Oceanic mythology

Oceanic mythology Traditional beliefs of the native inhabitants of Oceania. The mythological traditions are varied and complex. Among the Polynesians, there are various accounts of the creation of the world by the celestial deity Tangaroa (Ta'aroa). Maui, the most famous of the Polynesian mythic heroes, often thought of as half god and half human, is known for his cunning deeds. In Melanesian creation myths, the beginning of the world is seen as a movement that brings order out of chaos. In the daily life of the Melanesians there are a vast number of unseen forces – benevolent spirits, demons, ghosts, and the souls of the departed – to be dealt with by means of elaborate rituals. In Micronesian creation myths, female deities play a prominent part. Ancestor worship is also an important part of social life. In most Oceanic mythology, the concept of mana plays a fundamental role. Mana is seen as an impersonal, supernatural force that resides in a person, a natural object, or a place.