Polynesian Mythology
Instructions: Explore the gods, heroes, and legends of the Pacific Islands
- 1.
Maui is a legendary hero across Polynesia. What is he most famous for fishing up from the ocean?
AA giant fishBA treasure chestCA whaleDIslands - 2.
According to Polynesian legend, how did Maui slow the sun?
AWith a magic spellBBy asking the godsCBy lassoing it with ropesDBy building a wall - 3.
Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of what?
AThe windBThe oceanCVolcanoes and fireDRain - 4.
In Polynesian belief, what is 'mana'?
ASpiritual power or authorityBA type of foodCA weaponDA dance - 5.
What is 'tapu' (taboo) in Polynesian culture?
AA type of boatBA celebrationCSomething sacred or forbiddenDA type of music - 6.
Tangaroa (Tagaloa) is the Polynesian god of what?
AThe forestBWarCThe seaDThunder - 7.
In Maori mythology, Tane Mahuta is the god of what?
AForests and birdsBThe seaCThe underworldDWar - 8.
What was Hawaiki in Polynesian belief?
AThe ancestral homeland from which Polynesians originatedBA type of canoeCA constellationDA sacred weapon - 9.
The Polynesian navigators crossed the Pacific Ocean using what to find their way?
AMapsBCompassesCLighthousesDStars, currents, and natural signs - 10.
In Hawaiian mythology, who were the 'menehune'?
ACloud spiritsBSmall, skilled craftspeople and buildersCSea monstersDGiant warriors - 11.
Tu (Ku) is the Polynesian god of what?
AAgricultureBWarCLoveDMusic - 12.
What are 'tikis' in Polynesian culture?
ACeremonial boatsBA type of foodCMusical instrumentsDCarved figures representing gods or ancestors - 13.
In Maori mythology, what does 'Te Po' represent?
AThe oceanBThe dawnCA sacred mountainDThe realm of darkness and the dead - 14.
According to Polynesian myth, how did Maui obtain fire for humanity?
AHe stole it from the sunBHe created it from lightningCHe found it in a volcanoDHe tricked the fire goddess Mahuika into giving it - 15.
Rongo (Lono) is the Polynesian god associated with what?
AWarBThe underworldCDeathDPeace, agriculture, and fertility