Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Mahu-ike

In Polynesian mythology, Mahu-ike is a fire and earthquake goddess and wife of Auahi-Turoa. They had five children, named after the five fingers. They were (called collectively Manawa): Koiti ("little finger"), Konui ("thumb"), Koroa ("index finger"), Manawa ("ring finger"), Mapere ("middle finger").

Occasionally, Mahu-Ike is male. She kept the fires burning in the underworld and gave fire to Maui.

To the Maori, she is a cannibalistic monster and the mother of all the clans.