The Water of Life : A Jungian Journey through Hawaiian Myth

Mythology flows like a subterranean stream throughout Hawai‘i. Rita Knipe has selected a number of characteristic myths and mythological figures from the rich pantheon of Hawaiian deities. As she retells their stories, illustrated by Hawaii artist Dietrich Varez, the transposition of such primal drama to the pages of this book becomes poetic theater. The dramatic plots are myths and legends chosen from the oral traditions of unique island people, but the underlying themes and symbols are archetypal and eternal. Drawing parallels between Hawaiian mythology, universal patterns, and individual behavior, the author illustrates certain basic Jungian concepts and explains how we express them in the drama of our own lives. CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 1 Drumbeat, Heartbeat 2 The Water of Kane 3 Roots Planted in Darkness 4 Enchanted Reflections 5 Mäui, Light-bringer of the Pacific 6 Hina, Goddess of the Moon 7 Miraculous Menehune 8 Woman of the Pit 9 Kamapua'a, the Pig God 10 Hi'iaka-in-the- Bosom-of-Pele 11 The Red Feather GLOSSARY OF HAWAIIAN WORDS BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX