Nafanua
Samoan · deity · mythic · deity
Nafanua, the great war-goddess of Pulotu and of Falealupo on Savaiʻi — daughter of the eel-lord Saveasiʻuleo and of Tilafaiga (the tatau-twin), hidden at birth from her devouring father. She ascends with her four toa-wood war-clubs (Tafesilafaʻi, Faʻauliulitō, Ulimasao, Faʻamategataua) to free the oppressed, and prophesies to Malietoa Faʻiga 'Wait upon heaven for a crown for your kingdom.' Typed deity (child of two deities) despite the popular 'demigod' label. Documented by Krämer, Stair and Turner (secondary).
Parentage
Domains
- war and battle
- prophecy and oracular pronouncement
- sovereignty and the bestowal of titles
- healing and knowledge of plants
Powers
- Wield the four toa-wood war-clubs in battle, breaking the lines of the enemy
- Utter binding war-prophecies and confer or withhold the kingdom
- Lead and embolden armies, the patron war-power of the western districts
Relations
- father: Saveasiʻuleo
- mother: Tilafaiga