Maori Mythology

Hi everybody. Today I'll be introducing 10 Mythological Creatures from Maori Mythology. Also today it is my last blog post so I am hoping to make a vlog channel for Raisa's Mythological Creature Blog. Anyways, let's start the Maori Mythology.



The last blog post starts with Hakawai, a mythological bird. It is heard occasionally by the Maoris, but not usually seen in New Zealand, the place where they live. According to myth, it was one of the eleven most sacred birds to the Maori people.

Manaia is a creature that is a hybrid of a bird and a fish. It appears on many motifs and emblems. According to Maoris, it is a messenger creature that sends messages between two worlds: the world were the Maori mortals live and the world where spirits roam free.

Patupaiarehe are spirits that live in forests and the summits of mountains in New Zealand. They are sometimes very unfriendly to us humans. Some people believe that when these creatures are present in the area, they hear flute music and singing.

Poukai is a monster bird. In some Maori myths, it kills and eats humans. This bird has similar characteristics to the now extinct Haast's Eagle, which is a very massive and strong bird. It was believed to hunt moas and was not extinct until 100 years when the Maoris arrived. 

Taniwha are beings that live in rivers, dark caves and places where there are lots of massive waves. They are sometimes considered guardians of people or places, or as dangerous predators that sometimes kidnap women to be their wives. At sea, Taniwha are believed to be seen as a shark or a whale.

Te Wheke a Muturangi is an octopus monster that has similar features to the Kraken. He was kept as a pet by Muturangi, a Maori priest. According to a story, when an explorer called Kupe reached New Zealand, he chased the octopus and when he caught it, Kupe cut all of his arms off and killed it.

Tipua is a demon that could morph into everyday objects like trees and rocks. Sometimes if the creature is in these forms, it could be found inhabiting them. According to some Maoris, many stone Tipua can move from place to place.

Ika-Roa is a fish that gave birth to every star in the Milky Way galaxy. Her name translates into 'Hard Rock' or 'Long Fish'. The Maoris believed that her name is also the Maori way of saying 'Milky Way'.

Today's (and the blog's, sadly :-() last creature is Ikatere, the god of all sea creatures, including mermaids. He is the son of Punga and his brother is Tu-te-wehiwehi. When Tawhiri, the god of storms, declared war on his brothers, they fled. Tu-te-wehiwehi fled to the forest while Ikatere took refuge in the sea. Maoris believe that fish are his children.

That's it for the blog. I'm very sorry everyone, but in the holidays I hope to rise again with a Mythological Creature Vlog Channel!! See you then!