Polynesian Gods & a glimpse into Rapanui mithology

A glimpse into Rapanui mithology by Vanessa Watanabe

The ancient inhabitants of Rapa Nui maintained their deep-rooted beliefs even after the arrival of foreigners and missionaries. These beliefs were embodied in the “creation chants” inscribed on the enigmatic rongo rongo tablets. In these chants, the narration and explanation of how all elements emerged from an absolute darkness called “Po” were detailed. .

According to Rapanui mythology, the union of various elements gave rise to more complex entities, leading to the birth of the first gods. This creation resulted from the union of Rangi Nui, the god of the sky, and Papatuanuku, the goddess of the earth and sea. Initially, the sky and the earth were close, but Tāne Mahuta separated them to provide space and light to the world.

Paumotu conception of the heavens.
An 1869 illustration by a Tuomatuan chief.

Haua and Make-make are gods associated with the Tangata Manu cult, which experienced a decline after the introduction of Catholicism. Other enduring deities in Rapanui memory include Hina, the goddess of the moon; Hiro, the god of wind and rain; Tangaroa, the multifaceted creator god; Uoke, the god of creation and devastation. Additionally, figures like Tane, Rongo, and Lono, along with demigods and a variety of mythological creatures, contribute to the rich Polynesian and Rapa Nui cosmology.

Among the most prominent deities are the imposing moai, massive statues representing deified ancestors. It was believed that through the worship of these representations, the living maintained contact with their ancestors.

Despite the arrival of Catholicism and the subsequent decline of certain cults, these mythological beliefs remain an integral part of Rapa Nui’s cultural identity, reminding us of the richness and complexity of ancient Polynesian religion.

Excerpt from a creation chant collected in 1886, recited by Ure Va’e a’ Íko:

HE ÁHA TO RAUA ARIKI KÉ TE’I

He áha to Raua Ariki Kéte Mahua i uta nei? He tupu, tomo a Matamea i Rangi Rau. He tuatea to Rau Ariki kete Mahua i uta nei. Ánge rato mani rata, Ka rata te tuatea, Ka rata te rangi-rangi, Ka rata te Tupuna… He áha to Raua Ariki kete Mahua i uta nei? He hetú’u, he Rangi, te hana-hana Rá’a, he mahina to Raua Ariki kete Mahua i runga nei. E áha to Raua Ariki ki te Mahua i uta nei? E’a a runga nei. Ka rata te Ehu Rangi, hánana Rá’a, Mahina. Ánge rato Ka rata te Ehu Rangi hanana, Rá’a , mahina.

Excerpt from a creation chant collected in 1886, recited by Ure Va’e a’ Íko:

——– HE ÁHA TO RAUA ARIKI KÉ TE’I ———

What are your foreign gods doing there?

What are your foreign gods doing in your fields? They grow, land on Mars, and the hundreds of Skies. The Energy (Aura) of those gods Load your fields with Falsities. Intuit, solve the Riddle! Solve the Energy through its aura, solve the heavens and heavens, and you will solve the Ancestors! What are your foreign gods loaded with false things doing in your fields? The Stars, the power of the Sun and the moon. Your gods loaded with false things up here too. What are your foreign gods doing in your fields? Go up there yourself! You will understand, the cloudy sky, the power of the Sun, the moon! Solve the riddle, and you will understand the Cloudy Sky, the energy of the Sun, and the Moon!