The Legends and Myths of Hawaii, by King David Kalakaua, who lived from 1836 to 1890, is a remarkable work. It combines many traditional Hawaiian legends with stories about historical incidents, such as the death of Captain James Cook at the hands of Hawaiians in 1779 and the destruction of Hawaiian temples in 1819. No other collection of Hawaii's myths has come so directly from a literate Hawaiian. King Kalakaua ruled his subjects with sympathy and understanding and had a deep respect for their traditional knowledge. he was the initiator of a general renaissance of Hawaiian culture that has continued to this day. His Hawaiian Majesty King David Kalakaua was a fascinating writer and mythologist who captured in these stories the romance of old Polynesia. His book is an early and significant contribution to the preservation of Hawaiian culture, as well as a rich collection of Hawaiian lore.

In "The Legends and Myths of Hawaii: The Fables and Folk-Lore of a Strange People," David Kalakaua intricately weaves an enchanting tapestry of Hawaiian oral traditions, legends, and folklore. His narrative celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, employing a lyrical prose style that reflects the rhythm of ancient Hawaiian chants. The book serves as a crucial exploration of the intersection between myth and identity, capturing the ethnohistorical context of the late 19th century, a time when Native Hawaiian culture was at risk of being overshadowed by European influences. David Kalakaua, often referred to as the "Merrie Monarch," was the last reigning king of Hawaii before its annexation by the United States. His ardent desire to preserve and revitalize Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions profoundly influenced his writings. Kalakaua, an able communicator and a patron of the arts, was determined to assert Hawaiian identity during a period of colonization, making his work a crucial counter-narrative to colonial histories. This book is highly recommended for readers captivated by mythology, cultural studies, and Hawaiian history. Kalakaua'Äôs tales not only entertain but also educate, offering invaluable insights into a resilient culture. Engaging with this work enriches one's understanding of Hawaii'Äôs unique spiritual landscape and its enduring legacy.

Hawaii: The Aloha State is an informative reader which provides all the necessary information about USA's youngest state. This book is packed with fascinating stories from Hawaiian history, mythology, tradition and literature. If you plan to visit Hawaii or just want to find out more about this Pacific paradise this book is going to give you all the information you'll ever need. General Information Hawaiian History Archaeological Discoveries in Hawaii Volcanoes of Hawaii Customs and Tradition Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula Kiana: A Tradition of Hawaii Legends and Myths of Hawaii

The Story of Hawaii: History, Customs, Mythology, Geography & Archaeology" presents a comprehensive anthology that weaves together the multifaceted tapestry of Hawaii's rich heritage. This collection stands out for its eclectic mix of literary styles, ranging from scholarly essays to personal narratives, all converging to illuminate Hawaii's cultural, historical, and geographical identity. The anthology draws upon a wide array of sources, melding traditional Hawaiian lore with modern archaeological and ethnographic scholarship. The inclusion of works by individuals closely tied to Hawaii's storied past, such as King David Kalakaua, ensures a deeply authentic exploration of the islands legacy. The contributing authors and editors collectively bring a remarkable breadth of knowledge and perspective to this anthology. Each, in their own right, has significantly contributed to the understanding and preservation of Hawaiian culture. Their backgrounds span from indigenous leadership and scholarly research to government documentation, offering insights into Hawaii's evolution from its ancient roots to its contemporary standing. The anthology captures the essence of significant cultural and literary movements, portraying Hawaii as a prime example of the dynamic interplay between tradition and transformation. "The Story of Hawaii" is an indispensable read for anyone keen on delving deep into the heart of Hawaiis multifarious legacy. It offers readers a unique opportunity to experience Hawaii through a prism of diverse perspectives, fostering a richer comprehension of its history, traditions, and the ongoing dialogue between its past and present. This collection is not just educational but profoundly enlightening, inviting readers to journey across the breadth of Hawaiian thought and experience, all within the covers of a single volume.

In the midst of these scenes of blood the eye rests with relief upon numerous episodes of love, friendship and self-sacrifice touching with a softening color the ruddy canvas of the past. We see Kanipahu, the exiled king of Hawaii, delving like a common laborer on a neighboring island, and refusing to accept anew the sceptre in his old age because his back had become crooked with toil and he could no longer look over the heads of his subjects as became a Hawaiian king. We see Umi, a rustic youth of royal mien and mighty proportions, boldly leap the palace-walls of the great Liloa, push aside the spears of the guards, enter the royal mansion, seat himself in the lap of the king, and through the exhibition of a forgotten token of love receive instant recognition as his son. And now Lono, the royal great-grandson of Umi, rises before us, and we see him lured from self-exile by the voice of his queen, reaching him in secret from without the walls of the sovereign court of Oahu, to return to Hawaii and triumph over his enemies. These and many other romantic incidents present themselves in connection with the early Hawaiian kings and princes, and are offered in the succeeding pages with every detail of interest afforded by available tradition.

The legends are of a little archipelago which was unknown to the civilized world until the closing years of the last century, and of a people who for many centuries exchanged no word or product with the rest of mankind; who had lost all knowledge, save the little retained by the dreamiest of legends, of the great world beyond their island home; whose origin may be traced to the ancient Cushites of Arabia, and whose legends repeat the story of the Jewish genesis; who developed and passed through an age of chivalry somewhat more barbarous, perhaps, but scarcely less affluent in deeds of enterprise and valor than that which characterized the contemporaneous races of the continental world; whose chiefs and priests claimed kinship with the gods, and step by step told back their lineage not only to him who rode the floods, but to the sinning pair whose re-entrance to the forfeited joys of Paradise was prevented by the large, white bird of Kane ; who fought without shields and went to their death without fear; whose implements of war and industry were of wood, stone and bone, yet who erected great temples to their gods, and constructed barges and canoes which they navigated by the stars; who peopled the elements with spirits, reverenced the priesthood, bowed to the revelations of their prophets, and submitted without complaint to the oppressions of the tabu ; who observed the rite of circumcision, built places of refuge after the manner of the ancient Israelites, and held sacred the religious legends of the priests and chronological meles of the chiefs.

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