The narrative follows Tāwhaki, a heroic figure, who seeks vengeance after being betrayed by his brothers-in-law. After a fishing trip, they attempt to kill him, believing they have succeeded. However, his wife, Hinepiripiri, discovers him alive and revives him. Upon recovery, Tāwhaki calls upon the gods for revenge, leading to a catastrophic flood that wipes out the betrayers. Tāwhaki and his brother Karihi then pursue the Ponaturi, a race responsible for their father's death. They find their mother, Urutonga, who warns them of the dangers posed by the Ponaturi. The brothers hide in their house and, with their mother's help, use the sun's rays to destroy the Ponaturi as they sleep, avenging their father's death. Tāwhaki's bravery and beauty attract the attention of a celestial maiden, Tangotango, who descends to Earth and becomes his wife. They have a daughter, Arahuta, but after a misunderstanding, Tangotango returns to the heavens, leaving Tāwhaki heartbroken. He embarks on a quest to find their daughter, accompanied by Karihi and a slave. They encounter Matakerepō, a blind ancestress, who guides them to the tendrils connecting Earth to the heavens. After a series of trials, including Karihi's near-fall, Tāwhaki ascends to the sky, disguising himself as an old man to infiltrate the Ponaturi's domain. His brothers-in-law, unaware of his true identity, treat him as a slave. Tāwhaki secretly works on their canoes, impressing them with his skills. Eventually, they recognize him, and he reveals his true form. He reunites with Tangotango and their daughter, performing rituals to secure her noble status. The story concludes with the family's restoration and the reaffirmation of Tāwhaki's heroic legacy.
By George Grey · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Adventure