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Guide Books If you are thinking of visiting Samoa be sure to read one of these books before you leave. |
Impressions of Samoa Since the Europeans first encountered the islands, visitors have been recording details of their travels. |
| The Samoan Language Many visitors to these web pages have expressed an interest in learning Samoan. Here are some books that can help you. |
History For such a small country, Samoa held a remarkable position on the World stage. Why not find out about it. |
| Flora and Fauna A selection of books about the diversity of life in the rainforests and reefs of Samoa. |
Politics, Economics and Commerce Samoa is one of the poorest countries in the world. Learn more about the factors which contribute to this. |
| Fiction Choose from traditional Samoan stories or modern Samoan fiction. |
Robert Louis Stevenson Find out more about Samoa's most famous Scottish inhabitant. |
| Anthropology and Culture Samoa is refered to as the Heart of Polynesia, because of all the islands, it has retained the strongest links to its cultural heritage. |
Margaret Meade It was in Samoa that Margaret Meade made her reputation as an anthropologist, however some now think that her observations and methods were flawed. |
| Biography Find out more about some successful Samoans. |
Miscellaneous Books that we have been unable to classify. |
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This is a collection of traditional Samoan folktales. It contains many well popular stories explaining how the world was created, who man acquired fire, how Manono came to be created etc. It also explains various aspects of Samoan culture, how various crimes should be handled, and how to behave at social occaisions. What makes this book even more interesting is that it is written in both Samoan and English. It could be used as an additional teaching aid for someone that is trying to learn Samoan.
It is important to point out that this book primarily covers Maori myths and legends, however it frequently places these in context with other myths and legends from around Polynesia. Many of the tales told around the Pacific moved between the island groups as the early Polynesian voyagers migrated through the Pacific, and some of the tales in this book will have a ring of familiarity. The book includes tales of voyages between the islands, the creation of the world, the supernatural, love and war.
Table of Contents
I Polynesia and Its People ........................ 13
II 'Koropanga and Rukutia .......................... 45
III Kelea and Kalamakua ............................. 71
IV Uenuku .......................................... 93
V Fairies and Taniwha ............................ 115
VI The Tawhaki Cycle .............................. 157
VII Maui' (Maui-Tikitiki-A-Taranga ................. 192
VIII Hina', Sister of Maui' ......................... 236
IX Pele the Fire-Goddess .......................... 267
X The Spirit Worlds .............................. 288
XI Io, Tangaroa, and Creation ..................... 349
XII Tane' and Rongo ................................ 403
XIII The Areoi Society and the Hula Dance ........... 432
XIV Religious Observances .......................... 452
Authorities .................................... 469
Glossary and Index ............................. 471
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