Papatuanuku : The Earth Mother
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At a glance
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Maori Mythology |
| Classification | Gods |
| Family Members | Ranginui (Husband), Tumatuwenga, Tawhirimatea, Tangaroa, and Tane (Children) |
| Region | New Zealand |
| Associated With | Mountains , Rivers , Oceans , Earth |
Papatuanuku
Introduction
In Maori mythology, the land is referred to as Papatuanuku or the Earth Mother, and she is regarded as the source of all things. According to some stories, she came from the water, and after the land rose from the water, it gave birth to all life. In the Maori world view, land provides the basis for life and is a powerful mother figure who gives her blessings to her children.
In Maori creation traditions, Papatuanuku emerged from the ocean. This concept is related to the experiences of people who live on the vast Pacific Ocean. In Maori folklore, the legendary trickster Maui would frequently fish on remote islands in the Pacific.
Physical Traits
As the earth mother, the whole earth is said to be a manifestation of her lying on her back.
Family
Together with her husband, Ranginui, Papatuanuku became the Earth Mother and Ranginui, the primordial sky father, and they have over 70 children, which include Tawhirimatea, Tangaroa, and Tane. Both of them were locked in a tight embrace, and their sons have to live in darkness between them.
Tumatauenga, the eldest son, proposes that their parents should be killed so that they may experience light. However, his brother, Tane, believes that it is better to let Ranginui be alone in the sky while Papatuanuku nurtures them. The other gods tried to force their parents apart and one of these is the god of cultivated food, Rongo. Then, Tangaroa and his brother, Haumia-tiketike, joined him. Despite the efforts of all their children, the two lovers still remained in a tight embrace.
After many attempts at pushing and standing upright, Tane, the god of birds and forests, forces his parents apart. He does this by lying on his back and using his strong legs to push his father upwards. Surprised and grief-stricken, Ranginui and Papatuanuku were finally split apart.
Other Names
Papatuanuku is also called Papa or Papatnuku in some parts of Polynesia.
Powers and Abilities
In Maori history and tradition, the importance of Papatuanuku is widely acknowledged. She is regarded as the mother of all things, and she gives her blessings to her children. She is also regarded as the foundation for human action. This is the first platform in the traditional world view that is dedicated to the concept of kaupapa.
Modern Day Influence
Many forests in New Zealand are protected both legally and by the various tribes that inhabit them. According to the Maori tribes, any acts of deforestation or destruction of the earth amounts to an attack on the Earth Goddess and is said to invoke the wrath of her husband and her sons which could be catastrophic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Papatūānuku?
Papatūānuku is the Māori Earth Mother, representing the land, fertility, and nurturing of life. Her name translates to “Earth Mother” and she is the personification of the earth in Māori cosmology. Along with Ranginui (Sky Father), she is part of the Māori creation story, where their children separated them to bring light into the world. She symbolizes the sacred relationship between people and the land, emphasizing care and respect for nature. Papatūānuku remains central to Māori spiritual beliefs and environmental practices.
What is the story of Papatūānuku and Ranginui?
In Māori mythology, **Papatūānuku** (Earth Mother) and **Ranginui** (Sky Father) were once tightly embraced, trapping their children, the gods, in darkness. The children, led by Tāne Mahuta (god of forests), separated them, creating space for light and life to thrive. Ranginui became the sky, and Papatūānuku remained the earth. Their separation caused great sorrow, with Ranginui’s tears falling as rain and Papatūānuku’s grief seen in the morning mist. This story represents the balance and sacred connection between the earth and sky.
How many children does Papatūānuku have?
Papatūānuku and Ranginui have many children, each representing elements of nature. The most well-known include Tāne Mahuta (god of forests), Tāwhirimātea (god of storms), Tangaroa (god of the sea), Rongo (god of cultivated plants), Haumia-tiketike (god of wild plants), and Tūmatauenga (god of war). These children play key roles in Māori cosmology, governing the natural world. They symbolize the connection between humans and nature.
Why is Papatūānuku important to Māori?
Papatūānuku is important to Māori because she represents Mother Earth, the source of all life. As the personification of the land, she provides sustenance, fertility, and shelter, making her central to Māori culture, spirituality, and environmental practices. Māori view the land as sacred, with Papatūānuku symbolizing the deep, reciprocal relationship between people and nature. Her story emphasizes the responsibility to care for and protect the earth, as harming her affects all living things.
What is the Māori connection to Papatūānuku?
Māori have a deep spiritual connection to Papatūānuku, viewing her as Mother Earth and the source of all life. She is considered an ancestor, linking people to the land through whakapapa (genealogy). The Māori believe that humans come from the earth and return to her after death. This bond shapes Māori customs and environmental practices, promoting kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to protect and care for the land. Respecting Papatūānuku is seen as essential to the balance of life and nature.
