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

Overview

Pulekula’s account identifies Ti-lalo-fonua with the rat, Kuma, but places it initially among the flying creatures of the heavens. Ha-le-vao, the flying fox, initially creeps on earth. The two are described as belonging to the same family. Admiring the rat’s quick flight, Ha-le-vao repeatedly asks to try its wings. The rat is reluctant, then agrees out of affection.

At Ha-le-vao’s request, the rat fastens the wings securely and lifts the borrower into the air. The new flyer laughs, repeatedly delays coming down and finally departs. Ti-lalo-fonua laments losing its treasure. The closing contrast explains how the formerly crawling animal flies while the former flying creature must crawl. A later short notice, paragraph 58, again names the rat and says Peka stole its wings; the fuller loan narrative preserves the means by which the loss occurred.

Initially flies in heavenLends removable wingsSecures wings on Ha-le-vaoLoses flight after borrower leaves
01

Origins & earliest records

Pulekula, a teacher at Tama-ha-le-leka, Liku, wrote these traditions in October 1901. The Journal of the Polynesian Society printed Niuean text alongside S. Percy Smith’s translation in 1903. Smith’s introductory note acknowledges that he could not fully question obscure passages and sometimes failed to grasp the writers’ meaning.

02

Records & interpretation

Complete English narrative and original printed pages visually checked: 28 and 30; the parallel Niuean is on 29 and 31.

Selected bibliography

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

  1. 01

    The Traditions of Niue-Fekai: “Of Other Tupuas,” paragraphs 17–21, printed pp. 28–31; paragraph 58, p. 98

    Pulekula; translated by S. Percy Smith · 1901 manuscript; 1903 publication

    Complete English narrative and original printed pages visually checked: 28 and 30; the parallel Niuean is on 29 and 31. The accessible scan is the Johnson Reprint Corporation 1967 reprint of the 1903 journal volume.

  2. 02

    The Traditions of Niue-Fekai: Of Other Tupuas: Ti-lalo-fonua and Ha-le-vao

    Pulekula · October1901 written;1903 publication;selected1967 reprint

    Pulekula, teacher at Tama-ha-le-leka, Liku, written October1901; English translation by S.PercySmith in Journal of the Polynesian Society12 (1903). Selected scan visibly preserves the1903 Wellington title and a Johnson first-reprinting1967 notice. It is a1967 reprint scan, not a newly inspected original1903 physical copy. Smith’s pre-appendix note acknowledges limited opportunities for clarification and occasional failure to grasp the writers’ meaning.

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.

Located primary passages

Specific passages supporting details in this entry, grouped by their published witness.

The Traditions of Niue-Fekai: “Of Other Tupuas,” paragraphs 17–21, printed pp. 28–31; paragraph 58, p. 98

Pulekula, teacher at Tama-ha-le-leka, Liku, written October1901; English translation by S.PercySmith in Journal of the Polynesian Society12 (1903). Selected scan visibly preserves the1903 Wellington title and a Johnson first-reprinting1967 notice. It is a1967 reprint scan, not a newly inspected original1903 physical copy. Smith’s pre-appendix note acknowledges limited opportunities for clarification and occasional failure to grasp the writers’ meaning.

  1. Ti-lalo-fonua is identified with the rat, originally flying in heaven. Ha-le-vao, the flying fox, initially crawls on earth; they are called the same family. Admiration and repeated requests obtain a loan of the rat’s wings. At the borrower’s insistence, the rat attaches them securely and lifts it. Once aloft, Ha-le-vao postpones returning and finally flies away, leaving the donor to lament. Their original modes of movement are reversed. Paragraph58 briefly restates the wing theft.

    Complete17–21, English28/30; supporting short58 on98

Smith’s historical translation is used with its stated uncertainties. Selected pages were read completely; no claim that all Niuean text was translated independently or the entire journal was read. Public availability of the1967 facsimile is not treated as a universal reuse licence.

References

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

  1. Primary written narrative with historical translationJournal of the Polynesian Society, volume 12 (1903): digitized journal (1903 journal; 1967 reprint scan)Research 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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