Author(s): Hirini Moko Mead

NZ Middle Fiction 8-12-year-olds | Maori Myths & Legends

Tāwhaki: The Deeds of a Demigod recalls the miraculous life of Tāwhaki. Similar to Māui, Tāwhaki was a demigod who possessed mighty powers. Tāwhaki almost died at the hands of his brothers-in-law but was found by his wife Hine-piripiri and revived. This near-death experience revealed Tāwhaki’s status as a demigod, and from this point Tāwhaki continued to use his powers and gifts to help those around him in ways no human could. This book explores many of these stories, including those of Tāwhaki restoring sight to his blind grandmother and climbing the heavens to find his wife and child.  This book is also available in te reo Māori.