Story Summary
Discover The Origin of the Coconut in this Samoan myth where the love between Sina and an enchanted eel creates a tree that provides life-giving water for all.
In the village of Safune on the island of Savai'i lived a beautiful maiden named Sina. She kept a small eel named Tuna as a pet in a bowl of water. As Tuna grew, his presence became supernatural and his love for Sina grew into an obsessive devotion. Fearing the creature's power, Sina fled across the islands, but no matter where she went, Tuna appeared in the local pools to watch her. Exhausted and realizing his life was nearing its end, the eel spoke to Sina, revealing he was a prince under a spell. He asked her for one final act of kindness: to cut off his head and bury it in the sand. Sina obeyed, and from that spot grew a tall, slender tree with long, swaying fronds—the first coconut tree. When the first fruit grew, Sina saw three distinct marks on the shell that resembled two eyes and a mouth. To this day, when one drinks from a coconut, they must tilt the fruit and place their lips to the 'mouth,' fulfilling the eel's wish to kiss the beautiful Sina forever.
The Moral
From sacrifice and endings, new life and sustenance can emerge to provide for others.
“When you drink from this fruit, you will be kissing me.”
Fun Fact
The pool mentioned in the story, Mata o le Alelo, is still a popular tourist destination in Samoa today, where visitors can swim in the legendary waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Origin of the Coconut?
The moral is that even in death and sacrifice, there is the potential for new life and beauty. It teaches that the natural world provides for us through the legacies of those who came before.
Who are the main characters in the story of Sina and the Eel?
The story centers on Sina, a beautiful Samoan maiden, and Tuna, an enchanted eel who was actually a prince from another land. Their interaction leads to the creation of the very first coconut tree.
Why does the coconut have three holes according to the myth?
According to the legend, the three holes represent the eyes and the mouth of the eel, Tuna. This was his way of ensuring that whenever Sina—or anyone else—drank from the fruit, they would be sharing a kiss with him.
Where did the story of Sina and the Eel originate?
The story is a core piece of Samoan mythology, specifically tied to the village of Safune on the island of Savai'i. Various versions exist across Polynesia, but the Samoan version is among the most famous.
What did the eel ask Sina to do before he died?
The eel asked Sina to behead him and bury his head in the ground. He promised that from his head, a great gift would grow that would sustain her and her people with food and water forever.
Is there a real place associated with this myth?
Yes, there is a freshwater pool in the village of Safune called 'Mata o le Alelo.' Local tradition holds that this is the very pool where Sina and Tuna's story took place.
