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Hakawau, a MythSource painting
Polynesian

Hakawau

01Identity

Hakawau in Polynesian tradition

Hakawau is a traveller in George Grey's account who sets out with a companion to confront a dangerous wooden head kept at a fortified place by Puarata and Tautohito. He protects the two travellers from spirits on the approach, then enters the fortress despite its inhabitants' protests. After refusing food, they leave; the account says the people inside die.

SourcePolynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zealand Race (George Grey): The Magical Wooden Head. — (Ko Nga Puhi A Puarata Raua Ko Tautohito.) (EPUB text block 1)· Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zealand Race (George Grey): The Magical Wooden Head. — (Ko Nga Puhi A Puarata Raua Ko Tautohito.) (EPUB text block 5)· Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zealand Race (George Grey): The Magical Wooden Head. — (Ko Nga Puhi A Puarata Raua Ko Tautohito.) (EPUB text block 9)· Polynesian Mythology and Ancient Traditional History of the New Zealand Race (George Grey): The Magical Wooden Head. — (Ko Nga Puhi A Puarata Raua Ko Tautohito.) (EPUB text block 12)

Top questions

The quick answers

02The myths

The myths of Hakawau

1 myth, with sources recorded for each.

Hakawau and the Magical Wooden Head

Travellers fear a carved head kept by the sorcerer Puarata: when it cries out, people passing the fortress die. Hakawau hears of this danger and sets out with a companion. On the road, spirits connected with the head confront the pair. Hakawau's protections prevent them from being overcome, and the spirits retreat. Puarata calls on the head, but its powerful voice has been reduced to low sounds, so the people inside do not receive the warning they expect.

Hakawau tells his companion to take the ordinary path through the gateway while he climbs over the fortifications. The people within object, telling him to use the common entrance, but he continues into the fortress and approaches its sacred places. After the pair rest, food is offered. Hakawau declines it, saying they have eaten recently, and tells his companion they should leave. On the way out, Hakawau strikes the doorway sill of the lodging where the pair had rested. Grey's account says that before they are well beyond the fortress, every person inside is dead.

Hakawau and the Magical Wooden Head, a MythSource painting of the scene