Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii

by Nathaniel B. Emerson

A colorful illustration of Hawaii’s most cherished origin story, the myth of Pele and Hiiaka. Pele and A Myth From Hawaii (1915) is a collection of folktales by Nathaniel B. Emerson. Drawing from written histories, personal experience, and extensive interviews, Emerson provides a lyrical account of the myth surrounding these goddess sisters. Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and ruler of Kilauea, and her sister Hiiaka encounter adventure, tragedy, and love during their respective journeys. These stories are not only appreciated for their beauty, but also their deep religious and cultural impact. With a professionally designed cover and manuscript, this edition of Nathaniel B. Emerson’s Pele and A Myth From Hawaii is a classic of Hawaiian literature reimagined for modern readers.

Genres: Mythology

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

About the author

Nathaniel Bright Emerson was a medical physician and author and translator of Hawaiian literature, lore and customs.

Reviews

[Patty]

A wonderful book for anyone who is interested in hula or learning about the essence of the hawaiian people. It is a piece of history written just at the time where the information was about to be lost forever in the abyss of the missionary propaganda of the day.
These are chants that tell the story of Pele, Hi'iaka and Lohiau dictated directly from the hawaiian people just after there was a ban placed on performing these dances. Thankfully this son of a missionary had the foresight to write as much information down as he was privy to, thus preserving at least a small, valuable piece of this rich culture.

[Al Maki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know the myth before I read this book. I won't attempt to tell it because I know I can't do it justice. Emerson was lucky enough to live in Hawaii during the second half of the nineteenth century. He was a physician with an interest in Hawaiian language and art and he recorded a number of separate works that when collated became an epic about these two sisters who in the pull between them create and destroy and create. It really is an extraordinary story. You should read it.

[Aldric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Nathaniel Emerson assembled many different strands of this myth and ended up with Hawaii's own answer to Homer's Odyssey. Emerson was a physician who became fluent in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and he often translated the works of esteemed Native Hawaiian historian and friend David Malo. This is Emerson's last work, written in 1915. An absolutely stunning tale told with the rich literary language of the early 20th century and supernatural scenes that bring to mind the Holy Bible.

[Payton Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it so interesting how almost every people and culture has come up with myths and gods to understand the power of nature. Before we had a good understanding of the natural sciences, it seemed that only humans could be capable of such feats, hence the need to impose human gods and goddesses (like Pele) on completely natural phenomena.

[John Burns · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this after reading the synopsis of the myth on Wikipedia. I liked the story so much that I was eager to read a proper version of it. Unfortunately the original story is just about the strongest aspect of this volume. Emerson, although eloquent and erudite, is not a particularly good story-teller and frequently breaks up the flow of the story with extensive footnotes and traditional songs (presented in both English and the original dialect). Although I knew the basic story I didn't come away from this book knowing anything new about the narrative or characters. It's just a poor piece of fiction by a writer who clearly would much rather be writing an in depth piece of non-fiction.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who has access to Wikipedia. I look forward to watching the inevitable Disney adaptation.