The narrative follows a young girl, Hinauri, who is cast adrift at sea and eventually washes ashore, where she is rescued by two brothers, Ihuatamai and Ihuwareware. They care for her, and she becomes their shared wife, adopting the name Ihungarupaea. After some time, she is taken by the chief Tinirau, despite being pregnant with Ihuatamai's child. The jealousy of Tinirau's other wives leads to their demise at Hinauri's hands through powerful incantations. Meanwhile, Hinauri's brother, initially named Māuimua, is consumed by grief over her disappearance and embarks on a quest to find her. His journey takes him to the heavens, where he seeks guidance from the ancestor Rehua. After overcoming barriers, he reaches Rehua, who welcomes him and prepares a feast. However, Rupe, as he is now called, refuses to eat the sacred birds that emerge from Rehua's hair. Rupe learns of Hinauri's plight and transforms into a pigeon to reach her. He successfully finds her at Tinirau's home, where she recognizes him. They share a lament, and Rupe takes Hinauri and her newborn child back to the heavens. During their ascent, they accidentally drop the placenta, which is consumed by a shark, leading to the creation of large eggs inside the creature. Upon reaching Rehua's abode, Rupe is dismayed by the neglect of the courtyard and decides to clean it. He constructs shovels for the task and beautifies the area. However, a mishap occurs when a beam he improperly fixes leads to the death of Rehua's son, Kaitangata, whose blood stains the heavens, creating a red hue that is observed in the sky. Rupe's transformation from Māuimua to Rupe signifies his evolution throughout the tale, as he navigates challenges, confronts jealousy, and ultimately seeks to restore his family. The story intertwines themes of love, loss, and the consequences of actions, culminating in a blend of myth and moral lessons.
By George Grey · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Adventure