Polynesian MythologyMaui Legends

Maui Slows the Sun

Maui snares the sun atop a mountain to provide humanity with longer, more productive days.

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Illustration for Maui Slows the Sun - a maui legends Polynesian Mythology story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the legendary tale of Maui Slows the Sun. Learn how the demigod captured the sun at Haleakalā to give humanity longer days and time for their daily work.

In ancient times, the sun raced across the sky so quickly that the days were too short for humans to finish their work. Maui’s mother, Hina, struggled as her kapa cloth could never dry before nightfall. Determined to help, Maui traveled to the summit of the great mountain Haleakalā. He wove unbreakable ropes from the hair of his sisters and strong coconut fibers, creating powerful snares. As the sun god, Tama-nui-te-rā, began his morning ascent, Maui cast his nets and lashed the sun's fiery rays to the mountain's peak. Using the magic jawbone of his ancestress, Maui struck the sun until it cried for mercy. He only released the celestial being after it promised to travel slowly for half the year, ensuring long summer days for the world to thrive and the people to prosper.

The Moral

With courage, preparation, and cleverness, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles to help their community.

“If I let you go, you must promise to walk slowly across the sky so that my people may live.”

Fun Fact

The name of the mountain Haleakalā on Maui island literally means 'House of the Sun,' directly referencing this specific legend. This story is shared across many Pacific cultures, including the Maori, Tahitians, and Hawaiians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Maui Slows the Sun?

The moral is that through ingenuity, teamwork, and bravery, an individual can effect change that benefits the entire community. It highlights the importance of using one's gifts to solve common problems.

Where did Maui capture the sun?

In Hawaiian mythology, Maui captured the sun at the summit of Haleakalā, a massive shield volcano on the island of Maui. The name Haleakalā actually translates to 'House of the Sun.'

Why did Maui want to slow the sun down?

The sun moved too fast for people to complete their daily tasks, such as farming and fishing. Specifically, Maui wanted to help his mother, Hina, whose handmade kapa cloth wouldn't dry in the short daylight hours.

What weapon did Maui use against the sun?

Maui used the enchanted jawbone of his ancestress, Muri-ranga-whenua. This magical relic gave him the strength and authority needed to subdue a powerful deity like the sun.

What were the ropes made of in the legend?

Depending on the specific island tradition, Maui wove the ropes from his sister's hair, sturdy vines, or the fibers of coconut husks (sennit) to ensure they wouldn't burn when they touched the sun.

How did the sun react to being caught?

Initially, the sun was furious and tried to scorch Maui, but after being beaten with the magic jawbone and realizing he was trapped, he pleaded for mercy and agreed to the demigod's terms.