Pele, the volcanic goddess of Kilauea, fell into a spirit-sleep and wandered to Kauai, where she met the handsome Chief Lohiau. Bound by her divine duties, she returned to her body but longed for him. She tasked her youngest sister, Hi'iaka, with fetching him, promising to protect Hi'iaka's precious lehua groves and her friend Hopoe in return. Hi'iaka’s journey was a gauntlet of demons and trials. When she reached Kauai, she found Lohiau dead from a broken heart, yet she used her healing powers to restore him to life. During their long return, Pele’s patience scorched into suspicion. Believing they had betrayed her, Pele unleashed a torrent of lava, destroying Hi'iaka’s groves and killing Hopoe. Heartbroken and defiant, Hi'iaka embraced Lohiau upon their arrival. In a final rage, Pele consumed Lohiau in fire, though he was later reborn. The sisters’ conflict serves as an eternal reminder of the delicate balance between the destructive fire of the volcano and the regenerating life of the forest.
Trust is the foundation of any bond, and jealousy can destroy the very things we seek to protect.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Pele and Hi'iaka?
The moral focuses on the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of keeping one's promises. It shows how impulsive rage can break sacred bonds and cause irreparable loss.
Who is Hi'iaka in Hawaiian mythology?
Hi'iaka is the youngest sister of Pele and the patron goddess of hula, dancers, and forest growth. She represents the resilience of life and the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape.
Why did Pele and Hi'iaka fight?
Pele became jealous and suspicious when Hi'iaka took longer than expected to return with Lohiau. Pele broke her promise and burned Hi'iaka's beloved forests, sparking a divine confrontation.
What happened to Prince Lohiau?
Lohiau died of grief waiting for Pele's spirit, was resurrected by Hi'iaka, killed by Pele's lava in a jealous rage, and eventually restored to life once more by Hi'iaka's magic.
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Good night.
