Hawaiian Legends of Tricksters and Riddlers / Vivian L. Thompson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Thompson, Vivian L., Author.

Contributor:

Wozniak, Patricia A., Contributor.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (104 p.)

Place of Publication:

Honolulu : University of Hawaii Press, [2022]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

According to some of the oldest and least-known of Hawaii's legends, man became a trickster to survive, and later became a riddler to win a place for himself in society. Vivian Thompson's tales, written for youngsters, are based on some of the earliest recorded versions of these legends; they instruct and delight readers of today as the oral traditions of old captivated their audiences. The first voyagers to Hawaii were filled with terror of the unknown terrain inhabited by evil spirits. Fearless fellows, tricksters - those who could match wits not only against nature, spirits, and monsters but also against chiefs and kings who held the power of life and death - became the heroes of the common people. As trickster legends emerged from primitive Hawaii, so riddler legends grew from later Hawaii, where mental as well as physical skills were admired.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

The Flying Spirits of Niihau

The Weary Spirits of Lanai

King of the Restless Sea

A Contest with Skillful Spirits

The Spirit Who Danced

Riddler on the Hill

Hog Child Plays Tricks

A Chiefess and a Riddle

Maui-the-trickster

The Riddling Chief of Puna

Iwa the Crafty One

The Riddling Youngster

Glossary

Bibliography

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 03. Jan 2023)

ISBN:

0-8248-4281-2