TAWHAKI

[Polynesian] The Polynesian (Maori) god of thunder and lightning, and also of good health. He became an expert at building fine houses and plaiting decorated floor mats. He is a son of Hema, and is the father of Matuku. His wife is Hine Piripiri. One day he received from his grandmother Waitiri a vine which grew up to heaven. Tawhiki climbed up it and first met his ancestors, one after another. He met Maru the war-god who taught him weaponry and the art of chanting spells to paralyze his enemies. Finally, he reached Nga-Atua, the sixth heaven, where his former lover Tangotango lived with their daughter Arahuta. She embraced him and they lived happily ever after.