From Tahiti comes the woman. Pele
From the land
of Bora Bora
From the rising mist of Kane, dawn swelling,
From the
clouds blazing over Tahiti
Pele, spirit of volcanoes,
was born to Hau'mea, mother of gods and the first people. Pele voyaged to
Hawai'i from the ancient Tahitian homeland with several sisters and brothers,
their sailing canoe guided by her elder brother Ka-moho-ali'i in the form of a great shark.
Some say she yearned to travel. Others whisper that she ws driven out
by a great flood caused by her elder sister, a sea goddess, outraged because
Pele has seduced her husband.
One of those traveling with her was her
favorite little sister Hi'iaka, the spirit of
the dance. It is said that she was born in the homeland in the form of an egg,
and carried by Pele on the long ocean voyage to Hawai'i under her armpit to
keep the egg incubated. Hi'iaka was gentle and beautiful and became the spirit
of the dance. Many traditional hula
performances are dedicated to her.
Page 148, Voyagers
Page 27, Ancient Hawaii
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