Story Summary
Explore the legend of Pele the Volcano Goddess, her journey across the Pacific, and her fiery home in Kilauea. A tale of creation, power, and Hawaiian spirit.
Pele, the daughter of Haumea and Kane Milohai, was born in the distant land of Tahiti. A goddess of fire and passion, her presence was often too intense for her homeland. After a fierce conflict with her elder sister, Namakaokaha‘i, the goddess of the sea, Pele was forced to flee. Guided by her brother Kamohoali‘i, who took the form of a great shark, Pele traveled across the Pacific in a canoe, carrying her younger sister Hi‘iaka in the shape of an egg. Pele sought a home where her fires could burn deep within the earth, away from the reaching waves of her sister. She traveled from the northwestern islands to the southeast, using her divining rod, Pa‘oa, to strike the earth. At each island—Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and Maui—she dug deep pits, but the sea goddess would flood them with water, extinguishing her flames. Finally, Pele reached the Big Island of Hawai‘i. High atop the summit of Kilauea, in the Halema‘uma‘u crater, she found a sanctuary far above the ocean's reach. There, she established her eternal home, ruling as the mistress of fire, creating new land even as she consumes the old, embodying the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth.
The Moral
The story teaches us to respect the raw power of nature and understand that destruction is often a necessary precursor to new creation.
“Where the fire bites the earth, there I shall make my home.”
Fun Fact
A famous modern legend warns that anyone who takes volcanic rocks from Hawaii will be cursed with bad luck by Pele until the stones are returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Pele the Volcano Goddess?
The moral emphasizes that the forces of nature are beyond human control and must be respected. It also illustrates how destruction can lead to the birth of new land and life.
Who is Pele's main rival in Hawaiian mythology?
Her primary rival is her older sister, Namakaokaha‘i, the goddess of the sea. Their conflict represents the eternal struggle between fire and water, which shapes the topography of the islands.
Where is Pele said to live today?
Pele is believed to reside in the Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. This site remains a sacred place of worship and offerings.
What is 'Pele's Hair' and 'Pele's Tears'?
These are geological terms for volcanic glass. Pele's Hair consists of thin strands of basaltic glass, while Pele's Tears are small, droplet-shaped particles of cooled lava.
Why did Pele leave her original home in Tahiti?
According to myth, she was either driven out by her sister after a family dispute or she left in search of a place where she could freely express her fiery nature without interference.
What are common offerings made to Pele?
Historically, offerings included Ohelo berries, which grow near the volcano. In modern times, visitors often leave flowers, food, or traditional chants to show respect to the goddess.