The place of the shark in our Polynesian culture
3 key points
1. Respect and adoration: The shark is not feared but revered, often considered an ancestor or a god.
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2. Link with the sea and navigation: Protector of fishermen and guide of souls to the afterlife.
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3. Powerful symbolism: Strength, courage, perseverance, wisdom and spiritual connection.
Legend of Tuturu and the shark Tahana
Tuturu, a fisherman from Raiatea, is attacked one day by a ferocious shark, Tahana. The fight is intense, but Tuturu manages to kill the shark, not without losing a leg. But the story does not end there.
The next day, Tuturu fishes again, and is suddenly caught by an invisible force. He finds himself in an underwater cave, facing an immense creature: the god of sharks.
The god is furious at Tahana's death, and he demands that Tuturu offer his life as a sacrifice. But Tuturu is cunning. He suggests to the god to tell him stories every day, to entertain him.
The god accepts, and Tuturu tells stories so captivating that the god forgets his anger. As the days pass, Tuturu gains the trust of the god, who ends up granting him his life.
Tuturu returns to the surface, but he is transformed: he now has the skin and teeth of a shark. He becomes a half-man, half-shark being, capable of living both on land and in water.
Tuturu uses his new powers to protect the fishermen of Raiatea from shark attacks. It becomes a symbol of courage and wisdom, and its story is passed down from generation to generation.
Morality: This legend shows the deep connection between Polynesians and sharks. It highlights the respect and veneration that Polynesians have for these animals, considered powerful and spiritual beings.