438: Maui: Whatever Happened to the Man Who Snared the Sun?
Summary
This episode explores Polynesian folklore, focusing on Maui’s final quest to conquer death by entering the goddess Hine-nui-te-pō. Various travelers gather to recount his feats, including raising the sky and his fatal attempt at immortality, which fails when a laughing bird’s laughter causes his demise. The story highlights his transformation into a worm to pass through the goddess, only to be killed by her obsidian teeth. The episode concludes with reflections on mortality and Maui’s legacy as a trickster who gave humans fire and time.
Topics discussed
Introduction and disclaimer about adult content
Maui raises the sky to help humans
Maui curses the detractor and the gathering of travelers
Stories of Maui's other feats: the sun and birds
Sponsor segments: Mint Mobile and Home Chef
The nature of death and Maui's final journey
Maui's prophecy and preparation to defeat death
Sponsor segments: Progressive and Samsung Galaxy
Maui enters the body of Hine-nui-te-pō
Maui's death and the consequences for humanity
The aftermath and Maui's legacy in folklore
Reflections on storytelling and book promotion
Creatures of the Week: The Kihau
Credits and final sponsor segments
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