Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii

"Pele and Hiiaka: A Myth From Hawaii" by Nathaniel Bright Emerson presents traditional Hawaiian stories from the early 1900s, focusing on Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, and her sister Hiiaka, charting their experiences together across the Hawaiian Islands. This collection of tales highlights Hawaiian culture and values, and it explores love, responsibility, and competition among its characters. The story begins with Pele awakening in the Kilauea volcano, showing her power and connection to the land and her relationships with her relatives, especially Hiiaka, who eventually becomes important. While enjoying an ocean trip with her sisters, Hiiaka's skill in song and dance captures Pele's attention, paving the way for Hiiaka's future task of finding her love, Lohiau, underlining themes of commitment and the challenges of their epic journey. The detailed writing pulls readers into an engaging story filled with the heart of Hawaiian myths.