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Cover of Polynesian Mythology

Polynesian Mythology

by George Grey · 1855

Fantasy · Classics · History

A Premium book: the first chapter is free to read, the rest comes with Premium.

One of the earliest printed collections of Māori traditions, from the beginning of the universe through the adventures of heroes such as Māui. Sir George Grey, New Zealand's governor, translated it from Māori sources.

Content note: Published in 1855 by a colonial governor, who edited and did not credit his Māori sources. The traditions include violence and war.

32 chapters

A look inside

Towards the close of the year 1845 I was suddenly and unexpectedly required by the British Government to administer the affairs of New Zealand, and shortly afterwards received the appointment of Governor-in-Chief of those Islands.

When I arrived in them, I found Her Majesty’s native subjects engaged in hostilities with the Queen’s troops, against whom they had up to that time contended with considerable success; so much discontent also prevailed generally amongst the native population, that where disturbances had not yet taken place, there was too much reason to apprehend they would soon break out, as they shortly afterwards did, in several parts of the Islands.

I soon perceived that I could neither successfully govern, nor hope to conciliate, a numerous and turbulent people, with whose language, manners, customs, religion, and modes of thought I was quite unacquainted.

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