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Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea, and Sky
When the storytellers of ancient Hawaii gathered by the light of candlenut torches, they told tales that explained the world around them. These tales described how the gods created the earth and its life, how the stars were created, and why the days are longer in summer. Other stories recounted the pranks of Kamapuaa the Pig-Man, the origin of the tapa tree, the death of the monster reptile mo-o, and the home of the volcano goddess, Pele.
From this rich body of mythology, author Vivian Thompson has drawn twelve myths. She retells them with the true flavor and simplicity of the storytellers of long ago. Thompson's words are accompanied by the illustrations of Hawaii artist Marilyn Kahalewai, who has captured the delight and drama of the ancient tales.
The time of deep darkness --
A battle nobody won --
Spears of lightning --
A strange sled race --
The lost sun, moon, and stars --
The shark in the Milky Way --
A Kupua plays tricks --
The gift of the hairy one --
Maui traps sun --
The Monster mo-o --
Calabash of the winds --
The woman in moon
From this rich body of mythology, author Vivian Thompson has drawn twelve myths. She retells them with the true flavor and simplicity of the storytellers of long ago. Thompson's words are accompanied by the illustrations of Hawaii artist Marilyn Kahalewai, who has captured the delight and drama of the ancient tales.
The time of deep darkness --
A battle nobody won --
Spears of lightning --
A strange sled race --
The lost sun, moon, and stars --
The shark in the Milky Way --
A Kupua plays tricks --
The gift of the hairy one --
Maui traps sun --
The Monster mo-o --
Calabash of the winds --
The woman in moon
83 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
17 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 5, 2021
A 1966 collection that‘s been reprinted several times, including this new printing with 1988 illustrations. Didn‘t do much for me, but it was short and it was nice to get a small sense of the mythology.
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37. Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea and Sky by Vivian L. Thompson
Illustrations: Marilyn Kahalewai
published: 1966, with illustrations from 1988
format: 84-page paperback
acquired: July 31
read: Jul 31 – Aug 1
time reading: 1:42, 1.2 mpp
rating: 3
locations: Hawaii
about the author: couldn’t find anything….
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37. Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea and Sky by Vivian L. Thompson
Illustrations: Marilyn Kahalewai
published: 1966, with illustrations from 1988
format: 84-page paperback
acquired: July 31
read: Jul 31 – Aug 1
time reading: 1:42, 1.2 mpp
rating: 3
locations: Hawaii
about the author: couldn’t find anything….
Read
July 9, 2021Cooper was very intrigued by the snippets of Hawaiian mythology we shared with him when we returned from our trip and asked if there was a book we could read about the Hawaiian gods and goddesses. We ordered this from Amazon and enjoyed reading a couple myths together each night 😊
March 13, 2014
I would recommend this and Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell if you want some background on Hawaii before (or while) visiting.
September 27, 2017
This could become one of my favorite collections of mythology. Vivian L Thompson writes very well. I felt like someone was telling me the story. And it was easy to see where certain bits would have been songs or poetry.
The illustrations were lovely. I am pleased to see that the characters were not whitewashed ... which is to be expected since the artist is Marilyn Kahalewai.
The glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book was helpful as well.
I look forward to tracking down the other books of Hawaiian myths and legends that she has written.
I would recommend this book to people of any age who have an interest in mythology, Polynesian culture, and in particular people who want more after watching Moana.
The illustrations were lovely. I am pleased to see that the characters were not whitewashed ... which is to be expected since the artist is Marilyn Kahalewai.
The glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book was helpful as well.
I look forward to tracking down the other books of Hawaiian myths and legends that she has written.
I would recommend this book to people of any age who have an interest in mythology, Polynesian culture, and in particular people who want more after watching Moana.
May 20, 2019
After watching "The Quietest Place on Earth" on PBS (which I highly recommend), I became intrigued by the mention of Hawaiian mythology. I immediately went to our excellent on-line library system, typed in a few keywords, and -- voila -- "Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea and Sky" by Vivian L. Thompson popped up. I'm glad it did as this was not only informative but enjoyable, too.
August 11, 2022
Writing wise in my opinion this book is only worth 3 stars however I bumped it up to four because it’s a unique premise for a book and one of the only books I’ve ever seen or read involving Hawaiian mythology usually we hear about Greek mythology, Norse mythology, Roman mythology even the stories of native Americans and ancient African tribes are told more than the stories of Hawaiian gods and goddesses!
Overall writing wise it was simplistic and a bit geared towards childish but not in a bad way more in a bedtime story type way. However it was accurate to history and the stories they told, so it still has value in it even for adults to learn about Hawaiian history. To anyone interested in Hawaiian culture or myths I would recommend this book especially since Hawaiian culture is one of the only cultures I’ve heard to have a volcano and snow goddess.
Now to give you a sense of the writing in this book here are my favorite quotes from it.
“Broke the mighty surf into harmless little waves.”
“Demon terrors lurked in the dark places of the island of Hawaii.”
“I must return before the moon is born new again.”
“Feeling strength flow into his body.”
“Soon I must go down the narrow-stranded ways of death.”
“During the last breath of the moon.”
“Pearl shell eyes looked down.”
“For those who make Tapa the day is never long enough.”
“Evening stars hang in the sky.”
“The winds in the large calabash began to boil and churn, moaning and wailing as they struggled to get free.”
Overall writing wise it was simplistic and a bit geared towards childish but not in a bad way more in a bedtime story type way. However it was accurate to history and the stories they told, so it still has value in it even for adults to learn about Hawaiian history. To anyone interested in Hawaiian culture or myths I would recommend this book especially since Hawaiian culture is one of the only cultures I’ve heard to have a volcano and snow goddess.
Now to give you a sense of the writing in this book here are my favorite quotes from it.
“Broke the mighty surf into harmless little waves.”
“Demon terrors lurked in the dark places of the island of Hawaii.”
“I must return before the moon is born new again.”
“Feeling strength flow into his body.”
“Soon I must go down the narrow-stranded ways of death.”
“During the last breath of the moon.”
“Pearl shell eyes looked down.”
“For those who make Tapa the day is never long enough.”
“Evening stars hang in the sky.”
“The winds in the large calabash began to boil and churn, moaning and wailing as they struggled to get free.”
Read
September 11, 2021This book has been my first exposure to Hawaiian mythology, but even though I have no frame of reference to compare it to I can't help feeling like the text took a 'bare bones' approach to the material. The events of the stories come across as a condensed, 'this happened, then that happened' summation. And as far as the characters go, readers seem to be given little biographical information about them other than their names and titles. Maybe I've just been spoiled by the D'Aulaires' books on Greek and Norse mythology, where each god or goddess has their own short, biographical section where their key personality traits are highlighted.
I started reading this book with high expectations, excited to learn about a mythological pantheon that I was previously unfamiliar with. However, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed overall. To be fair, I think the book may have been intended for a younger audience, in which case the more simplistic approach to the material makes sense.
Did I like it? I felt that it could have been better.
Would I reread it? No.
Would I recommend it? I might, as a starting point for people interested in the subject. But I would look for alternative sources first.
I started reading this book with high expectations, excited to learn about a mythological pantheon that I was previously unfamiliar with. However, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed overall. To be fair, I think the book may have been intended for a younger audience, in which case the more simplistic approach to the material makes sense.
Did I like it? I felt that it could have been better.
Would I reread it? No.
Would I recommend it? I might, as a starting point for people interested in the subject. But I would look for alternative sources first.
March 16, 2024
In 2018, I purchased this book as a souvenir from Haleakala National Park in Maui. This year, I have a layover flight in Hawaii and I thought of this book once more.
Hawaiian mythology has always been fascinating to me and this book is written in a way that’s understandable and enjoyable. One of my favorite parts are the simple illustrations on some of the pages and the glossary in the back.
It was a quick, simple read (and acted as pallet cleanser from the main series I’m reading), but overall, I think I enjoy listening to myths more. However, I feel like I can respect and understand Hawaii just a smidge more after reading this.
Hawaiian mythology has always been fascinating to me and this book is written in a way that’s understandable and enjoyable. One of my favorite parts are the simple illustrations on some of the pages and the glossary in the back.
It was a quick, simple read (and acted as pallet cleanser from the main series I’m reading), but overall, I think I enjoy listening to myths more. However, I feel like I can respect and understand Hawaii just a smidge more after reading this.
January 21, 2021
This book from the University of Hawaii Press is a good introduction to some of the most popular stories of the Hawaiian gods and goddesses. You get tales of Kane, Ku, Lono, Kanaloa, Pele, Namaka, Hiiaka, Poliahu, Maui, and Hina, as well as several stories not about gods or demi-gods. Our family favorites were always the stories about Pele. After reading this, I will most likely search out Thompson's others books on Hawaiian legends.
February 17, 2018
This book is very different to pronounce some words that I think anyone who wants to read it
March 13, 2019
A good little introduction to Hawaiian mythology
June 19, 2020
A fun read.
December 26, 2021
Very entertaining, easy and fast read, comes with Hawaiian glossary.
February 12, 2022
It was great! It tells you all of the goddess and gods at the end and it tells you how to pronounce the names! Its a great book and I love it!
February 21, 2022
This is a tiny collection, but it’s great - the writing is clear and dynamic, the stories seamlessly sequenced.
January 4, 2025
Wanted to read about Hawaiian mythology before / during our current trip. This is a short and easy read, with lovely illustrations. (Bought from Maui Friends of the Library 🫶)
July 24, 2023
Quite fun collection of Hawaiian myths, written in a style that is suitable for children and adults, with hints of the Hawaiian language peeking through which gives the feel of being told this while sitting at a fire on a beach in the islands.
December 26, 2016
First if all, this book would ordinarily be a five star for me. The problem however, is when I see the author did two other books on Hawaiian myths. Why not just combine the three into one?
Aside from the (perhaps unreasonable) nitpick the book was great. The focus here is on the elements of earth sea and sky. You'd be surprised to find that the focus is on earth and sky myths. Water myths in this book are few and half are about fresh water and not the ocean.
A familiar sounding variant of the Polynesian creation myth makes it's appearance, as does Maui. The contrast between the Hawaiian Maui and the Maori Maui is fascinating to discover and worth the price of the book in and of itself.
Aside from the (perhaps unreasonable) nitpick the book was great. The focus here is on the elements of earth sea and sky. You'd be surprised to find that the focus is on earth and sky myths. Water myths in this book are few and half are about fresh water and not the ocean.
A familiar sounding variant of the Polynesian creation myth makes it's appearance, as does Maui. The contrast between the Hawaiian Maui and the Maori Maui is fascinating to discover and worth the price of the book in and of itself.
January 29, 2017
Mõnus lugemine, kuna annab edasi ajaloolise pärimuse miks ja kuidas mingid asjad ja legendid Havai saarestikus tekkisid. Samuti annab selgitusi mõnede kohtade nimepärimusele. Neid kohti tahaks vaatama minna ja vaadata, kui palju siis päriselt legendidele vastavad :)
Mõned kohad kindlasti vastavad! ;)
Mõned kohad kindlasti vastavad! ;)
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July 22, 2009These short stories are fun and easy to read, giving a quick background to some of the stories from Hawaii.
July 4, 2012
The illustrations are lovely and the myths are beautiful. Glad it caught my eye at the used book store.
January 9, 2017
Great Hawaiian myths. Fun to read aloud and beautiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews