Tilalofonua

In Niuean mythology, Tilalofonua is a flying rat and one of the gods of the island.[1]

Tilalofonua cited in the book History and Traditions of Niue as "god of the kuma",[2] the kuma being the rat and bird of the heavens. According to myth, Tilalofonua was said to have begged Halevao (peka/flying fox) for some wings, but to no avail. Tilalofonua prayed for a long time and was eventually granted them by Halevao after demonstrating his love. Halevao said "Come then. That I may give you my wings that you may have a short trial of them".[3]

References
  1. Craig, Robert D. (1 January 1989). Dictionary of Polynesian Mythology. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 282. ISBN 978-0-313-25890-9.
  2. Loeb, Edwin Meyer (1926). History and Traditions of Niue. The Museum. p. 163.
  3. Smith, S (1993). Niue The Island And Its People. editorips@usp.ac.fj. p. 103. GGKEY:1ZG5T864FZB.


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