Maori atua (deity) of the underworld; husband of Taranga; father of Māui-tikitiki-a-Taranga. Performs the baptismal tohi incantations over the newborn Māui after his return from the sea, but rushes through the ritual and forgets parts — an ill omen that condemns Māui (and through him all humanity) to mortality. Later predicts Māui's eventual failure against Hine-nui-te-pō: "My son, I know that you are a brave fellow and that you have done all things. Yet I am afraid that there is someone who will defeat you" (Tregear 1891). Identifies Hine-nui-te-pō as visible in the red flashes of sunset.