Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, fire, lightning, and wind, and she is one of the most prominent and revered deities in Polynesian mythology, specifically within the Hawaiian tradition. She is known as the creator of the Hawaiian Islands and the force behind their volcanic landscapes, and her dramatic personality and stories are central to Hawaiian culture and identity.
Who Is Pele in Hawaiian Mythology?
Pele, often called Pele-honua-mea (Pele of the sacred land) or Pele-ʻai-honua (Pele the eater of land), is a goddess whose domain is volcanic activity. She is a member of the Hawaiian pantheon, which shares roots with the broader Polynesian mythology of the Pacific, but her specific cult and stories are unique to Hawaiʻi. In the Hawaiian creation chant, the Kumulipo, she is not explicitly named, but her presence is felt in the volcanic forces that shape the islands. Her name is synonymous with the volcano itself, and many Hawaiians consider her a living presence in the volcanic eruptions of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Origins and Family of Pele
Pele’s origins are detailed in various oral traditions, and while details vary, a common narrative places her birth in a place called Kahiki (often identified with Tahiti or a mythical homeland). She is the daughter of Haumea (or sometimes Hina) and Kane-hoalani, though some chants name her father as Moemoe. Her siblings include the powerful goddesses Hiʻiaka (the patron of hula and Pele’s favorite sister) and Nāmaka (the sea goddess, who is often her adversary), as well as several brothers, including Kamohoaliʻi (the shark god) and Kāne-milo-hai. The most widely told story recounts that Pele was exiled from her homeland because of her fiery temper, particularly after an affair with her sister Nāmaka’s husband. She traveled in a canoe with her family, moving from island to island in the Pacific, and finally settled in Hawaiʻi, where she found a home in the volcanic craters of Kīlauea.
Pele’s Role and Powers
Pele is not merely a destroyer; she is a creator and a transformative force. Her volcanic eruptions destroy old land but also create new land, expanding the Hawaiian Islands. This dual nature makes her a complex figure: she is both a fierce, unpredictable force and a nurturing, generative one. She is believed to control the lava, and her moods are reflected in the behavior of the volcanoes. She also has power over fire, lightning, and wind, and she is associated with the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree and the red lehua blossom, which are sacred to her. Her powers are often invoked in chants, and she is known to appear in various forms, including as an old woman, a beautiful young girl, or a white dog.
Myths and Legends of Pele
Pele features in numerous myths, many of which explain natural phenomena or teach moral lessons. One of the most famous stories is her rivalry with her sister Nāmaka, the sea goddess. In this myth, Pele’s attempt to settle on the island of Kauaʻi leads to a battle with Nāmaka, who destroys Pele’s body. Pele’s spirit survives and retreats to the island of Hawaiʻi, where she digs her final home in the crater of Kīlauea. Another well-known legend is the story of Pele and the pig god Kamapuaʻa, a shapeshifter who is both her lover and her rival. Their union and conflict represent the interplay of fire and rain, and their battles are said to have shaped parts of the landscape. The story of Pele and Hiʻiaka is also central, as it tells of Pele’s jealousy and the trials she imposes on her sister, ultimately leading to Hiʻiaka’s transformation and the establishment of the hula tradition.
Pele in the Wider Polynesian Context
While Pele is uniquely Hawaiian, she belongs to a larger Polynesian family of deities. In other Polynesian cultures, similar figures exist, such as Mahuea in Māori mythology and Pere in Tahitian tradition, though their roles and stories differ. The Hawaiian Pele is often considered a later development, with her worship and mythology evolving in the Hawaiian Islands over centuries. Unlike some Polynesian deities who are shared across the region, Pele is specifically tied to the volcanic geology of Hawaiʻi, and her mythology reflects the real dangers and wonders of living on active volcanoes. This local adaptation makes her a distinctive figure within the broader Polynesian pantheon.
Worship, Rituals, and Modern Practice
Traditionally, Pele was honored through prayers, offerings, and rituals conducted at volcanic sites. Offerings included ʻawa (kava), berries, fish, and red fish, and people would throw these into the crater or lava flow to appease her. Hula, which is dedicated to Pele and her sister Hiʻiaka, was performed to honor her, and many chants (mele) and dances tell her stories. Today, many Hawaiians and visitors still show respect to Pele by leaving offerings (such as flowers, fruit, or a small stone) at the rim of Kīlauea’s crater, though the National Park Service discourages this to protect the fragile environment. It is also considered bad luck to take rocks or sand from the volcano, as it is believed to bring Pele’s curse upon the taker. This belief is so widespread that the park service regularly receives packages of returned rocks from people who claim to have experienced misfortune.
Common Misconceptions About Pele
A common misconception is that Pele is a purely destructive or evil goddess. In reality, she is a creator as much as a destroyer, and her actions are not malicious but part of the natural cycle of creation and renewal. Another misconception is that Pele is a universal Polynesian goddess, when in fact she is specifically Hawaiian. While related fire deities exist elsewhere in Polynesia, they are distinct and have different myths. Additionally, some people mistakenly believe that Pele is a fictional character invented by early Hawaiians to explain volcanoes. While she does explain natural phenomena, she is a real and living deity for many contemporary Hawaiians, and her worship is a vibrant part of Hawaiian culture today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pele the goddess of all volcanoes?
In Hawaiian mythology, Pele is specifically the goddess of volcanoes, fire, and lightning, and she is associated with the volcanic activity on the island of Hawaiʻi, particularly Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. She is not typically described as ruling volcanoes in other parts of the world, as her domain is tied to the Hawaiian Islands.
What happens if you take a rock from Hawaii?
According to Hawaiian belief, taking a rock or sand from the islands, especially from a volcanic area, is said to bring Pele’s curse upon the taker. Many people report experiencing bad luck after taking such items, and the National Park Service frequently receives packages of returned rocks from people who believe they have been cursed.
Who is Pele’s husband?
Pele does not have a single, fixed husband in Hawaiian mythology. She is often depicted as having lovers, most notably the pig god Kamapuaʻa, but she is not consistently married. Her relationships are complex and often end in conflict, reflecting her fiery and independent nature.
Is Pele still worshipped today?
Yes, Pele is still worshipped and respected by many Hawaiians today. Her presence is honored through hula, chants, and offerings at volcanic sites. Many people, both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, continue to show reverence for her, and her stories remain an important part of Hawaiian cultural identity.
What does Pele look like?
Pele is a shapeshifter and can appear in many forms. She is often described as a beautiful young woman with long black hair, but she can also appear as an old woman, a white dog, or a column of fire. Her appearance often changes depending on the story and her mood.
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