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Cover of Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b The Hawaiians' account of the formation of their islands and origin of their race, with the traditions of their migrations, etc., as gathered from original sources

Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b The Hawaiians' account of the formation of their islands and origin of their race, with the traditions of their migrations, etc., as gathered from original sources

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LegendsFolkloreHawaiiHawaiian language

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About this book

"The Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-Lore, Volume 1" by Abraham Fornander is a scholarly collection of traditional Hawaiian mythology and historical accounts, written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on the origins of the Hawaiian islands and the Polynesian race, drawing upon original sources and translations to present stories of migration and cultural significance within Hawaiian lore. The work aims to preserve the rich historical narrative and traditions of Hawaii for both locals and foreign readers. The opening of this collection introduces the reader to the legends regarding the formation of the Hawaiian islands, specifically emphasizing the mythical narratives surrounding the first parents, Wakea (Sky Father) and Papa (Earth Mother). Fornander touches upon the lineage of the islands, detailing the birth of each island as a metaphorical child from the union of these ancestors. It also hints at the compilation's intent to repatriate knowledge and traditions that have been passed down through generations, many of which are at risk of being forgotten. The introductory chapters set the stage for deeper explorations into the unique myths, genealogies, and historical impacts of these stories on the Hawaiian people's identity and heritage.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b The Hawaiians' account of the formation of their islands and origin of their race, with the traditions of their migrations, etc., as gathered from original sources, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 15 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Historical
  • Mythological

The Fornander Collection, Volume 1, is a monumental compilation of Hawaiian oral traditions, genealogies, and historical accounts. It meticulously documents the indigenous Hawaiian perspective on the formation of their islands, the origin of their race, and the intricate sagas of their ancestral migrations across the Pacific. Gathered from original sources by Abraham Fornander, this volume serves as an invaluable primary resource for understanding pre-contact Hawaiian cosmology, social structures, and cultural identity. It preserves a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and historical narratives that were central to the Hawaiians' worldview, offering profound insights into their spiritual beliefs and their deep connection to their land and lineage.

“From the vastness of Pō, the darkness, came forth the light, and from the light, the islands were formed.”

Key themes

Creation and Cosmology
This theme explores the Hawaiian understanding of how the universe, the islands, and humanity came into being. It encompasses detailed myths involving primordial deities like Wākea and Papa, the concept of Pō (the realm of darkness and creation), and the cyclical nature of existence. The collection reveals a complex and deeply spiritual worldview where all elements of nature and society are interconnected and imbued with sacred significance.
Genealogy and Ancestry (Moʻokūʻauhau)
The importance of genealogy is paramount in the Fornander Collection. It details extensive chants (moʻokūʻauhau) that trace the lineage of chiefs and commoners back to divine ancestors, establishing social hierarchy, land rights, and personal identity. This theme highlights the profound reverence for ancestors and the belief that mana (spiritual power) is inherited through bloodlines, connecting the living directly to the gods and the foundational past.
Migration and Exploration
This theme focuses on the epic journeys undertaken by the ancestors of the Hawaiian people from their mythical homeland (often referred to as Hawaiki) across the vast Pacific Ocean to the Hawaiian archipelago. It celebrates their extraordinary navigational skills, courage, and resilience, providing a historical narrative of settlement and the establishment of new societies. These accounts reinforce a sense of shared heritage with other Polynesian cultures.

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