Treated with reverence in Māori legends, Tāne Mahuta is the Māori guardian of the forest and symbolises the vital connection between nature and humanity. Tāne's actions were monumental in shaping the world as we know it.
He initiated the separation between earth and sky, birthing our existence. Tāne, lying on his back, which was firmly rooted upon Papatūānuku (the land), with his outstretched arms and legs Tane mustered all of his strength. Finally, as his hands and feet branched out towards Ranginui (the sky, he split his parents apart - breaking their embrace of him.
He also graced the heavens with celestial beauty. After establishing his Mana (authority) within the Whānau (Family), Tāne ornamented the sky with Te Rā (the sun), Te Marama (the moon), and Ngā Whetū (the stars) - symbolizing his creative prowess.
Some legends have it that Tāne also crafted mankind, for instance, the first woman of the earth, Hine-ahu-one (the Earth-Formed Maiden).
Moreover, Tāne bestowed upon humanity the invaluable gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. When we deeply value our relationship with the forest, it not only provides us with the food, shelter, and tools needed to survive but also imparts us with taonga (cultural item) like perseverance in the face of adversity, and a sense of community.
Tāne as a Model
When we think of role models, different actors, athletes, and leaders often come to mind. However, in the context of Māori culture, Tāne is a figure who stands out as a powerful and significant role model. Let's explore why Tāne is revered as a model worth following:
Quest for Knowledge - An admirable trait of Tāne is his insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding - embarking on a daring quest to retrieve the kete wānanga (baskets of knowledge), from the heavens demonstrating his commitment to seeking wisdom and enlightenment.
"Tāne's pursuit of knowledge inspires us to never stop learning and growing, to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and discovery."
His relentless quest serves as a reminder that the journey of acquiring knowledge is a lifelong endeavour filled with challenges and rewards.
Connection with Nature - Tāne's deep connection with nature is one of the key aspects that make him compelling. Harmony and balance between humans and the natural world are important in the Māori tradition. Reverence for nature serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the environment that sustains us.
Tāne's actions highlight the value of living in harmony with nature, fostering a sense of guardianship and stewardship for the land. His role as the creator of forests emphasises the significance of harmony and interconnectedness of all living beings.
Family and Community Values - As a pivotal figure in Māori culture, Tāne embodies important family and community values that are deeply rooted. His role in separating his parents, Ranginui and Papatūānuku, to bring light and space into the world reflects the themes of sacrifice, love, and familial duty.
Tāne's actions underscore the importance of caring for and nourishing relationships with family and community members. His sense of responsibility towards bringing the light of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to all of mankind, serves as a model for honouring community ties over family obligations.
Empowerment and Transformation - One of the most powerful aspects of Tāne's story is his transformative journey. Through his actions and deeds, Tāne demonstrates the capacity for personal growth, empowerment, and self-realization - the power to shape the world.
Tāne's evolution is a powerful reminder that individuals can transform their lives through perseverance, self-discovery, and courage. By embodying these qualities and characteristics, Tāne emerges as a model figure worth emulating—a beacon of wisdom, connection, and empowerment.
The Names of Tāne
Tāne Mahuta embodies qualities of leadership, guidance, perseverance, and enlightenment. His role in the separation of his parents, the Earth and the Sky, showcases his determination to bring light and life into the world.
Tāne is sometimes given different names to reflect his different roles. He is called Tāne-mahuta as the guardian of the forest, Tāne-te-wānanga as the bringer of knowledge, and Tānenui-a-rangi as bringer of higher consciousness.
Be upright like Tāne-ua-tika (Tāne with a straight backbone). Bear the weight of an issue like Tāne-uehā (Tāne supporting the heavens). Bring higher thought and consciousness like Tānenui-a-rangi and Tāne-te-wānanga (Tāne as the bringer of knowledge).
Praying to Tāne plants seeds in the mind of one day possessing those traits. These characteristics are nurtured with care and strengthened through adversity, until one day they’ve been embodied - you’ve become atua of the forest. And because the Heavens and the Earth are separated by the forest in order to allow light to shine upon the low (i.e wriggly insects), the high (i.e. birds) and everything in between (i.e. humans), You become Tāne - a guardian, a protector, a beacon to all beings between Papa and Rangi.
In conclusion
Tāne Mahuta stands as a revered figure in Māori culture, embodying essential virtues and teachings that resonate deeply with humanity. From his pivotal role in shaping the world and bestowing invaluable gifts upon humanity to his status as a model of empowerment, connection with nature, and familial duty, Tāne Mahuta represents a beacon of wisdom and guidance for all.
His various names reflect different aspects of his character, emphasizing qualities such as leadership, perseverance, and enlightenment. As we reflect on Māori traditions and the enduring legacy of Tāne Mahuta, we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness between humanity, nature, and the divine.
Through Tāne's transformative journey, we find inspiration to embrace our potential for growth, empowerment, and stewardship of the world around us. Thus, Tāne Mahuta's legacy continues to shine brightly as a guardian, protector, and symbol of hope for generations to come.