ATONGA

[Polynesian] A culture hero, half human and half spirit, from Samoan myth who invented the canoe-building and the songs for the rowers. In one night, he built a miraculous canoe. The next morning he summoned the birds from heaven to carry it to the beach of Upolu where chief Alutanga Nuku was awaiting it impatiently. Atonga also taught the birds the song he wanted him to sing.