Irawaru
In Māori mythology, Irawaru is the origin of the dog. He is the husband of Hinauri, the sister of Māui. Māui becomes annoyed with Irawaru and stretches out his limbs, turning him into a dog. When Hinauri asks Māui if he has seen her husband, Māui tells her to call "Moi! Moi!" whereupon the poor dog runs up to Hinauri. Learning the truth, she throws herself to Tangaroa (the ocean) never to be seen again. (Tregear 1891:107).
Versions differ as to the cause of Māui's annoyance with his brother-in-law. In some, he is jealous of Irawaru's success at fishing; in others, he is angry at Irawaru's refusal to give him a cloak, or disgusted at Irawaru's greedy nature.
In other Nga Puhi Nui Tonu mythology, Three Dogs where brought to Aotearoa by Kupe. These spirits where known as Kēhua or guardians brought over from Hawaki Pamamou. During the arrival to Aotearoa they where sent to Cape Reinga with a few men to guard the escape of there souls. The Hapu later was named Ngati Kuri. Their job was to guard the spirits through to the after life. In traditional Māori society, the relationship of Te kuri where given the best cuts of meat and where highly regardless as sacred. The fur of Te Kuri was highly regarded for cloaks reserved for the Rangatira chiefs. The story accounts for the characteristics of dogs: they warn of danger or night raids, they respond to commands, and are loyal companions that would ward of evil spirits. (Tremewan 2002:95-96).
See also
References
- E.R. Tregear, Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary (Lyon and Blair: Lambton Quay, 1891).
- C. Tremewan, Traditional Stories from Southern New Zealand: He Kōrero nō Te Wai Pounamu (Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies: Christchurch), 2002.