Haeora

A great chief of antediluvian times. From him Rua-tapu, who caused the Deluge, borrowed the canoe Tū-te-pae-rangi, into which he inveigled all the firstborn heads of families, and destroyed them. Haeora and Paikea survived awhile; but Haeora did not reach the shore, although he managed to send an important message by Paikea, before he was pursued and killed by Rua-tapu. Hence the proverb: Toki nui a Haeora, "The great axe of Haeora," for revenge kept in mind.

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References

Sources

  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 41.
  • White, John. (1887). Ancient History of the Maori. 6 vols. Wellington: G. Didsbury, Government Printer, p. 3:10.

This article incorporates text from Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary (1891) by Edward Tregear, which is in the public domain.