Maori mythology

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Maori mythology

When they settled in New Zealand, the Māori brought from the various islands from which they originated a certain number of stories which they adapted to their new environment and developed. The Mythology Maori describes their religion.

The Maori arrived in successive waves from the islands cooking and the Society Islands in New Zealand, IXe to XIVe century. Originally, the term literally means "ordinary", but this etymology is sometimes debated. In Tahitian, māori also means "in confidence", "as welcome". Haere māori mai! “Come, welcome! "(Dictionary of fare vana'a)

With the arrival of the first Europeans (the "Pākehā" or "Papa'a") in XVIIIe century, indigenous populations began to refer to themselves in this way, first of all in the form of tangata māori (ordinary person, native), to finally keep only "Maori".

Maori mythology

Maori mythology (texts)

The Maori religion by E. Best Cosmogony, Maori mythology by E. Best Pantheon of Maori Mythology by E. Best The Myth of Maui Légende de l’île engloutie Various myths and legends Moari Mythology by E. Best Maori poetry

Folk Songs and Chants

Two South Island Chants

Love Chants

Laments for the Dead

Oceanic Islands Mythology Books

Comics / Illustrated:

In French :

Only in English: