Fiji Mythology Reflects Unique Culture

Fiji’s Mythology Reflects Unique Culture and Location The Fiji islands were discovered in 1643 by a Dutch explorer named Abel Tasman. The island cluster was once known, as Viti are now rich with history, and culture. Fiji Island’s unique terrain, climate, origin, culture, religious beliefs, and history have all attributed to the folklores that are known today. The Fiji islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean. The 332 island and 500 islets were formed more than 150 million years ago through volcanic activity. The two largest islands are Vitu Levu and Vanua Levu. These two islands combined make up more than 87% of Fiji’s landmass. Fiji also has unique sand dunes called the, Sigatoka Sand Dunes. The sand dunes are located on Viu Levu
The snake god is known as the God of Earthquakes, storms, and the seasons. It is believed that Degei judges the dead as they pass through “the doorway to the underworld.” (Myths and Legends of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, 2015) Some people are granted into Fijian paradise while others are thrown into the water where they sink to the bottom and are rewarded or punished. It is also believed that the Snake God once killed all inhabitants. According to the article, Myths and legends of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, “Degei was once angered by the villagers and sent a huge tidal wave that hit the beach and buried the village in sand, killing all its inhabitants.” This myth is reflects the geography of the Fiji islands. The author does note that the people do not necessarily believe all of the legends but they are a huge part of Fijian
In the book Folk Tale and Fables of the American and the Pacific, Barbra Hayes and Robert Ingpen, tell the story of the Giant Turtle. The folktale is believed to explain how Tongo people migrated to Fiji. The story begins with a fisherman named Lekabai from Somoa. The fisherman was saved from drowning in the ocean. He climbed to the top of a rock in order to speak to the Sky King. The Sky King gave him another chance and sent him back to land on a giant sea turtle. The Sky King sent the young man back with one condition; he was not to open his eyes. Although animals tempted Lekabai, he followed the Sky King instructions. When Lekabai returned to land he was given a feast to celebrate his second chance. During the feast the fisherman killed the giant turtle. Lekabai told the fisherman that the Sky King would punish them for killing the turtle. The fisherman decided to bury the turtle in a deep hole filled with coconuts and a mat made of coconut leaves. The Sky King sent a bird to land to see what was happening. The bird went to a boy named Lavai-pani to tell the story to Tongo villagers. After some disbelief the men dug up the turtle shell. They brought the thirteen turtle shells to their King and decided to set sail to find new land. They arrived in Kadavu, which was one of Fiji’s islands. The king of the island gave the men land to live on and start a life. It is believed that they are the first Tongo people that settled