Ika-roa

Ika, or Te Ika-roa, or Ika-o-te-Rangi, the Galaxy or Milky Way. Ika-roa was the mother of the stars, Nga Whetu, and was the wife of Kohu (mist), who was the son of Toko-pā, one of the Props of Heaven.

Te Ika-roa is one of those who regulate the seasons. The Milky Way is also called Mango-roa (Long Shark).

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References

Sources

  • Best, Elsdon. (1924). The Maori. Wellington: Harry H. Tombs, pp. 97, 105.
  • Shortland, Edward. (1882). Maori Religion and Mythology. London: Longmans Green, p. 17.
  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 103.
  • Wohlers, J. F. H. (1875). "Mythology and Tradition of the Maori." New Zealand Institute, Transactions 7:3-53, p. 33.