Oceanic Mythologies: Australian Aborigine and PolynesianMaui, the Hero and Trickster |
Who was Maui? |
Maui was a trickster, and like the tricksters of Australian Aborigine mythology, he also played the role of culture hero and can best be considered in that context as a demi-god rather than as a god.
Both a hero and a trickster, Maui mischievously snares the Sun in this illustration by Arman Manookian, circa 1927.