A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

Overview

Grey’s Rata narrative identifies Matukutakotako as the chief who treacherously killed Wahieroa. Rata seeks him and finds the keeper of his dwelling, who explains that Matukutakotako lives below ground. The keeper calls to him when the new moon appears, prompting his emergence to devour people. Rata returns at the appointed time and learns of two clear pools: one used to wash the long hair, the other as a mirror while arranging it. The keeper warns that an attacker’s reflection would betray him at the second pool.

At evening, the keeper announces a two-day-old moon. Matukutakotako rises carrying a two-handed wooden weapon, lays it beside the pool and loosens the bindings of his long hair. While he washes, Rata approaches from concealment, seizes his hair and kills him. The narrative then continues with Rata’s search for his father’s bones elsewhere. Matuku is a shortened name in the same passage; the source gives a weapon, hair and underground residence, without supplying wings, horns or a dragon body.

Underground dwellingNew-moon emergenceHuman predationLong bound hairTwo distinct poolsFatal ambush
01

Origins & earliest records

George Grey’s Polynesian Mythology, The Legend of Rata, printed pp. 79–81 in the hosted transcription. English book first published 1855; the hosting title page labels its source [1854].

02

Records & interpretation

Located public historical narrative documents these source-specific actions. Grey’s English mediation and the hosting date discrepancy remain explicit.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

  1. 01

    Polynesian Mythology: The Legend of Rata, pp. 79–81

    Māori narrators and writers; English collection edited by George Grey · English publication 1855; hosting title page marked [1854]

    Selected complete episode in a historical English transcription; no individual informant identified for this passage.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

  1. Primary historical collected narrative transcriptionGrey collection: The Legend of RataResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

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