Vivian L. Thompson

37. Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea and Sky by Vivian L. Thompson
Illustrations: Marilyn Kahalewai
published: 1966, with illustrations from 1988
format: 84-page paperback
acquired: July 31
read: Jul 31 – Aug 1
time reading: 1:42, 1.2 mpp
rating: 3
locations: Hawaii
about the author: couldn’t find anything….

A 1966 collection that‘s been reprinted several times, including this new printing with 1988 illustrations. Didn‘t do much for me, but it was short and it was nice to get a small sense of the mythology.

2021
https://www.librarything.com/topic/333774#7570834… (más)

This Hawaiian legend tells of Aukele, the youngest of the king's sons and his favorite. His ten older brothers resent him and treat him poorly, so he trains and practices apart from them until he is able to hand them all a whuppin' one day.

"Aukele" is a delightful adventure and contains plenty of universal themes that make it appealing: the trials and triumph of the underdog, battles against monsters, a wicked witch (who transforms into a positive character by the end of the story).

This book could be useful in the classroom for discussing themes in Polynesian culture, such as the importance of family throughout the book. Aukele repeatedly shows that he considers family important. Although his brothers mistreat him he tries to help them be successful in their quest, as his grandmother has told him that they are doomed to death if he doesn't. His loyalty towards his family works to his advantage, he escapes harm throughout the book simply by identifying himself, chanting to the gods and supernatural beings he encounters what his name is, where he hails from, and who his parents are. It turns out he is related by birth or marriage to nearly everyone he encounters, and they all cease their hostility and give him assistance.… (más)

This book tells of twelve Hawaiian myths. Each of these myths correlate around the Earth, Sea and Sky. They tell of different things from how the days became longer, how the Earth was created and other "natural phenomena." These stories reiterate the connection native Hawaiians feel with the Earth, Sea, and Sky.

This text would be great to have in a classroom because they stories are quick and could be read in down time. They also are very engaging stories for children because they tell about theories of why the Earth is the way it is today. In otherwords, what they are reading affects them. It is another way of looking at the world and I think children would really appreciate this. It is also a great text when looking at the different cultures since there are native Hawaiians who truly believe this.… (más)