Ulaka

Overview

In the Taumako narrative included in Coombe's chapter on Nukapu and the Reef Islands, Ulaka is a huge pig that eats people. The narrative names it alongside another figure, Tepkakhola. It is described as having a terrible face and a powerful tail, but no exact size is given.

The twins first call Ulaka from a tree. As it runs, its tail snaps trees; they remain quiet in fear, and climb down after it leaves. Later they prepare spears along the path and call it again. It eats coconuts and lies down, allowing them to attack. It turns toward each twin in succession, exposing itself to the other's spear, until it dies at the beach.

Ulaka is a distinct named monster within this narrative, not a description of an actual pig species. This profile relies on a single historical missionary compilation. The 1911 printing is the earliest source examined here, not evidence of when the story first circulated orally.

Origins & earliest records

Taumako narrative printed in Florence Coombe, Islands of Enchantment (1911), Part II ch. IX, pp. 211–213.

Records & interpretation

Coombe 1911, pp. 211–213, read from archive.org OCR. No other sources examined.

Selected bibliography

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

1. 01

   Islands of Enchantment: many-sided Melanesia seen through many eyes

   Florence Coombe · 1911

   Selected bibliography; Part II ch. IX, pp. 211–213; historical missionary compilation.

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. Digitised historical book (OCR)Islands of Enchantment (full OCR text)Research access: 2026-10-07
2. Catalogue recordIslands of Enchantment (Internet Archive catalogue record)Research access: 2026-10-07

Image credits

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