Cook mythology

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Cook mythology

The mythology Cook designates the myths and legends natives of the Cook Islands. According to oral tradition, the Cook Islands were populated from the VIII^e century or IX^e century in successive waves from Samoa, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus and probably also the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands. Nevertheless, according to archaeologist Patrick V. Kirch, certain environmental modifications observed on the islands of Mangaia and Aitutaki and dating from 2000 to 2500 years ago could be of human origin.

The Cook Islands were also one of the starting points for Polynesian migrations to New Zealand. Thus that of the vaka Takitumu (Rarotonga) towards the end of the XIII^e century towards the east coast of the North Island is confirmed by oral tradition and archeology. 

The southern part consists of the following islands:

• Aitutaki,
• Atiu,
• Mangaia,
• Manuae,
• Mauke,
• Mitiaro,
• Palmerston,
• Rarotonga
• and Takutea.

The northern part of the archipelago includes the islands of:

• Manihiki,
• Nassau,
• Penrhyn,
• Pukapuka,
• Rakahanga
• and Suwarrow.

Cook Mythology (text)

Pantheon of the Cook Islands

Pantheon

Various legends

• Karika's tribe
• Tangiia and Karika
• Taakura
• Ina and the Shark
• The Octopus and the Rat
• Raemaru
• Ati and the people from the Underworld (Momoke)
• UK  
• Ruatapu

Mangaia religion, myths and legends

• Religion
  • Affecting 
  • Gods 
  • Supernatural Brings 
  • Material Representations 
  • Incarnations 
  • Godhouses 
  • The Marae 
  • Priests 
  • Ritual 
  • Offerings
  • Human Sacrifice 
  • Incantations
  • Religious feasts 
  • Peace Drum
  • Regalia
  • Ablutions
• Sickness and Magic
• Death
  • Mournings
  • Death Songs and Dances
  • Death Talks
  • Funeral Eva
  • War eva
  • Adz eva
  • Crashing Eva
  • Death Dramas
• Spirits
  • Wanderings
  • Departing Places
  • Lower Spirit Realm
  • Upper Spirit Realm
  • Warriors' Spirit Realm

Religion, myths and legends of Manihiki and Rakahanga

• Plate Legends
  • Plate 1. Houses and Implements
  • Plate 2. Coconut Leaf Mats
  • Plate 3. Coconut Leaf Mat and Cooking Receptacles
  • Plate 4. Coconut Leaf Platters, Receptacles, Eye Shade, and Baskets
  • Plate 5. Satchels and Fans
  • Plate 6. Poncho, Kilt, and Mat
  • Plate 7. Canoes and Bailer
  • Plate 8. Fish Nets and Netting Needle
  • Plate 9. Paddles and Hooks
  • Plate 10. Weapons and Adzes
  • Plate 11. Wooden Gongs and Historical Play
• Religion
  • The gods 
  • Maraes
  • The Priesthood 
  • Ritual 
  • Minor gods
  • Prohibited Foods 
  • Religious Objects
• The Calendar 
  • Nights of the Moon 
  • The Annual Cycle
  • The Rakahangan Intercalation 
  • Stars

Free book

Oceanic Islands Mythology Books

Comics / Illustrated:

In French :

• Tales & Legends of Polynesia
• Tales of the sages of Polynesia
• Tahitian mythology for everyone: Maui, Hiro, Hina and company
• Mahine and the Flower Fairies: The Imaginary Tales of Tahiti
• Tahitian myths
• Hiro and Hina: Walks in the heart of the legends of Bora-Bora and other islands

Only in English:

• Oceanic Mythology: The Myths of Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia
• Mysterious Polynesia: The Myths, Legends, and Mysteries of the Polynesians
• Handbook of Polynesian Mythology
• The Shark Caller
• Pele, Volcano Goddess of Hawai'i
• The POLYNESIAN TATTOO Handbook
• The Maori: The History and Legacy of New Zealand's Indigenous People
• Maori Myths and Legendary Tales
• Purakau: Maori Myths Retold by Maori Writers
• The Straight Path of the Spirit: Ancestral Wisdom and Healing Traditions in Fiji
• Tonga's First King and Other Folktales
• Sina And The Magical Eel: Legends from Polynesia
• New Guinea Ceremonies