Tahu

A son of Rangi-pōtiki and Papa-tū-a-nuku. He was brother to Tū, Rongo, Tangaroa, and others. He was the atua presiding over peace and feasts. He is called, under different manifestations, Tahu-kimi-kai ("food-seeker"), Tahu-mahi-kai ("food-cultivator"), etc. Food supplies are personified in Tahu, as illustrated in an old saying quoted when one declines a proffered meal, Kei takahia a Tahu, which is equivalent to saying, "Do not slight Tahu."

Tahu is also the name of a son of Tiki and Kau-ata-ata.

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References

Sources

  • Best, Elsdon. (1924). The Maori. Wellington: Harry H. Tombs, pp. 176, 383.
  • Shortland, Edward. (1882). Maori Religion and Mythology. London: Longmans Green, pp. 17, 18.
  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 444.
  • White, John. (1887). Ancient History of the Maori. 6 vols. Wellington: G. Didsbury, Government Printer, p. 1:38, Appendix.