Traditional M Ā Ori Mythology - 1348 Words

Traditional MÄ ori mythology shapes todays contempory MÄ ori worldview. Within MÄ ori folklore, the mythological accounts surrounding the Pan-Pacific demi-god character of MÄ ui (Newman 2015) underpin the foundation upon which MÄ ori beliefs and tikanga (the correct way of doing this) is established.The various tales of MÄ ui serve as guidance for MÄ ori beliefs and MÄ ori custom, illuminating principles which can be applied to their daily routine and when interacting with others (Ministry of Justice 2015).The fundamental MÄ ori concepts of whakapapa (genealogy or connection), mana (power and authority) and utu (reciprosity of actions) are values established throughout the tales of MÄ ui which many MÄ ori value in their tikanga. This essay will explore MÄ ui Mythology and the fundamental concepts found within while examining how they realte to tinkanga. More than just stories MÄ ui was the pÃ… tikÄ « (youngest child) of Taranga and MakeatÃ… «tara. He is a demi-god with some of the limitations of human kind, but with extraordinary abilities which enabled him to have conrtrol over many aspects of nature (Reed 2004:117). From birth he possessed numerous traits such as those of cunning and resourcefulness setting him apart from his older brothers (Clark 1993:36-37). The adventures of MÄ ui provide an explanation for MÄ ori as to how world was created. Classical Mythology acredits MÄ ui with acts such as fishing up the North Island, taming the Sun and harnessing the power of fire (Newman 2015).