The First Rock

Cosmogonic 'slain primordial being' of Kiribati myth (parallel to the world-from-body motif). Treated as deity; vitalStatus 'deceased' since he is dismembered to make the world.

Parentage

• Spider Creator

Children

• World-Heaving Octopus
• World-Maker
• Nei Marena
• Sky-Lifting Eel
• Te Ikawai the Eldest
• Te Nao the Wave

Domains

• foundation of the world
• creation

Powers

• gives up his body to become sun, moon, stars and islands
• his eyes, brains and bones become sun, moon, stars and land

Relations

• spouse: Nei Teukez the Primal Mother

Sources

• Grimble, Arthur. 'Myths from the Gilbert Islands' (Folklore, 1922)
• Grimble, Arthur. Tungaru Traditions (ed. H.E. Maude, 1989)