Hawaiian Mythology (Paperback)

by Martha Warren Beckwith (Author) "HOW traditional narrative art develops orally among a nature-worshiping people like the Polynesians can be best illustrated by surveying the whole body of such art..." (more)
Key Phrases: aumakua world, tapu nights, kilu game, More Tales, South Sea, New Zealand (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Invaluable for all those whose interest lies with the myths, legends, traditions, and folktales of the Hawaiian peoples . . . a classic of Hawaiian ethnography and folklore."

Product Description

"This is Martha Beckwith's monumental study of Hawaiian mythology. Beckwith utilized numerous texts which are today rare or hard to obtain to construct this study. She gives all available variants of each myth or legend, including versions from other Pacific islands including Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa and others. This is primarily a critical edition of the key Hawaiian myths, and Beckwith largely does not attempt to interpret the texts, rather to examine both variant narratives and core folklore motifs. The book covers every significant theme in Hawaiian mythology, from the origin myths of the Hawaiian gods and goddesses, to more recent legends of star-crossed lovers. She also covers such topics as Kahunas (sorcerors) and Menehunes (fairies)." (Quote from sacred-texts.com)

About the Author

"Martha Warren Beckwith was a student of the anthropologist Franz Boas, whose work on the Native cultures of British Columbia had an enormous influence on modern ethnography (you may have heard of the great African-American writer, Zora Neale Hurston; she also studied with Boas)." (Quote from mythfolklore.net)

Table of Contents

Publisher's Preface; Preface; Part One: The Gods; Coming Of The Gods; Ku Gods; The God Lono; The Kane Worship; Kane And Kanaloa; Mythical Lands Of The Gods; Lesser Gods; Sorcery Gods; Guardian Gods; The Soul After Death; Part Two: Children Of The Gods; The Pele Myth; The Pele Sisters; Pele Legends; Kamapua'a; Hina Myths; Maui The Trickster; Aikanaka-kaha'i Cycle; Wahieloa-laka Cycle; Haumea; Part Three: The Chief; Papa And Wakea; Genealogies; Era Of Overturning; Mu And Menehune People; Runners, Man-eaters, Dog-men; The Moikeha-la'a Migration; Hawaiiloa And Paao Migrations; Ruling Chiefs; Usurping Chiefs; Part Four: Heroes And Lovers In Fiction; Kupua Stories; Tri --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press (January 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824805143
• ISBN-13: 978-0824805142
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,923 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Insightful, November 26, 2002

By A Customer

This is a great book for delving into the myths, gods, legend and lore of Hawaii's people. For anyone interested in the deeper levels and meanings behind Hawaii's traditions and beliefs. As a student of the culture I return again and again to this book. It can be a bit dry at times, and is suited more for the student than casual reader, but is a great addition to any library.

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hawaiian Mythology, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

This is a very thorough and interesting book about the ancient Hawaiian myths. Martha Beckwith's book Hawaiian Mythology leaves no stone unturned when it comes to an extremely comprehensive look at the myths that have been passed down by the Hawaiians for hundreds of years. It tells adventurous tales of deities and those who were in their favor, romantic accounts of Gods and mortals, and incredible feets of the strong,the stuff of legend. It is truly an incredible account of history and myth.