Hawaiian Historical Legends

"Hawaiian Historical Legends" by W. D. Westervelt is a collection of folklore and historical narratives centered on Hawaiian mythology, likely written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the rich tapestry of Hawaiian legends, recounting stories about demi-gods like Maui, as well as chiefs and significant figures from Hawaiian history, exploring their relationships and adventures that shaped these islands' past. The opening of "Hawaiian Historical Legends" introduces readers to the demi-god Maui, a significant figure in Polynesian legends known for his supernatural abilities and heroic deeds. It describes his mischievous nature, his family dynamics, and the mythology surrounding his adventures, such as raising the sky and fishing up islands from the ocean. The text emphasizes Maui's dual nature, both human and divine, as it portrays him engaging in trials that reflect the values and cultural beliefs of ancient Hawaiians, setting the tone for the legends that will unfold throughout the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Drake Westervelt was the author of several books and magazines on Hawaiian history and legends. He drew upon the collections of David Malo, Samuel Kamakau, and Abraham Fornander to popularize Hawaiian folklore in his Legends of Maui (1910), Legends of Old Honolulu (1915), Legends of Gods and Ghost-Gods (1915), Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes (1916) and Hawaiian Historical Legends (1923).