Chapters 17 and 18 Summary and Analysis

Ta-aroa lived alone in an egg-shaped shell that revolved in the dark and empty space for ages. Finally, Ta-aroa broke out of the egg and, not wanting to be alone, he made the god, Tu who became his companion and helper in the creation of the other gods, the universe and all the lands and creatures. Man was their last creation. The first man was called Ti-i who was made out of earth. Ti-i's wife, Hina, was created as half-mortal and half goddess. Hina was good and had a face in both the front and back of her head.

Ti-i was cruel and sent out a white heron to cast a spell over the entire earth. Soon there was unease and the gods started warring with one another. To punish them, Ta-aroa and Tu cursed the stars and they...