Māori creation mythology

In the earliest moments of creation existed Io Matua Kore, the parentless one — the supreme, divine being who contained all potential. From Io flowed the essence that gave rise to all realms of existence, including Te Kore (the void) and Te Pō (the night, or Hawaiki).

From the night, Io brought into being the first atua, Rangi Awatea and Papatūānuku — the male and female principles from which all things would descend.

Rangiawatea was the atua of space and light (wātea and awatea). He formed the first heaven upon the foundations laid by Io Matua Kore.

After completing the heavens, Rangiawatea perceived the spirit of Papatūānuku and descended to dwell with her. From their union came the atua: Tāne, Tangaroa, Rongo-mā-Tāne, Tūmatauenga, Haumia-tiketike, Ruaumoko, and Tāwhirimātea.

Yet Ranginui did not complete his work in the heavens. Instead, he clung tightly to Papatūānuku. Their children lived between them in Te Pō, a state of perpetual darkness.

Disturbed by the unending night, Tāne — whose spirit had been stirred by Io Matua Kore and who was the strongest among his siblings — urged his brothers to separate their parents and bring light into the world.

All agreed, except for Tāwhirimātea, the atua of winds and storms, who opposed the separation.

Tāne planted his feet firmly against Papatūānuku and pressed his shoulders against Ranginui. With immense strength, he pushed them apart, forcing Rangi upward into the heavens.

Into the space between them poured light — Te Ao Mārama, the world of light.

With the new world formed, the children of Rangi and Papa assumed guardianship over its domains, according to their natural strengths.

• Tangaroa became atua of the sea
• Rongo became atua of peace, gardens and cultivated food
• Ruaumoko remained within Papatūānuku, shaping earthquakes and volcanic forces
• Tāwhirimātea took charge of the winds and weather
• Tūmatauenga became atua of war and humanity
• Tāne was given guardianship of the forests and birds