Oceanic Mythologies: Australian Aborigine and PolynesianThe Polynesians: From New Zealand to Hawaii |
What is the essential nature of Polynesian mythology? |
Polynesian mythology, in general, directly reflects a reality involving the sea and the natural environment. Gods reflect aspects of nature and its activities. For the Polynesians, mythology expresses an animistic understanding in which all aspects of life contain spiritual power, or mana.