scripture. But if we have faith, We can do many things, but also if we do it with other people, we can do great things because Maui, had his brothers help him. Unlike the movies I wanted to share my personal story of how, I feel like my adoption has caused me to reflect a lot about my ancestors and my history and what I can do to help them. I know that like, I've mentioned this before, but genealogy means so much to me. Just finding out a lot about my history. Because I don't know much, and I would love to know more about where I'm from, where I come from, the history of my people. I want to spread that knowledge, and I want to gain that knowledge for myself. And I'm just in the beginning stages of doing so. But I truly believe that the more I know about my history, the stronger I will become in my purpose. Um, obviously, Knowing where I come from will help me know where I need to go, that's why I love this story. I love the message of integrity and faith that Maui shows. I really want to hear you guys thoughts on this. We can have a little discussion. I will be creating an Instagram for this podcast, so you guys can go check it out. It's called Myth This, according to yours truly. So, go look at that, I'll see if I can put it in the show notes, but I'm very, very excited to talk about our next episode, it's Thor's hammer, Mjolnir. I'm very excited to talk about our next episode. I think you guys will be too. But before we end this episode, I want to ask you guys a question, and I'll put this question on my Instagram as well How can we, like Maui, use our gifts to benefit the world around us, while ensuring we don't let pride or selfishness cloud our intentions? I asked this question because I feel like sometimes we use our gifts and we just become very, very prideful and we think we're the smartest person in the room. But we're really not. I would really like to know your guys thoughts on this, how you feel about it. What you wish you had heard in the story I'm very glad you guys were able to join me on today's episode. I'll see you next time.