Si Pele, Ang Diyosa ng Apoy at Bulkan (Mitolohiya)

Summary

The myth of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, tells the story of her tumultuous family dynamics and her fierce rivalry with her sibling Namaka, the goddess of water. Pele's passionate connection to fire leads to a series of events that cause destruction, ultimately shaping the Hawaiian islands. After a tragic series of jealous acts and conflicts, Pele realizes the cost of her actions and, in a final act of repentance, helps her family heal. The story underscores themes of love, jealousy, and the natural forces that shape the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pele is the goddess of fire and volcanoes, a powerful deity with a passionate connection to fire.
• 😀 Pele's family, including her siblings and parents, once lived peacefully in the beautiful and abundant land of Tahiti.
• 😀 Pele and her sister Namaka, the goddess of water, had a bitter rivalry, fueled by jealousy over love and power.
• 😀 Pele's fascination with fire led to an accident that destroyed their home, causing her to flee with her family to a safer island.
• 😀 Despite Pele's efforts to escape her sister's wrath, Namaka threatened to flood the entire island with water, which forced Pele's family to continually move.
• 😀 Pele eventually found refuge on a high mountain called Mauna Loa, where her volcanic powers played a key role in shaping the island of Hawaii.
• 😀 Pele's spirit lives on after her physical death, and she can transform into different forms, such as a beautiful woman, an old woman, or even a white dog.
• 😀 Pele, driven by jealousy, attempted to seduce a man named Oha, causing destruction when she set him on fire in a fit of rage.
• 😀 After Oha's death, his wife, Lehua, begged Pele to restore her husband, and Pele, moved by her sorrow, transformed Oha into a tree and Lehua into beautiful flowers.
• 😀 Pele's jealousy later caused harm to her own sister Haakaa, resulting in the death of Haakaa's lover, Lohia, and further consequences that haunted Pele's relationships with her family.

Q & A

Who are the main deities in the story of Pele?

The main deities are Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes; Namaka, the goddess of water; Hya, the goddess of earth; and Kanimiluhay, the god of the sky. They are part of a family that includes Pele's siblings and parents.

What causes the conflict between Pele and her sister Namaka?

The conflict begins when Pele's fascination with fire and her actions surrounding it, particularly her involvement with Namaka's husband, create tension. Pele’s obsession with fire and the destruction she causes, including accidentally burning their home, aggravates the conflict further.

How does Pele's fascination with fire impact her family?

Pele's obsession with fire causes a major disaster when she accidentally burns down her family’s home. This leads to the family's exile and a series of confrontations with Namaka, the goddess of water, who threatens to flood the land in retaliation.

What role does the egg containing Pele's younger sibling play in the story?

The egg containing Pele's younger sibling symbolizes protection and care. Pele keeps the egg safe during their escape, and when it hatches, the sibling becomes a beautiful girl named Hayakawa, who brings joy to the family on their new island.

What is the significance of the volcanic eruption in the myth?

The volcanic eruption represents both Pele’s power and her emotional turmoil. It results in the formation of new land (the island of Hawaii) and marks the climax of Pele's conflict with her sister Namaka. The eruption symbolizes the destructive forces of nature and Pele's personal transformation.

How does Pele interact with Oha and Lehuya, and what does it reveal about her character?

Pele becomes infatuated with Oha, but when she sees him with his wife, Lehuya, she reacts out of jealousy and burns Oha. Lehuya, in her grief, pleads for Pele to restore Oha, which leads to Pele's transformation of Oha into a tree. This interaction highlights Pele's jealousy and her eventual ability to show mercy.

What is the relationship between Pele and her younger sister Haakaa?

Pele has a complex relationship with her younger sister Haakaa, marked by jealousy and eventual regret. Pele’s jealousy causes her to harm Haakaa's garden and the man she loves, Lohoa. However, Pele later regrets her actions and helps Haakaa bring Lohoa back to life.

What does Pele’s transformation and actions towards Lohoa signify in the myth?

Pele’s actions towards Lohoa, including her eventual help in resurrecting him, signify themes of redemption and forgiveness. Her initial destructive jealousy gives way to remorse, showing her capacity for change and growth despite her volatile nature.

How do the Hawaiian people view Pele today, according to the myth?

The Hawaiian people continue to revere Pele, believing that her spirit is ever-present. They view volcanic eruptions as manifestations of her fiery presence, reshaping the land, and they honor her through stories and rituals, regardless of their religious beliefs.

What is the symbolic meaning of the relationship between the Lehuya flower and the Oha tree?

The relationship between the Lehuya flower and the Oha tree symbolizes eternal love and connection. According to the myth, as long as the Oha tree and Lehuya flowers remain together, the weather will be favorable. If the flowers are picked, it is believed to bring rain, symbolizing the sorrow of Lehuya's loss.