Maori Mythology

The Gods and Spirits of New Zealand

TAWHIRIMATEA

Maori Storm God

Also known as Tawhiri, Tawhiri-Ma-Tea, Tāwhiri-Matea, Tāwhirimātea

Picture of the Maori Storm God Tawhirimatea from our Maori mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Rather moody Wind and Storm God

One of the sons of inseparable couple Rangi and Papa, he was very upset when his brothers forced them apart.

as a highly emotional and stormy deity, Tawhirimatea took this cosmic divorce very badly and waged war upon his brothers for revenge.

He even roped his thirteen cloud children, the Ao into his campaign of anti-sibling violence. These Storm Wars caused devastation and upset – particularly for the poor mortals who bore the brunt of it. Most of his brothers ran away and hid, but War God Tu fought back fiercely.

Unable to prevail against his brother, Tawhirimatea eventually went to live with his father Rangi in the sky. We think he may have calmed down a little bit since then.

Tawhirimatea Facts and Figures

Name: Tawhirimatea
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Tawhiri, Tawhiri-Ma-Tea, Tāwhiri-Matea, Tāwhirimātea

Gender: Male
Type: God
Area or people: Maori people of Polynesia
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Storms
Area of expertise: Storms

Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 9082

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Article last revised on April 30, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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