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Hawaiian Legend: Pele and Her Temper

Madam Pele

Probably one of the most well known deities of the Hawaiian religion, Pele was famous for her fiery wrath, short temper, extreme sense of passion, volatility to the point of self destructive, and capricious nature. Hawaiian legends depict her as a strong woman but very reactive to jealousy and arrogance; someone who commanded respect then and still demands it today.

To many Hawaiians, respect and worship of Pele has lasted longer than many of the other Hawaiian gods because she is still a visibly active power. Calling the craters of the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano home, she has been sending ribbons of fiery lava down the mountainside and adding new land around the southeastern shore almost continuously since 1983.

Even more so, locals in the state believe she manifests herself into a spirit that frequently travels across the state; slowly stories have emerged of visits from Madam Pele. She is often depicted as a wandering soul, sightings of Pele have been reported for 100s of years all over the island chain. Her visits to mortals have come somewhat of an urban legend you tell over the campfire, but trust me, her sightings and tests are real. I wouldn’t say I strongly believe in ghosts or spirits, but on a few occasions I have been convinced of her powers.

It’s said that Pele frequently appears as either a young, beautiful woman or as an old, frail elder. When she does appear, she likes to test people’s morality to see if they shall be spared or punished. A commonly told story is of Pele appearing in the night as an old beggar woman, knocking at a door step. She will ask for water or tea and depending if help is given, people who do help will receive good news and the people who deny her will be burdened with a heavy heart.

I once heard a story of Pele punishing people for not embodying the aloha spirit. One day, Pele visited a village near her home on Kilauea. The first home she decided to test was a large home stocked with ample banana trees, coconut palms, and a lush garden filled with taro. When Pele peered into the home, she saw a family enjoying a huge meal supplied by their bountiful garden. Pele approached the home and greeted them with a warm aloha (hello) and asked if they would be kind enough to offer food or water. On multiple occasions she was denied anything from the table, after given many opportunities to show aloha, Pele was on her way.

Pele then continued on and came across a humble home. Upon looking in, she saw a family enjoying the spoils of their garden. Pele again greeted them with aloha and again asked if they had anything to eat. The family welcomed her in immediately and fed her until they themselves were out of anything to offer. The family’s show of kindness to Pele would not be forgotten.

Within the week, a lava flow headed straight for the village destined to take with it whatever was in it’s way. The family’s home who denied Pele was gone, nothing left but what little that could withstand the lava. The family’s home who help Pele was spared. It’s said that the lava actually split into two flows diverting itself around the home, and then connected again once it flowed passed the home. Urban legend or not, spreading aloha is something we should all take upon us!

Contact a Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Specialist

5074123

Maui’s Mount Haleakala

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

Aloha,

Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532
Anthony@DanoSayles.com

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