The Ghost Sisters of Hilo Hills

Summary

In her presentation, Lexia Hubbard explores the Hawaiian myth of the Ghost Sisters of Hilo Hills, focusing on the dynamic between the goddess Hina's two daughters, Hina ki he and Hina Kahlua. The narrative illustrates themes of jealousy, selflessness, and the consequences of rivalry, as Hina ki he sacrifices herself to save her people from starvation, while Kahlua's envy leads to her downfall. The myth serves as a moral lesson on gratitude and the repercussions of one's actions, encouraging viewers to reflect on the cultural significance of Hawaiian mythology.

Takeaways

• 🌺 The myth of the ghost sisters of Hilo Hills is a rich Hawaiian legend with cultural and moral significance.
• 👩‍👧‍👧 The story revolves around two daughters of the goddess Hina: Hina ki he (mistress of fire) and Hina Kahlua (mistress of rain).
• 🌋 Kiki, the goddess of fire, is beloved by her people for providing warmth and sustenance, while Kahlua feels jealousy over her sister's status.
• 🌧️ Kahlua's jealousy leads her to use her powers negatively, causing drought and suffering among her people.
• 🔥 Kiki decides to sacrifice herself to save her people from starvation, demonstrating selflessness and bravery.
• 🌊 After Kiki's sacrifice, a woman appears to guide her people to find food, highlighting the theme of divine intervention.
• 🌪️ Kahlua attempts to replicate Kiki's sacrifice but perishes, emphasizing the dangers of jealousy and selfishness.
• 📖 The myth reflects cultural values regarding generosity, community, and the consequences of envy.
• 🤔 Questions arise about obedience to deities and the moral implications of following leaders who act selfishly.
• 📚 The presentation encourages further exploration of Hawaiian mythology and the teachings embedded within these stories.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the myth of the ghost sisters of Hilo Hills?

The central theme revolves around sibling rivalry, jealousy, and the moral significance of selflessness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the actions of the goddess Kiki.

Who are the main characters in the myth?

The main characters are Hina, the goddess and mother of the demigod Maui, and her two daughters: Hina ki he, the mistress of fire, and Hina Kahlua, the mistress of rain.

What gifts did Hina bestow upon her daughters?

Hina gifted her daughters with mountains, specifically the fertile lands of Kiki and Kahlua, which provided sustenance and prosperity to their people.

How did Kahlua's jealousy manifest in the myth?

Kahlua's jealousy led her to disrupt her sister's blessings by bringing down rain clouds and extinguishing the fires that Kiki had created, despite having her own powers.

What event triggered the need for sacrifice in the story?

A severe drought caused by Kahlua's actions led to dying crops, which prompted the communities to consider a human sacrifice to appease the gods and restore their land.

What did Kiki decide to do to save her people?

Kiki chose to sacrifice herself by entering the emu, a traditional Hawaiian underground oven, instructing her people to wait for three days for a woman to appear to help them.

What was the outcome of Kiki's sacrifice?

Kiki's sacrifice resulted in the return of water and food to her people, ensuring their survival and prosperity, while her selflessness earned her lasting devotion.

What happened to Kahlua when she attempted to replicate Kiki's sacrifice?

Kahlua perished in the emu due to her inability to withstand the heat, and her people suffered because she was not truly a goddess of selflessness like Kiki.

What moral lessons can be derived from the myth?

The myth teaches that jealousy can lead to destructive consequences, and that selflessness and community care can lead to prosperity and stability.

How does the myth reflect Hawaiian cultural values?

The myth emphasizes the importance of gratitude, communal well-being, and the dangers of envy, reflecting broader Hawaiian cultural teachings on respect for the gods and nature.