Te-atu-tahi

"Glimmer of light." The star Canopus. She is the goddess of light or full day, a wife of Rangi (Rangi-nui-e-Tū). She is by him the mother of Marama (Moon), Whetu (Star), Te-ata-rapa (Dawn), and Ata-hiku-rangi (Full Day). She is invoked with other deities for abundant harvests. Cp. Ao-tahi.

Also mentioned as a male deity. In Tahiti, a constellation god — Piscis Austrinus (see Atu-tahi).

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References

Sources

  • Andersen, Johannes C. (1928). Myths and Legends of the Polynesians. London: George G. Harrap, p. 376.
  • Best, Elsdon. (1924). The Maori. Wellington: Harry H. Tombs, pp. 183, 279.
  • Tregear, Edward. (1891). Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Wellington: Government Printer, p. 27.
  • White, John. (1887). Ancient History of the Maori. 6 vols. Wellington: G. Didsbury, Government Printer, pp. 1:7, 49.