Tarsagone, the Red Turtle

Overview

Churchward’s recorded account makes Tarsagone conspicuously bright red. At Savai’i, chief Togia and his people catch and eat it, collecting and burying its shell in a stone house. A boy is compelled to remain a child for many years so that he can later identify the burial. A tree planted over it grows very large.

A fleet sent by the ruler in Tonga eventually arrives seeking the turtle. The still-young witness leads them to the grave, where excavation reveals its brightness reflected on the leaves. They thank him and carry the shell to Tonga, dividing it among chiefs and regarding it as an ’aitu with mana. The account thus centres continued potency of the remains; it does not plainly narrate the turtle returning bodily to life.

Origins & earliest records

The Rotuma archive presents MacGregor’s 1932 notes with named consultants. Its editors explain orthographic standardization and clarification; originals are deposited at Bishop Museum.

Records & interpretation

Tarsagone: consultant C. M. Churchward.

Selected bibliography

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

1. 01

   MacGregor’s Rotuma Notes: Tarsagone, the Red Turtle

   Gordon MacGregor, recorder; consultant identified in the record · 1932 fieldwork

   Tarsagone: consultant C. M. Churchward.

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. Edited primary field-note transcriptionRotuma archive: Tarsagone, the Red TurtleResearch access: 2026-10-05
2. Custodial and editorial contextMacGregor collection editorial explanationResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

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