Whale Gods of Oceania

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 In Hawai’i, the Humpback Whale is a divine messenger of the Gods. When They return to Hawai’i, during the winter, the Whales are coming home. Kohala (the Humpback Whale), as a sacred being, represents the cosmic balance. Moreover, He will intervene on the behalf of the Gods Kane and Kanaloa. The Hawai’ians say that the songs of the Whales are prayers to the Gods, stories of Creation, or information on where the fish are.

 

The Humpback Whale is often an ‘aumakua, a guide from the Ancestors. As a revered member of the family, the Whale guards the descendants. To thank the Whale, the family periodically holds rituals to show their deep respect. When a Whale approaches their boats, the family offers their prayers of gratitude for His Protection.

 

The Māori of New Zealand have deep relations with Right Whales. The Whales guided the ancestral canoes from Hawaiki to Aotearoa (New Zealand). One whale, Tutarakauika guided Waitaha who was following his sister Hahuru. The Maori have a saying – “Where the whale journeys, the people follow.” (Tere tohara, tere tangata.)

 

The Whale is also an Ancestor of several Māori families. The Tohora (Right Whale) are Guardians (Kaitiaki) of various families. For instance, a great whale (humpback whale) – Paikea – saved Kahutia Te Rangi from drowning. In gratitude, Te Rangi took on the name “Paikea.” His descendants live with the Whales in a sacred relationship of reciprocity.