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

Overview

When Rata cuts down a straight tree for a canoe, Grey’s narrative describes the forest’s insects and spirits becoming angry. After he leaves, innumerable birds, insects and spirits, called the offspring of Hakuturi, restore the tree. They replace each chip and shaving and sing as they work. On the following day Rata again fells and hollows it, only to find it restored once more. He cuts it a third time and hides nearby, catching some of the returning workers.

The account also calls this approaching company the children of Tane. They challenge Rata’s authority to fell the forest god, and he is ashamed. They then tell him to return to his village and agree to make his canoe. Their great number and shared skill complete it almost as soon as work begins. Rata and his people haul the vessel, named Riwaru, to the water. The outcome changes their relationship from resistance to assistance; the mixed company is not reduced to one uniform humanoid fairy anatomy.

Collective forest presenceBirds, insects and spiritsReassembly of a treeVocal restorationChallenge to unauthorised fellingConstruction of Riwaru
01

Origins & earliest records

George Grey’s Polynesian Mythology, The Legend of Rata, printed pp. 81–83 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. 81–83

    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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