Legends of Maui - Paperback

by W. D. Westervelt (Author), Mint Editions (Contribution by)

Legends of Maui (1910) is a collection of Hawaiian folktales and myths anthologized by W. D. Westervelt. Paying homage to the importance of Maui across Polynesian cultures, Westervelt introduces his groundbreaking collection of legends on Hawaii's founding deity.

Westervelt's collection connects the origin story of Hawaii to the traditions of other Polynesian cultures, providing an invaluable resource for understanding the historical and geographical scope of Hawaiian culture. Drawing on the work of David Malo, Samuel Kamakau, and Abraham Fornander, Westervelt, originally from Ohio, became a leading authority on the Hawaiian Islands, publishing extensively on their legends, religious beliefs, and folk tales.

With a beautifully designed cover and professionally designed manuscript, this edition of W. D. Westervelt's Legends of Maui is a classic of Hawaiian literature reimagined for modern readers.

Back Jacket

In Hawaiian religion, Maui is a demigod and hero whose exploits were passed down through the centuries and ferried across thousands of miles of ocean. Traditionally, Maui is credited with creating the Hawaiian Islands through subterfuge, tricking his brothers to paddle their canoe after hooking his line to the ocean floor. Legends of Maui is a book by W. D. Westervelt.