Story Summary
Discover how Tagaloa Creates the World in this Samoan myth. From the celestial void to the birth of the islands, learn how life and humanity first emerged.
In the beginning, there was only Tagaloa-lagi, the supreme creator, who existed alone in the vast expanse of the Vasa, the primordial void. With neither earth nor sky beneath him, Tagaloa spoke a rock into existence. Standing upon it, he broke the rock into fragments, casting them across the waters to form the islands of Manu'a and the rest of the Samoan archipelago. To bring life to these silent shores, Tagaloa sent his daughter, Tuli, in the form of a golden plover bird. She flew over the endless waves but found no place to rest until her father caused a sacred vine, the Fue, to grow from the earth. As the vine spread and eventually withered, it rotted into worms. Tagaloa then commanded the spirits to give these worms human form and souls. Thus, the first people were born, forever linked to the land, the vine, and the divine will of the heavens.
The Moral
All life is interconnected and divine in origin, reminding us that even the smallest creatures share a sacred bond with the earth and the heavens.
“From the void came the rock, and from the rock came the world.”
Fun Fact
The Pacific Golden Plover, or Tuli, is a real migratory bird that still holds great cultural significance in Samoa as a symbol of navigation and divine ancestry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Tagaloa Creates the World?
The story teaches that all life is interconnected and has a divine purpose. It emphasizes that humanity is deeply rooted in the natural world and the spiritual realm.
Who is Tagaloa in Samoan mythology?
Tagaloa is the supreme creator god and the progenitor of all things in Samoan tradition. He is believed to have existed in the void before the physical world was made.
What role does the bird Tuli play?
Tuli is Tagaloa's daughter who takes the form of a golden plover. She acts as an intermediary, searching for land and eventually helping to oversee the growth of life on the islands.
How were the first humans created in this myth?
The first humans grew from the worms of a rotting vine called the Fue. Tagaloa gave these creatures intelligence and souls, transforming them into the ancestors of the Samoan people.
What is the significance of the vine (Fue)?
The Fue represents the bridge between the plant world and human life. Its growth and eventual decay symbolize the natural cycles of life, death, and rebirth dictated by the creator.
Which islands were created first according to the legend?
The island of Manu'a is traditionally cited as the first land created by Tagaloa. It is often regarded as the spiritual heart of the Samoan islands in many versions of the myth.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
