Maori Folklore Or The Ancient Traditional History Of The New Zealanders

Herein you will find 23 Maori Myths and Legends collated and translated by Sir George Grey, Governor of New Zealand from November 1845 – January 1854 and again from December 1861 – February 1868. You will find legends and stories like The Children Of Heaven And Earth, The Legend Of Maui, The Legend Of Tawhaki, Rupe's Ascent Into Heaven, Kae's Theft Of The Whale and many, many other Maori and Polynesian myths.

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When Sir George became governor (in 1845) of New Zealand during the Maori wars, he soon perceived that to successfully govern and to conciliate that he needed to have a grasp of Maori language, manners, customs and religion. He found that the older chiefs were continually quoting from their ancient legends and poems. This inspired him to become acquainted with Maori mythology. Polynesian mythology is chiefly a translation of Nga Mahinge, comprising 23 legends including the children of heaven and earth, the legends of Maui and of Tawhaki and the discovery of New Zealand. Grey later recorded the mythology that he had collected for posterity, and the book was first published in 1855.