Presents lore associated with that impetuous and unpredictable, yet gentle and loving personality, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, Pele.

Islanders and visitors to the Islands describe spooky and awe-inspiring meetings with the goddess Pele."

Tells the story of the impetuous and unpredictable Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, Pele.

When the first Europeans arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, the volcano goddess Pele was the central deity of a complex religion in the volcano districts of Hawai'i Island. While native Hawaiians were quickly converted to Christianity, Pele remained remarkably relevant as a deity. This book is a critical biography of the volcano goddess, as well as a history of her religion. Topics covered include the ongoing belief in Pele, her popular manifestations, her ceremonies, her new cultural roles and her current status in Hawai'i.

Pele's fire is dangerous to others, so she needs to find a home of her own. She creates Kīlauea, where she can let her lava flow, and create new land.

One of the great epics of Hawaiian mythology is the story of Pele, goddess of Hawai'i's volcanoes, and her youngest sister, Hi'iakaikapoliopele. Pele was driven out of her homeland after a quarrel with her older sister Namakaokaha'i, a sea goddess. She readied her great double-hulled voyaging canoe and left Kahiki, sailing to Hawai'i. She was accompanied by a number of relatives, including her youngest sister, Hi'iaka, the heroine of our story. None of the islands seemed to suit Pele until she reached Hawai'i, the largest island. In the upland region, Pele settled into the fiery lava pit of Kilauea, and our story begins there. While in a dream state, Pele followed the sounds of hula pahu drums and traveled to Kaua'i, meeting the handsome young chief, Lohi'au. Pele asked her youngest sister, Hi'iaka, to undertake a journey to fetch her new lover. Hi'iaka, with her companions, encountered many adventures on her journey; battling reptilian mo¿o, healing people in need, making new friends and traveling throughout the islands. This is a passionate story of love, healing, betrayal, and reconciliation, culminating in the reunion of parted lovers, lavishly illustrated by one of Hawai'i¿s most celebrated artists, Dietrich Varez.

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