Pele and the deluge

Author:

Forbes, A. D.

Title:

Pele and the deluge

Periodical:

Hawaiian folk tales: a collection of native legends

Year:

1907

Pages:

p.36-38

Subject:

Legends Hawaiian goddesses

Summary:

All volcanic phenomena are associated in Hawaiian legendary lore with the goddess Pele; and it is a somewhat curious fact that to the same celebrated personage is also attributed a great flood that occurred in ancient times. The legends of this flood are various, but mainly connected with the doings of Pele in this part of the Pacific Ocean. This story tells of how Pele was born in the land of Hapakuela, a far-distant land at the edge of the sky toward the southwest, married Wahialoa when she was all grown up and goes in search of her husband who was enticed away from Pele by Pelekumulani. The story goes on to tell of how Pele first arrived at Hawaii-nei on the island of Kauai, travelled to the islands of Molokai and Maui, and settled at Kilauea on the island of Hawaii. It is not a little remarkable that the progress of Pele, as stated in this tradition, agrees with geological observation in locating the earliest volcanic action in this group, on the island of Kauai, and the latest, on the island of Hawaii.

URL:

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18450/18450-h/18450-h.htm

Collection:

Monographs