Hawaiian Legends of Tricksters and Riddlers

by Vivian L. Thompson, Patricia A. Wozniak (Illustrator)

According to some of the oldest and least-known of Hawaii's legends, man became a trickster to survive, and later became a riddler to win a place for himself in society. Vivian Thompson's tales, written for youngsters, are based on some of the earliest recorded versions of these legends; they instruct and delight readers of today as the oral traditions of old captivated their audiences. The first voyagers to Hawaii were filled with terror of the unknown terrain inhabited by evil spirits. Fearless fellows, tricksters - those who could match wits not only against nature, spirits, and monsters but also against chiefs and kings who held the power of life and death - became the heroes of the common people. As trickster legends emerged from primitive Hawaii, so riddler legends grew from later Hawaii, where mental as well as physical skills were admired.

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5/5. Some stories were fun, but compared to many other collections of myths and legends that I have read, this collection wasn't that fun or exciting. These tricksters are very, very mild compared to Norse or even Greek myths. I'm pretty new to Hawaiian folklore, and I'm still glad I read this quick volume. However, I'm left wondering if there are some other stories that were cut as inappropriate for an audience of children.

[Michael Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Jaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always fun to come across folktales far outside the usual fare. I’m really intrigued by Hog Child (Kamapua’a) now, and I’ll have to look up more legends concerning him.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real treat. I knew a lot of other mythologies from personal interest and college classes, but we never touched on Hawaiian tales.