A son named Wahieroa, born to Tāwhaki, is slain by Matuku-takotako. His son, Rātā, vows to avenge his father’s death. Rātā learns from a guardian that Matuku-takotako resides underground and will emerge with the new moon. Rātā hides near a fountain where Matuku washes his hair, and when Matuku appears, Rātā kills him, avenging Wahieroa. Rātā seeks his father's bones, discovering they were taken by distant people. He attempts to carve a canoe from a tall tree, but the spirits of the forest restore it each time he cuts it down. Realizing his error, Rātā is forgiven by the spirits, who build the canoe for him, named Riwaru. Rātā and his warriors set sail to confront their enemies, the Ponaturi. Rātā stealthily approaches the Ponaturi's sacred site, overhearing priests using his father's bones in a ritual. He kills the priests and retrieves the bones, but the Ponaturi pursue him. In a battle, Rātā's tribe suffers losses until he uses a spell learned from the priests to resurrect his fallen warriors. They defeat the Ponaturi, avenging his father. Rātā marries Tongarautāwhiri, and they have a son, Tūwhakararo. Tūwhakararo's son, Whakatau, is born from an apron thrown into the sea, shaped by the god Rongotakawiu. As a child, Whakatau enjoys flying kites, often seen by mortals as he plays in the water. Whakatau is later sought by Tinirau to avenge Tūwhakararo's death. He prepares for battle, instructing Hine-i-te-iwaiwa to host a feast for warriors. He builds a canoe and sets out to confront the enemies. Upon arrival, he challenges the Ponaturi champions, defeating them one by one using clever tactics and magic. Whakatau ultimately sets a trap for the Ponaturi by tying a rope around their great house. When the house is filled with people, he collapses it, killing them all, and sets it ablaze. Hine-i-te-iwaiwa witnesses the flames, knowing her enemies are defeated. Whakatau returns home, having avenged Tūwhakararo.
By George Grey · Genre: Mythology, Adventure, Fantasy