storytelling

The turtle and the shark

Norma TikaLeave a comment

As with any often retold story, there are several versions of the legend of the turtle and the shark. I am repeating to you what I remember my grandpa telling me nearly 50 years ago.

Many years ago, in the village of Vaitogi, there lived a woman and her daughter. They had lived in the village for a long time. They were both of good character and lived exemplary lives.

One night, the entire village caught fire and was destroyed. The woman and her daughter found themselves trapped at the edge of the cliff as the fire burned out of control. In fear of their lives, they leapt into the ocean to escape the flames. As they entered the water, they were magically changed into a turtle and a shark. It is said that the woman and her daughter had been saved by their goodness.

It’s believed that they continue to live on in the ocean waters of Vaitogi and can be summoned from the sea with a special song.

October 2010 – Hawksbill turtle, Malua Turtle pool

the flying foxes

Norma TikaLeave a comment

In the falling dusk, hunters from my Faleula family travelled inland seeking the pe’a (flying fox).

In no time at all, a tall tree full of these upside down creatures came into view. Rifle sounds pierced the quiet evening, causing the flying foxes to surge up into the darkening sky. They were fleeing in all directions. It was a sight I will never forget. I was struck by the shapes and patterns they made in the sky. I looked on – thinking of the legend that Grandpa had told me about Nafanua, the Goddess of War, who was rescued by flying foxes, when she was stranded on a hostile island.

The hunters had caught five flying foxes. These were prepared in a umu (traditional above ground oven of hot volcanic stones) by aunties and cousins to honour us as guests visiting from New Zealand in 1972.

I didn’t eat it. I cried.

Storyteller & healer

Norma TikaLeave a comment

I have so many fond memories of my grandpa Maiava Fa’avae from Faleula, Samoa. During my childhood years, he filled my imagination with so many myths and legends from ancient Samoa. My eyes often wide as saucers when he’d whisper fervently about the supernatural. I could never get enough of listening to the stories told over and over.

Maiava was also a notable Samoan healer. At times, he would talk of Samoan Fofo (traditional massage), herbal remedies, and the treatment of illnesses that were either physical or supernatural in origin. Sadly I was too young and impatient. I didn’t listen carefully and much of that knowledge is now lost.