Author(s): Todd Purchase (Tonto)

Pūrākau: Māori Myths & Legends

A Māori mythology of the beginning of time
This is the story of two parents, Ranginui and Papatūānuku commonly known to us as Rangi and Papa.
In the beginning, Rangi (sky father) and Papa (earth mother) lay hugging each other in a warm-hearted embrace.
They had six sons who they loved dearly and doted on. But the children, living in the dark within the bond of their parents, wanted more space and light.
They did not like living between the tight clasp of their parents.