The legend of Pele, goddess of fire
A famous Hawaiian legend is that of Pele, the goddess of fire, volcanoes, dance, and creation. Pele is one of the main Hawaiian deities and is often associated with the Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii.
The legend tells the story of Pele and her many divine siblings, all of whom are elements of nature such as oceans, mountains, and winds. In this legend, Pele is forced to leave her celestial home after a conflict with her sister, the water goddess Namakaokahai. After a long journey across the Hawaiian Islands, Pele finds refuge in the crater of Kilauea Volcano, where she settles and lights a fire.
However, the rivalry between Pele and Namakaokahai never ends, and the latter often sends floods of water to extinguish Pele's fire. This triggers volcanic eruptions, creating new land while destroying existing ones. This struggle between the elements of fire and water is central to many Hawaiian legends and is still cited to explain the island's geological phenomena.
The legend of Pele is very important in Hawaiian culture, and she is often honored and respected through songs, dances, and rituals. Today, Kilauea Volcano is still active, and many Hawaiians continue to believe it is the home of Pele, the powerful goddess of fire.