Myths and Legends of the Polynesians

By: Dover Publications

Type: Softcover

Product Line: Reference Books (Dover Publications)

Last Stocked on 10/3/2022

Product Info

Title
Myths and Legends of the Polynesians
Publisher
Category
Author
Johannes C. Andersen
Publish Year
1995
Pages
512
Dimensions
5.5x8.5x1"
NKG Part #
2147844548
Type

Description

This authoritative work, based on extensive field study and research, combines a wealth of Polynesian myths and legends with a lively commentary on the lives and culture of the Polynesians. The territory covered is the vast Pacific triangle formed by the Hawaiian Islands to the north, New Zealand to the south, and Easter Island to the east. Included are Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, the Marquesas, and many other island groups.

From these varying Polynesian cultures, ethnologist Johannes C. Andersen collected ancient stories of the gods and creation, of nature and the supernatural, of love and war, of adultery, revenge, cannibalism, human sacrifice, and more. As he recounts the tales, he compares and contrasts not only the legends but also the people of one island group with another, interweaving fascinating information about Polynesian history and customs.

The author’s descriptions of the Polynesians and their ways are as interesting as the stories themselves. Noting that there are great variations of general characteristics among Polynesian peoples, he observes that “the finest physique was found among the Marquesans; the most estimable people were found among the Samoans; the most poetical and gentle among the Tahitians; the most religious and romantic among the Hawaiians; the most intellectual, and the most formidable warriors and military strategists among the Maori.”

Over 75 illustrations — effigies of the war god Kukailimoku, the great stone status of Easter Island, a Maori boy and girl, Polynesian canoes, a Samoan round house, and many more — add superb visual interest to these fascinating stories of Uenuku the Maori chief, Pele the Fire Goddess, Eleio and the feather cloak of Hawaii, and a host of others. An extensive 42-page index and glossary of Polynesian-related terms will be of great help to those making a study of Polynesian culture.

The Helpful Squire

*Try asking the Helpful Squire to talk like your favourite character. Remember you're chatting with an AI assistant. Verify the responses and don't share personal data. Acceptable Use Policy

since 1997

Why Buy, Sell, or Trade with Noble Knight?

  • Trusted tabletop retailer since 1997: Nearly 30 years serving gamers worldwide.
  • 300,000+ items in stock: New, used, and out-of-print games, books, and collectibles.
  • No phantom inventory: If it's listed as in stock, it's physically on our shelves in Fitchburg, WI and ready to ship.
  • Fast, reliable shipping: One-day shipping on most orders, Free USA shipping over $149, and flat-rate shipping of $9.95 on orders under $149.
  • International-friendly service: Discounted international shipping and support for foreign currency.
  • Sell your games to us with confidence: In store or by mail, we pay any shipping costs.
  • Learn more about Buy, Sell & Trade
gamers for gamers

Cataloged and Supported by Gamers

  • Every item professionally assessed and graded: Managed by our team of tabletop gamers.
  • Decades of experience: Nearly 30 years of buying, selling, and trading across all categories.
  • Sourced from the community: Much of our inventory comes directly from gamers through our Buy–Sell–Trade program.
  • Fair offers on collections of any size: From single items to large collections, new, used and rare items. Get a quote for your collection
  • Talk to a real gamer: Connect with our team at contact@nobleknight.mom to get advice, recommendations, and real insight from fellow gamers.
  • We speak tabletop: Knowledge you can rely on, from gamers who get it.
  • Ask us anything