Haumea (mythology)

Haumea is a very important goddess in Hawaiian mythology. She is known as the goddess of fertility and childbirth, which means she helps people have babies and supports families. Haumea is also the mother of many other important gods and goddesses, like Pele, who is the goddess of volcanoes, and Hiʻiaka, who is known for her love of hula and nature.

Because she plays such a big role in Hawaiian stories, Haumea is one of the most respected and worshipped gods in the Hawaiian islands. Her stories and traditions have been passed down for many generations and are part of the rich culture of Hawaii. Even though she faced challenges, like being killed by Kaulu, her legacy continues to be celebrated today.

Mythology

Haumea, a goddess in Hawaiian stories, used a magic stick called the Mākālei to change from an old woman to a young girl. She would return home often to marry one of her own children, which helped create many new generations of people.

She is also known for teaching humans how to have babies in a natural way. In one story, she helped a woman named Muleiula, who was having a very painful time giving birth. Haumea made a special drink from the Kani-ka-wī tree (Spondias dulcis), which let mothers push out their babies without cutting them open.

Relationships

Haumea is the sister of the gods Kāne and Kanaloa, and sometimes also the wife of Kanaloa. Some stories say she is the same as Papahānaumoku, the goddess of the Earth, who is married to the sky god Wākea.

Offspring

With Kanaloa, Haumea had many children, including the war god Kekaua-kahi and the volcano goddess Pele. Pele’s brothers and sisters were also her children. Most of these children were born in special ways, not the usual way. For example, some were born from different parts of Haumea’s body. From her head, Laumiha, Kahaʻula, Kahakauakoko, and Kauakahi were born.

Kumulipo

According to the Kumulipo, a Hawaiian chant about creation, Haumea had children and grandchildren. The chant lists Laumiha, Kahaʻula, and Kahakauakoko as children by Mulinaha, and Kauakahi as a child by Kanaloa. Her grandchildren include Kauahulihonua, Haloa, Waia, Hinanalo, Nanakahili, Wailoa, and Kiʻo, who was the last to be born.

Death

In Hawaiian stories, Haumea was sadly killed by a person named Kaulu. Even though she passed away, her legacy lives on because she is remembered as an important mother figure in many tales.

Legacy

Main article: Haumea (dwarf planet)

On September 17, 2008, a group of scientists gave a special name to a faraway object in space. They called it Haumea, after the goddess of fertility and childbirth in Hawaiian stories. This object is one of the biggest round objects that orbit the Sun but are not planets. It has two small moons, named after Haumea's daughters: Hiʻiaka, the goddess born from Haumea's mouth, and Namaka, the water spirit born from Haumea's body.