Maker of the World

Cognate with Polynesian Tangaroa but a distinct Melanesian creator-trickster; recorded directly by Codrington (1891) and in later Vanuatu kastom collections. Treated as a deity (creator). Brother variously Suqe-matua / Mwerambuto / Meragbuto.

Domains

• creation
• custom and order

Powers

• shapes the islands, plants, animals and people aright
• Shape the islands, plants, animals and people aright

Epithets

• Tagaro

Relations

• sibling: The Foolish Brother
• rival: The Foolish Brother

Sources

• Codrington, R.H. The Melanesians: Studies in their Anthropology and Folklore (1891)