Hutu

A chief who was wooed by a young lady of high rank named Pare. He, being already married, declined her attentions, and she, ashamed and humiliated, hanged herself. Her tribe decided that Hutu was responsible for her death, and must die. Getting a few days' grace granted to him, he proceeded to the underworld, and by offering his priceless jade mere (club), he induced Hine-nui-te-pō to show him the way to the home of spirits.

Pare at first would not see him, but Hutu was a master of all athletic exercises, and invented a new and wonderful game, the reports concerning which at last drew Pare from her retreat. Hutu and Pare then went back together as man and wife to the realms of day.

References

Sources

  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 98.
  • White, John. (1887). Ancient History of the Maori. 6 vols. Wellington: G. Didsbury, Government Printer, p. 2:167.

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