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TANE MAHUTA
God of the forests and birds
In the Kauri forests in the north of the North Island of New Zealand lives Tane Mahuta, the largest living Kauri tree. Tane is a truly breathtaking sight, and is of approximate age 1250 years. By comparison, the oldest remaining and second largest kauri is 2000 years old, Te Matua Ngahere, father of the forest.
"the beginning"
In the beginning Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, clung togther as their offspring lived in darkness.
Their children were vexed that they could not see, and argued among themselves as to how night and day might be made manifest. The fierce Tu Matauenga (god of war) urged that they kill their parents, but Tane Mahuta (god of the forests) counselled that they separate their father Rangi from their mother Papa and in that way achieve their object.
Tane's wisdom prevailed, and in turn each of the children struggled mightily to prise the Sky from the Earth. Rongo (god of cultivated food) and Tangaroa (god of the sea) did all they could, and the belligerent Tu Matauenga cut and hacked. But these efforts were to no avail. Finally it was Tane Mahuta who by thrusting with his mighty feet gradually lifted the anguished Rangi away from the agonised Papa. So was night distinguished from day.
Heartbroken, Rangi shed an immense quantity of tears, so much so that the oceans were formed. Tawhiri (god of wind and storm), who had opposed his brothers in the venture, was fearful that Papa would become too beautiful, and followed his father to the realm above. From there he swept down in fury to lash the trees of Tane Mahuta until, uprooted, they fell in disarray. Tawhiri then turned his rage on Tangaroa (god of the sea) who sought refuge in the depths of the ocean.
But as Tangaroa fled his many grandchildren were confused, and while the fish made for the seas with him, the lizards and reptiles hid among rocks and the battered forests. It was then for Tangaroa to feel anger. His grandchildren had deserted him and were sheltering in the forests.
So it is that to this day the sea is eating into the land, slowly eroding it and hoping that in time the forests will fall and Tangaroa will be reunited with his offspring.
Beautiful World
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