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Māui or Maui is the great culture hero and trickster in Polynesian mythology. Very rarely was Māui actually worshipped, being less of a deity (Demigod) and more of a folk hero. His origins vary from culture to culture, but many of his main exploits remain relatively similar.

Tales of Māui's exploits and adventures are told throughout most of Polynesia; they can be traced back as far west as islands off New Guinea. Some exploits common to most Polynesian traditions are stealing fire for humans from the underworld, fishing up islands with his magical hook, and capturing the Sun to lengthen the days. There is a great deal of variation in the representations of Māui from nation to nation, from being a handsome young man, to being an old wise wandering priest. Although Māui was said to be very rascally or "kolohe", many of his deeds were to better the lives of his fellow people.

Maui is usually portrayed as a demigod or culture hero in Polynesian mythology, born to human parents but possessing supernatural abilities. In some versions of the myth, Maui is the youngest son of Taranga and Makeatutara, while in others, he is the son of the god Tangaroa.

In different myths, he is often depicted as a trickster and a hero who possesses supernatural abilities. Some of his main feats from various mythologies include:

1. Fishing Up the Islands: In some Polynesian myths, Maui is credited with fishing up the islands from the ocean using a magical fishhook made from the jawbone of his ancestor.

2. Slowing Down the Sun: Maui is also known for slowing down the sun to make the days longer, allowing people more time to work and play.

3. Taming the Sun: In other versions of the myth, Maui captures the sun and forces it to move more slowly across the sky to benefit humanity.

4. Stealing Fire: Maui is sometimes depicted as stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans, bringing warmth and light to the world.

5. Defeating Monsters: Maui is often portrayed as a hero who defeats powerful monsters and creatures, using his wit and cunning to outsmart his foes.

These are just a few examples of Maui's adventures and accomplishments in Polynesian mythology, showcasing his cunning, bravery, and resourcefulness as a legendary figure.

Description
Māui or Maui is the great culture hero and trickster in Polynesian mythology. Very rarely was Māui actually worshipped, being less of a deity (Demigod) and more of a folk hero. His origins vary from culture to culture, but many of his main exploits remain relatively similar.

Tales of Māui's exploits and adventures are told throughout most of Polynesia; they can be traced back as far west as islands off New Guinea. Some exploits common to most Polynesian traditions are stealing fire for humans from the underworld, fishing up islands with his magical hook, and capturing the Sun to lengthen the days. There is a great deal of variation in the representations of Māui from nation to nation, from being a handsome young man, to being an old wise wandering priest. Although Māui was said to be very rascally or "kolohe", many of his deeds were to better the lives of his fellow people.

Maui is usually portrayed as a demigod or culture hero in Polynesian mythology, born to human parents but possessing supernatural abilities. In some versions of the myth, Maui is the youngest son of Taranga and Makeatutara, while in others, he is the son of the god Tangaroa.

In different myths, he is often depicted as a trickster and a hero who possesses supernatural abilities. Some of his main feats from various mythologies include:

1. Fishing Up the Islands: In some Polynesian myths, Maui is credited with fishing up the islands from the ocean using a magical fishhook made from the jawbone of his ancestor.

2. Slowing Down the Sun: Maui is also known for slowing down the sun to make the days longer, allowing people more time to work and play.

3. Taming the Sun: In other versions of the myth, Maui captures the sun and forces it to move more slowly across the sky to benefit humanity.

4. Stealing Fire: Maui is sometimes depicted as stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans, bringing warmth and light to the world.

5. Defeating Monsters: Maui is often portrayed as a hero who defeats powerful monsters and creatures, using his wit and cunning to outsmart his foes.

These are just a few examples of Maui's adventures and accomplishments in Polynesian mythology, showcasing his cunning, bravery, and resourcefulness as a legendary figure.