The ocean

Definition

The ocean is a vast body of saltwater that covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface, acting as a significant backdrop in various cultural narratives, including creation myths. In Polynesian creation narratives, the ocean often symbolizes the source of life and the domain of deities, representing both chaos and order at the beginning of existence. It plays a critical role in shaping the spiritual and physical landscapes of island cultures, highlighting connections between the natural world and human existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ocean in Polynesian creation myths is often depicted as a primordial entity that existed before land was formed, signifying chaos from which life emerged.
2. Many Polynesian cultures believe that ancestors originate from the ocean, reinforcing its significance in their identity and cultural heritage.
3. The ocean is not just a physical space but a spiritual one; it is often viewed as a pathway for souls and a source of divine knowledge.
4. Polynesian navigators used their understanding of ocean currents and stars for long-distance travel, demonstrating their deep connection to the sea.
5. In these narratives, the ocean's moods can symbolize human emotions and experiences, emphasizing the interdependence between humans and nature.

Review Questions

• How does the ocean serve as both a source of chaos and order in Polynesian creation narratives?
  • In Polynesian creation narratives, the ocean represents chaos as it existed before any land was formed; it is a vast and turbulent entity. However, from this chaos comes order when deities emerge or create land from the ocean's depths. This duality reflects how life can arise from disorder and highlights the importance of balance in creation myths.
• Discuss the role of deities associated with the ocean in Polynesian culture and how they reflect human relationships with nature.
  • Deities such as Tangaroa play a vital role in Polynesian culture by embodying various aspects of the ocean, including its nurturing qualities and destructive potential. These deities reflect humanity's complex relationship with nature; people both revere and fear the ocean. Myths about these gods illustrate cultural values around respect for nature and reliance on the sea for sustenance and navigation.
• Evaluate how the concept of the ocean in Polynesian creation narratives influences contemporary understandings of environmental stewardship in island communities.
  • The ocean's significance in Polynesian creation narratives promotes a worldview that emphasizes respect for nature, illustrating its role as both a life source and a spiritual domain. This perspective influences contemporary environmental stewardship by encouraging sustainable practices rooted in ancestral knowledge. Today, island communities advocate for protecting marine ecosystems as part of honoring their cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges like climate change.

Related terms

Te Ao Mārama: In Māori cosmology, Te Ao Mārama refers to the world of light and understanding, often contrasted with Te Pō, the world of darkness and chaos.

Tangaroa:

Tangaroa is the Polynesian god of the sea, who embodies both creation and destruction within oceanic realms, influencing human relationships with the ocean.

Kanaloa: In Hawaiian mythology, Kanaloa is a god associated with the ocean, often linked to navigation and healing, representing the ocean's dual nature as both nurturing and perilous.