Mythology · 2

In Polynesian mythology, why did the trickster demigod Maui slow the sun's passage across the sky?

Answer

So his mother would have enough daylight to finish her chores

Maui's mother complained that the days passed too quickly for her to complete tasks like drying tapa cloth, so Maui snared the sun to lengthen the daylight hours.

💡 Did you know?

Maui, Polynesian trickster demigod, allegedly slowed the sun by lassoing it with his sisters' hair, making days longer so his mother could finish her chores.

Other options people guess

  • So fishermen could catch more fish before dark
  • So farmers could harvest crops before nightfall
  • So he could finish building his canoe before sunset

Topics

  • polynesian-mythology
  • trickster-gods
  • maui
  • folklore

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