Who is Maui

Who is Māui?
Māui is the great trickster in Māori mythology. He is considered a clever and gifted demigod.
There are many stories about Māui, both in Māori history and in the history of other Polynesian cultures.
There are legends about Māui and his conquests.
There are variations in all of his stories but the morals and role model are the same.
Māui is thought to have magical powers, but he is human and lives as humans do.

Māui’s Birth
Some legends say Māui was born premature and his mother thought he was dead. She wrapped him in a bundle of hair, her topknot (tikitiki), and threw him into the ocean. The name, Māui-Tiki-Tiki, or "Māui formed in the topknot“ was given to him.

Māui’s Life
After being thrown into the sea, it is said that either Tangaroa or Rangi looked after Māui into his teen years. Māui went to look for his mother and brothers and began to live with them.
Māui is the youngest of five brothers. They are jealous of him and do not trust him.

Legends about Māui
There are many legends about Māui. He is said to have fished up New Zealand, slowed the sun and brought fire to the land.