eBook - ePub

The Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant. Illustrated

Name: The Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant. Illustrated
Author: Martha Warren Beckwith

Martha Warren Beckwith,

English
ePUB (mobile friendly)
Available on iOS & Android

eBook - ePub

The Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant. Illustrated

Martha Warren Beckwith,

About this book

The Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant, translated and annotated by esteemed folklorist Martha Warren Beckwith, is a profound exploration of one of the most sacred and complex genealogical chants in Polynesian culture. First recorded in the 18th century and traditionally passed down orally, the Kumulipo serves not only as a cosmic creation story but also as a royal genealogy, linking the Hawaiian monarchy to the divine origins of the universe. Beckwith's translation, first published in 1951, remains a seminal work in Pacific anthropology and literature. She approaches the chant with both scholarly rigor and deep cultural respect, offering extensive notes and contextual analysis that illuminate its structure, meaning, and significance. The text begins with the birth of light from darkness and proceeds through 16 w? (sections), detailing the emergence of life—from primordial creatures to humans and finally to the noble lineages of Hawaii. Her commentary draws parallels with other Polynesian myths and global creation narratives, highlighting both the uniqueness and universality of Hawaiian cosmology. Beckwith also explores the linguistic richness of the chant, its poetic form, and its role in ritual, memory, and identity. This edition stands as both a literary and anthropological treasure, preserving a vital piece of Hawaiian heritage. It invites readers into a worldview where the spiritual and natural worlds are deeply interconnected. For anyone interested in mythology, oral tradition, or indigenous knowledge, The Kumulipo is an essential and unforgettable read.

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Yes, you can access The Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant. Illustrated by Martha Warren Beckwith in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Literature & Folklore & Mythic Literary Criticism. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.