Hawaiian Historical Legends


Book Description




Hawaiian Historical Legends


Book Description

This literary treasure provides one of the earliest glimpses into pre–colonial Hawaaiin culture. This book, one of six written by Dr. Westervelt, is a fascinating compilation of Hawaiian legends and historical tales. The origins of the Hawaiian people, the demi-god Maui's search for immortality for mankind, the coming of Captain Cook, the wars of King Kamehameha, as well as other aspects of Hawaii's incredible history fill its pages. Librarians, students, collectors, and anyone who enjoys reading about ancient Hawaii will delight in Hawaiian Historical Legends. Dr. Westervelt is one of the best-known raconteurs of Hawaiian stories. Hawaiian Historical Legends presents a variety of stories both legendary and historical. The author also considers the question of Polynesian origins and the speculative subject of Spanish visitants. Other titles n this series on Hawaii include: Hawaiian Legends of Ghosts and Ghost Gods, and Hawaiian Legends of Old Honolulu Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes.




Hawaiian Historical Legends


Book Description




Hawaiian Historical Legends


Book Description

In his preface, the author explains how these stories take you through Hawaiian history from ancient times right to becoming an American state. He adds that Hawaiian people are not overly concerned with dates but that these stories are all related one to another.




Hawaiian Mythology


Book Description

Ku and Hina—man and woman—were the great ancestral gods of heaven and earth for the ancient Hawaiians. They were life's fruitfulness and all the generations of mankind, both those who are to come and those already born. The Hawaiian gods were like great chiefs from far lands who visited among the people, entering their daily lives sometimes as humans or animals, sometimes taking residence in a stone or wooden idol. As years passed, the families of gods grew and included the trickster Maui, who snared the sun, and fiery Pele of the volcano. Ancient Hawaiians lived by the animistic philosophy that assigned living souls to animals, trees, stones, stars, and clouds, as well as to humans. Religion and mythology were interwoven in Hawaiian culture; and local legends and genealogies were preserved in song, chant, and narrative. Martha Beckwith was the first scholar to chart a path through the hundreds of books, articles, and little-known manuscripts that recorded the oral narratives of the Hawaiian people. Her book has become a classic work of folklore and ethnology, and the definitive treatment of Hawaiian mythology. With an introduction by Katherine Luomala.







Hawaiian Historical Legends


Book Description

Experience the unique blend of history and myth that makes up the culture of Hawai'i with "Hawaiian Historical Legends." From the origin stories of the Hawaiian islands to the epic battles between rival chiefs, this collection of legends and myths offers a window into the captivating world of Hawaiian folklore. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.




Myths and Legends of Hawaii


Book Description

Maui and Hina -- Pele and her family -- Ghosts and ghost-gods -- Myths and legends of old Oahu -- A longer tale: The bride from the underworld.




Hawaiian Historical Legends


Book Description

This book, one of six written by Dr. Westervelt, is a fascinating potpourri of Hawaiian legends and historical tales. The origins of the Hawaiian people, the demi-god Maui's search for immortality for mankind, the coming of Captain Cook, the wars of King Kamehameha, as well as other aspects of Hawaii's incredible history fill its pages.




Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes


Book Description

Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes (1916) explores Hawaiian folktales and myths collected by W. D. Westervelt. Connecting the origin story of Hawaii to the traditions of other Polynesian cultures, Westervelt provides an invaluable resource for understanding the historical and geographical scope of Hawaiian culture. Beginning with the origin story of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, Westervelt introduces his groundbreaking collection of legends on the volcanic nature of the Hawaiian Islands. When the goddess Pele comes to the island of Hawaii seeking a permanent home, she finds Ai-laau, another god of fire, already in possession of the territory. Despite his fearsome power over creation and destruction, Ai-laau disappeared the moment he became aware of Pele’s presence. Having traveled across the limitless ocean, her name was already known far and wide, along with her reputation for strength, anger, and envy. Establishing herself within the crater of Kilauea, Pele quickly took command over the gods, ghost-gods, and the people inhabiting the islands. Central to Hawaiian history and religion, Pele continues to be celebrated in Hawaii and across the Pacific today. With a professionally designed cover and manuscript, this edition of W. D. Westervelt’s Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes is a classic of Hawaiian literature reimagined for modern readers. Add this beautiful edition to your bookshelf, or enjoy the digital edition on any e-book device.