Maori Myth and Legend

by Alexander Wyclif Reed

The Maori have a rich and colourful tradition of myth and legend. Some of their most important and popular tales are retold in this classic book. The stories range from the creation of the world and the coming of life, death and knowledge, to supernatural tales of love, terror and adventure. Read about the great god Tane, about Maui who tamed the sun, about the woman on the moon, about monsters, fairies, fabulous birds and moving mountains. Complementing the tales are Roger Hart's imaginative drawings, which were inspired both by the rich body of Maori myth and legend, and by the New Zealand landscape against which so many of the stories are depicted.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

Alexander Wyclif Reed (1908 – 1979), also known as Clif Reed and A. W. Reed, was a prolific New Zealand publisher and author.

As an author he was known most commonly as A.W. Reed.
Reed wrote many books on topics such as myths, language, and place names of both Māori and Australian Aboriginal cultures.

With his uncle Alfred, he established the publishing firm A. H. & A. W. Reed.

Reviews

[Ieva]

Grāmatu kluba tēmai "Folklora un mitoloģija" par godu izvēlējos iepazīt maorus. Vētējumu likt ir neiespējamai, jo te (kā nojaušmas maksimāli objektīvi un tuvu teicēju teiktajiem tekstiem) ir pierakstītas marou paaudzēs nodotās teikas - tautas kultūru nevērtē, tā vienkārši ir unikāla un interesanta. Lasīt pa pāris teikām dienā, nevis "bindžot", noteikti bija pareizā izvēle, jo uzņemot pārāk daudz informācijas galvā noteikti rastos pilnīgs apjukums (kaut tāpat godīgi atzīstu, ka nevaru teikt, ka sapratu maoru dievību, garu un briesmoņu struktūru, pat leikas, ka tādas īsti nav). Lielākā vilšanās bija tā, ka tā arī neuzzināju, kā radās tradīcija teotvēt vīriešu sejas - teikā, kas par to runāja, vīrieši jau apzīmēja sejas, tikai no baltajiem pazemes gariem iemācījās tieši tetovēt (jo citādi uz vienkārši apzīmētiem skatoties jau nevar pateikt, ka ir pieaudzis vīrietis). Kopumā jāsaka, ka mana interse par to pasaules malu tikai pastiprinājās.

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short introduction to the fundamental ekenents if the Maori myths. We got this book during our trip in New Zealand two tears ago and after being fascinated by the legends we heard in places like Milford Sound or Rotorua!

A really nice collection that tries to explain systematically the Maori mythology. It is a little bit complicated but not less that other mythologies, just a little bit more diverse. In some cases there are several versions of the same myth. I wish I could understand a bit more Maori, so as to understand the meaning of the names. It was really nice that the author tries to explain basic meanings of the language! Oh I love New Zealand!

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun look into the Maori world and its stories and myths. It's very dense and the pacing is high, which makes not all stories as easily readible - which means that this might require rereading a couple times if you're interested in Maori culture. Nonetheless, it's a good introduction.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting for research - although kind of hard to get a grasp of some of the detail

[Bethany Garland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read that was really interesting. Learnt new myths I didn't know about and loved how it was themed. Recommend for anyone new to this space.

[Nienschrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very cool to read about the Maori myths and legends, things about Aotearoa make a little more sense now. It was veeeery slow paced though, especially after reading the alchemist.

[Chani · Rating 4 out of 5]

AW Reed writes the legends in a simple and easy way to understand.