There are notable similarities between Greek mythology and Māori mythology. Both traditions use powerful narratives to explain the origins of the world, the role of the gods, morality, death, and humanity’s relationship with destiny.

An Overthrow

In Greek mythology, the Titans ruled the world before the Olympian gods. The Olympians grew weary of the Titans’ dominance and tyranny. Zeus, the son of the Titan Cronus, led the Olympians in overthrowing the Titans and imprisoning them.

In Māori mythology, the world began in darkness, as Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) clung tightly together. Their children lived in darkness between them. Tāne decided to separate his parents, pushing them apart and allowing light to enter the world, creating te ao mārama — the world of light.

The Role of the Gods

In both mythologies, gods preside over specific domains of existence and often come into conflict when their interests collide.

In Māori mythology, the world is governed by atua brothers: Tū (war), Rongo (peace and cultivated food), Haumia (wild foods), Tāwhirimātea (wind), Tangaroa (ocean), and Tāne (forest).

Greek mythology similarly assigns domains to the Olympians: Zeus ruled the sky and earth, Poseidon the ocean, Hades the underworld, Aphrodite love, Athena wisdom and strategic war, Ares war, Hera marriage and family, Apollo the sun and arts, and Artemis the hunt.

Mythological stories in both traditions carry moral lessons. Greek gods frequently intervened in human affairs — Athena supported heroes who fought for just causes, such as Achilles and Jason. In Māori mythology, Māui is initially dismissed by his brothers, but ultimately proves his value through intelligence, ingenuity, and perseverance.

Death and the Underworld

Both mythologies describe an underworld governed by a deity of death. In Māori mythology, the underworld is called Rarohenga and is ruled by Hine-nui-i-te-pō. Unlike Western depictions, Rarohenga is often described as a place of light.

In Greek mythology, Hades is both the god of the dead and the realm itself. Souls must cross the River Styx, a boundary from which there is no return.

Māori mythology does not feature a river, but instead an entry point to the underworld, guarded by Te Kuwatawata. In Greek mythology, the gatekeeper is Charon, the ferryman of the dead.

Both traditions include a fall that leads a deity to rule the underworld. Hine-nui-i-te-pō was once Hinetītama, the Dawn Maiden, who became the goddess of death after discovering Tāne was both her husband and father. In Greek mythology, Hades drew lots with Zeus and Poseidon and was assigned the underworld.

In both cultures, the deity of death is stern and uncompromising, yet fundamentally just.

Demigods and Human Will

Both mythologies feature a celebrated demigod who challenges the power of the gods and represents human potential.

In Greek mythology, Heracles (Hercules) completed twelve extraordinary labours, demonstrating strength, endurance and will.

In Māori mythology, Māui slowed the sun with ropes woven from harakeke and fished up Te Ika-a-Māui (the North Island).

These figures symbolise humanity’s ability to influence fate and shape destiny, even within worlds governed by powerful gods.