Maori folk-tales of the Port Hills, Canterbury, New Zealand

Name: Maori folk-tales of the Port Hills, Canterbury, New Zealand
Author: James Cowan

By James Cowan

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

The collection interweaves descriptive topography and geological explanation of the Port Hills with Māori poetic legends and local traditions gathered from Māori informants, notably a principal narrator from Rapaki. Chapters map place-names and walking routes, explain volcanic features such as dykes and crater-forms, and retell tales of Tamatea and his sacred fire, the patu-paiarehe fairylike beings, and other supernatural figures tied to particular crags, tracks, and villages. Illustrations and maps accompany the narrative, situating folklore within landscape, nomenclature, and communal memory.

About the Author

James Cowan

James Cowan was a New Zealand author and historian known for his works that explore the culture and history of the Māori people and the early European settlers in New Zealand. His notable works include "Daybreak: A Romance of an Old World," which reflects on themes of love and nostalgia, and "Maori Folk-Tales of the Port Hills, Canterbury, New Zealand," which collects traditional stories that highlight Māori heritage. Cowan's writing often blends narrative storytelling with historical accounts, providing insight into the complexities of life in New Zealand during the 19th century. His contributions have helped preserve the rich cultural narratives of the region.