Polynesian MythologyPacific Voyaging

Tane Separates Earth and Sky

Tane, the god of forests, pushes the sky from the earth to bring light and life to the world.

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Illustration for Tane Separates Earth and Sky - a pacific voyaging Polynesian Mythology story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the Polynesian creation myth Tane Separates Earth and Sky, where the god of forests brings light to the world by parting his parents, Rangi and Papa.

In the beginning, there was only darkness. Rangi the Sky Father and Papa the Earth Mother were locked in a tight embrace, leaving no room for their children to move or see. Their sons, the gods of the wind, sea, and wild food, grew weary of the cramped gloom. Many attempted to separate their parents, but only Tane, the god of the forests, found the strength. He did not use his arms; instead, he lay on his back against his mother, Papa, and pushed upward with his powerful legs against his father, Rangi. With a mighty heave, the sky was thrust upward, and for the first time, light flooded the world. Though the parents were devastated to be parted, their separation allowed the forests to grow and humanity to flourish. To this day, Rangi’s tears fall as rain upon Papa, and her sighs rise as mist toward the heavens.

The Moral

Growth and enlightenment often require the courage to break from the status quo and create space for new life.

“Let the light enter, that we may see the world and know our own strength.”

Fun Fact

In many versions of the myth, Tane also clothed his father, Rangi, in stars to make him beautiful even though they were far apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Tane Separates Earth and Sky?

The story teaches that progress sometimes requires difficult separations. It emphasizes that for life to flourish and knowledge to grow, one must have the strength to change their environment.

Who are Rangi and Papa in Polynesian mythology?

Rangi (the Sky Father) and Papa (the Earth Mother) are the primordial parents of the gods. Their eternal embrace initially kept the world in darkness until their children sought light.

How did Tane push the sky away from the earth?

Tane achieved the separation by lying on his back on the Earth Mother and using his legs to push the Sky Father upward. This posture provided the leverage needed to break their tight bond.

Which god opposed the separation of Rangi and Papa?

Tawhirimatea, the god of wind and storms, was the only brother who disagreed with the plan. He fled to the sky to join his father and continues to punish the earth with tempests.

What do rain and mist symbolize in this story?

Rain represents the tears of Rangi as he mourns his separation from Papa. Mist represents Papa’s sighs and longing for her husband, rising from the earth toward the sky.

Why is Tane significant to the Maori people?

Tane is the god of forests and birds, credited with bringing light and knowledge to humanity. He is a central figure in Maori genealogy and the provider of the materials used for voyaging canoes.